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ironbirdbouquet · 1 month ago

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Makani Roofing: Your Trusted Professional Roofing Company in Omaha, NE

Makani Roofing is a professional roofing company serving Omaha, NE. With years of experience, they ensure quality and customer satisfaction.

Finding a trustworthy roofing company is essential for homeowners in Omaha, NE. Makani Roofing stands out with its commitment to excellence and professionalism. Their team of skilled experts handles various roofing needs, from installations to repairs. Customers appreciate their transparent communication and competitive pricing.

Whether you need a minor fix or a complete roof replacement, Makani Roofing has you covered. They use high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. With a focus on safety and efficiency, your roofing project will be in capable hands. Choose Makani Roofing for dependable service and outstanding results that enhance your home's value and aesthetic appeal.

Introduction To Makani Roofing

Professional Roofing Company In Omaha, NE

Makani Roofing stands out as a leading roofing company in Omaha, NE. Known for integrity and quality, this company delivers top-notch roofing solutions. Homeowners trust Makani Roofing for their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Makani Roofing's Mission

At Makani Roofing, the mission focuses on three core values:

Quality: Delivering durable and reliable roofing systems.

Integrity: Building trust through honest practices.

Customer Care: Prioritizing the needs of clients above all.

These values guide every project. Makani Roofing aims to enhance the safety and beauty of homes across Omaha.

Why Omaha Chooses Makani

Omaha residents prefer Makani Roofing for several reasons:

Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Omaha’s weather conditions.

Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates without sacrificing quality.

Timely Service: Prompt responses and quick project completions.

Skilled Team: Experienced professionals handle every job.

These factors contribute to Makani Roofing’s strong reputation in the community.

Our Roofing Services

At Makani Roofing, we offer a range of professional roofing services. Our team is dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction. We cater to both residential and commercial clients. Explore our specialized services below to find the perfect solution for your roofing needs.

Residential Roofing Solutions

Homeowners deserve the best protection for their roofs. Our residential roofing services include:

Roof Installation: High-quality materials for lasting durability.

Roof Repair: Quick fixes for leaks and damages.

Roof Maintenance: Regular inspections to prevent issues.

Shingle Replacement: Upgrade to improve aesthetics and function.

We use premium materials for every project. Our experts ensure your roof withstands harsh weather conditions. Trust us to keep your home safe and secure.

Commercial Roofing Expertise

Businesses need reliable roofing solutions. Our commercial services include:

Service

Description

Flat Roofing Systems

Durable options for commercial buildings.

Roof Coatings

Extend roof life and improve energy efficiency.

Emergency Repairs

Rapid response for unexpected issues.

New Construction

Custom roofing solutions for new projects.

Our team understands the unique needs of commercial roofing. We ensure minimal disruption to your business operations. Choose Makani Roofing for expert solutions that last.

Quality Materials And Techniques

Makani Roofing ensures your roof is strong and durable. We use the best materials and advanced techniques. Our commitment to quality makes us the top roofing company in Omaha, NE.

Top-grade Materials

At Makani Roofing, we prioritize using only the finest materials. Here are some key options:

Asphalt Shingles: Affordable and reliable for any home.

Metal Roofing: Long-lasting and energy-efficient.

Tile Roofing: Offers a unique look and durability.

Wood Shakes: A classic choice with natural beauty.

Choosing quality materials increases your roof's lifespan. We source our materials from trusted suppliers. This guarantees top-notch performance and safety.

Advanced Roofing Techniques

Our team uses innovative techniques for every project. This ensures a flawless finish and durability. Some techniques include:

Roof Inspections: Thorough checks before any work begins.

Seamless Installation: Reduces leaks and improves aesthetics.

Proper Ventilation: Extends roof life and energy efficiency.

Regular Maintenance: Keeps your roof in top condition.

These techniques help us deliver exceptional results. Your satisfaction is our priority. Trust Makani Roofing for all your roofing needs.

The Makani Roofing Difference

Makani Roofing stands out as a trusted name in Omaha, NE. The company focuses on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Clients receive exceptional service and top-notch roofing solutions.

Customer-centric Approach

At Makani Roofing, customers come first. The team listens to your needs and concerns. This ensures a tailored solution for every project.

Free roof inspections

Detailed project estimates

Open communication throughout the process

Every client enjoys a personalized experience. The team values your time and property. They work efficiently and respectfully.

Warranty And Assurance

Makani Roofing offers impressive warranties. This includes both material and labor guarantees. Clients can feel secure in their investment.

Makani Roofing commits to quality. Their warranties reflect this dedication. Clients receive peace of mind with every roofing project.

Our Roofing Process

At Makani Roofing, we prioritize a seamless and effective roofing process. Our team ensures each step is simple and transparent. Clients stay informed from start to finish.

Initial Consultation

Every roofing project begins with an initial consultation. This step is crucial for understanding your needs. Here’s what happens during this phase:

We assess your roof's condition.

Discuss your budget and timeline.

Provide a detailed project outline.

Our experts answer all your questions. We want you to feel confident in your choices. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

Efficient Installation

Once the consultation is complete, we move to the installation phase. Our experienced team follows a streamlined process:

Preparation of the site.

Removal of old roofing materials.

Installation of new roofing systems.

Thorough cleanup post-installation.

We use high-quality materials for durability. Our team works quickly while maintaining attention to detail. This ensures your roof lasts for years.

Step

Description

Site Preparation

Prepare the area for safe installation.

Material Removal

Remove old roofing safely and efficiently.

New Installation

Install high-quality roofing materials.

Cleanup

Ensure the site is clean and safe.

Trust Makani Roofing for your roofing needs. Our process guarantees quality and efficiency. Experience the difference with our dedicated team.

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mcgillbrothers1 · 7 months ago

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Building Waterproofing Contractors at McGill Brothers Inc: Your Go-To Experts in Omaha! 🏢💦

When it comes to maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of your building, nothing is more important than proper waterproofing. 💪 At McGill Brothers Inc (MBI), we specialize in providing top-notch waterproofing services that protect your investments from the damaging effects of water and moisture. With nearly three decades of experience, MBI is the name Omaha trusts for all its waterproofing needs. 🌟

Why Waterproofing is Essential 🌊🏠

Waterproofing is a critical aspect of building maintenance. It ensures that your property is protected against water intrusion, which can lead to severe damage such as mold growth, structural weaknesses, and even complete building failure. 🚫💧 Here’s why you should prioritize waterproofing:

Prevents Structural Damage: Water can cause concrete to crack and metal to corrode. Proper waterproofing safeguards your building’s structure. 🏢🔒

Enhances Longevity: Waterproofing extends the lifespan of your building by preventing water-related damage. ⏳🏠

Improves Indoor Air Quality: By preventing mold growth and dampness, waterproofing keeps the indoor environment healthy and safe. 🌿🏡

McGill Brothers Inc: Leading Waterproofing Contractors in Omaha 🏆🔨

MBI is a leader in the field of waterproofing, providing customized solutions tailored to each project’s specific needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

Expertise and Experience 🌟👷

With nearly 30 years in the business, our team has honed their skills and knowledge to provide top-tier waterproofing services. Whether it’s a commercial building or a residential property, we have the expertise to handle it all. 🏙️🏡

Comprehensive Services 🛠️🔍

Our waterproofing services cover a wide range of applications, including:

Basement Waterproofing: Protect your basement from leaks and flooding. 🏠💧

Foundation Waterproofing: Ensure your building’s foundation remains strong and dry. 🚧🔒

Roof Waterproofing: Prevent water from penetrating your roof, avoiding costly repairs. 🏠☔

Exterior Wall Waterproofing: Keep your walls dry and free from moisture damage. 🧱💦

Customized Solutions 🎯✨

We understand that every building is unique, and so are its waterproofing needs. That’s why we offer customized solutions that are specifically designed to meet your project’s requirements. We work closely with our clients to ensure the best results. 🤝🔧

Quality Materials and Techniques 🏗️🔝

At MBI, we use only the highest quality materials and the latest techniques to ensure effective and long-lasting waterproofing. Our commitment to excellence means you can trust us to deliver superior results. 🛠️🌟

Our Waterproofing Process: Ensuring Excellence Every Step of the Way 🚀🔬

At McGill Brothers Inc, we follow a meticulous process to ensure that our waterproofing services meet the highest standards. Here’s how we do it:

Initial Assessment 🧐🔍

We start with a thorough assessment of your building to identify any existing issues and potential problem areas. This helps us develop a comprehensive waterproofing plan tailored to your specific needs. 🏢📋

Customized Plan Development 📝🔧

Based on our assessment, we create a detailed plan that outlines the best waterproofing solutions for your building. This includes selecting the appropriate materials and techniques to ensure maximum protection. 🏗️🛠️

Implementation 🚧🏗️

Our skilled team then implements the waterproofing plan with precision and care. We use advanced equipment and proven methods to ensure effective and durable results. 🛠️💪

Quality Assurance ✔️🔍

After completing the waterproofing work, we conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that everything has been done to the highest standards. We don’t consider the job done until we’re confident that your building is fully protected. 🔎🔒

Ongoing Support 🤝📞

Our commitment to you doesn’t end when the project is completed. We offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that your building remains protected against water damage. 🌟🔧

Customer Testimonials: Hear from Our Satisfied Clients! 🗣️🌟

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our satisfied clients have to say about our waterproofing services:

John D. 🏢👷

“McGill Brothers Inc did an outstanding job waterproofing our office building. Their team was professional, efficient, and the results were fantastic. We haven’t had any issues with leaks since they completed the work. Highly recommend them!” 🌟💼

Sarah H. 🏠🔧

“We hired MBI to waterproof our basement, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. They were thorough in their assessment and provided a customized solution that worked perfectly. Our basement has stayed dry even during heavy rains. Thank you, MBI!” 💧👍

Michael R. 🏡💪

“MBI’s team is knowledgeable and professional. They provided excellent waterproofing services for our home’s foundation. We’ve noticed a significant improvement in the overall condition of our property since they completed the work. Great job!” 🏠🔒

#building waterproofing contractors #McGill Brothers Inc

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the-firebird69 · 8 months ago

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Gumball 3000 2013: John Cena's InCENArator

youtube

Now the guys who designed and built this what the licensing and it's long since passed it's been over 10 years and I said go blow you're crazy and you can't give him the licensing it's Trump and his crew if you're getting the licensing they tell you what to do and I'll just say don't do anything and you can't not do anything and he doesn't want any kind of deal other than that so I said you're crazy and BG wants to race so our friend here is saying you can sponsor BG Trump this is the race and this is what it means and I know what you're saying what you're saying is it means we're going to go back after the ships and even though he's not against us we need the ships and we're going to go after the max it'll just be a race we went against him I now figured out something it's kind of a gentleman's way of saying it. I might sponsor BG but then again I might not I don't want to be in the way this race has to go for us and we have to win we have to pick ourselves up and do it I kind of designed this car I know how to make it and I can make it on a Corvette chassis and he says I can help make it so that's stupid now John Cena will be a problem let me know what to do about that we're fighting him to the Bone and a friend says the car probably won't get Bill and it's going to go down it's another bust

Trump

Tell you what I think I can make that car and I can take BG's place and the symbolism will still be there and that's why the movie happened it's a friendly thing it really isn't but we're a mess that's what's happening and yeah they'll take me back for a thousand years and it's over at 2000 and that's what it said sometimes so he knows what it means he's not real deep about it but he knows now I'm going to go ahead and do this and he wants me to he says the whole has to be made of something 2,000 plus and I get that and it might do metal it's lighter it's not then we are beating then Arnold repeating it's a concept and he gets it and I say this it doesn't look like that and they're going to blab all over the place probably blab themselves out of it. Now they're going to try and do it and they're going to run into John Cena and we are too and we need to at the same time over this car and we noticed something he has one and it's fast as hell and John Cena says it's about the right life and we keep making them too long and too big and Hera is smiling with the PowerHouse is big and it's mid engine and you need a Corvette so he said to take the new Corvette and you keep the new Corvette intact to put it back together and you build a new chassis and I'm going to do that too so Ben arnolds you're on and it's for steaks too real Omaha steaks and someday he says it and he says Sunday I can come over and have them but he won't know who won or lost and that's stupid the president is serving the stakes one in the so he's going to know but she will hold the secret we'll have to get her to tell and we'll have to figure it out that sounds great

Mac daddy

Olympus

So our friend here says my nephew-in-law says now what does that mean and it's saying it to him in a future movie with the Indian motorcycle the one holding the steak and he knows it they both know she gets him to forget things fast with the max. Now we're going to head with this idea and the car and that is an awesome car and Max says he has one and you say he has one and he's going to make some modifications he says

Ben Arnold

So it's a little bit messed up it is a bit too high of a profile and I do have to knock it down I did see it's up too high the door opens not like you see when it's close the whole house goes forward like you said but boy that's a lot safer and I didn't know if the slide would work I know how to do that and I'm going to do that it's not minor you have to rebuild it because the molds will be different and as a matter of fact I think you're right I'm going to make the mold for metal it's going to be a real car and he said that actually kit cars are coming out as metal and it's true they are you still need a frame I might try his stitch frame and it says it's lighter and I know it is and you don't have to weld it so I have stuff in testing and I know which one to use and I can send it into ASTM now to get it done and really the Bolton stitch works so well it is so weird and he says you can make motorcycles and I want to make a company recycled motorcycle company I recycled motors but it'll be the name and we can pump these frames out you can send them in the mail almost anybody can get one and he'd have to off-road ones but we got to get going on it and yeah this guy Trump has turned massively evil and he's going to compete with us they already have a car but this is a kit car and his is not and he says that we have to do the race it's a priority and all such other stuff but really we know what it means now we're competing with each other too much it's going to show that and BG gets upset. But here's how it goes he wants to have a bubblegum run and it'll be all these kit cars old and new and it's bubble gum because we're all sitting there yapping and blowing bubbles and people say no these kit cars work and for Christ's sake of you so stupid you must try to bring the humbug and he says I have a better one it's a Bradley he says it's better being both and Jenna will want the humbug she says that's crazy he says the original Volkswagen this is going to be fun bubblegum run and he wants to have all sorts of bazooka Joe there and jawbreakers as a matter of facts a big symbol in racing and you see it before is the world but it's not a joke it's it's a run it's not a rally you get judged on your car and this judges and the trophy he wants to have a big bubble gum ball it looks like when it's not a real one a big jawbreaker with the guy that's made this gold in the whole thing but kind of on one shoulder or it could be holding it we know it's just appropriate because it's a it's a challenge okay this is a feat and this kid here is done a bunch of them and he's made real cars real ones this real car is coming out Mercedes has one like it and Reynolds it just does not do the same thing this is awesome this car is so damn fast and yeah it needs to be lowered he'll stand the road it's too much lift I can't stand this anymore we have to do this and the bubblegum run and we think John Cena and we hope that he comes up with one too and joins the race as a matter of fact that's how we can do it but us too we're going to race it is going to be it too I have to rebuild mine he says why not race as it is cuz we thought it was the best and we rebuild the cars to race again so if I beat him with my car he's going to rebuild it and I'll have to rebuild mine and then Arnold says good and that's how we are we know how it works

Mac daddy

Olympus

You have to help his mom these people helped us for many many years and they're being very mean to them and you guys are too and you have to stop you have to see what this house is all about and what's in it and your idiots go out there but people take the books and read them and we should put them in the national archives and he doesn't want them there but okay

Mac daddy

That would be great otherwise you're going to be lost they are going to be lost and we wrote a lot of books and their textbooks on taboo subjects that are written in a university code meaning if they're poor weather University would require

Cammilla

Oh God we didn't know that

Trump

You never know now let's get some of those

Sarah

Yeah cool right but we need to see it and we'll bring it to the national archives it's hard to do they're relaxed but really they're not protected

Becka

The Max wants them destroyed

Cammilla

#Youtube

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groundbuilders · 1 year ago

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Ideas to Build a Pergola and Struxure in Omaha

If you are living in Omaha and like to enjoy beautiful weather, having a Struxure in Omaha can prevent potential sun damage. There can be different reasons to have a pergola. One homeowner may feel their patio or interior is getting too much sun, and others may feel they need to relax under the shade. Whatever the reason, there is a pergola option for every reason. Let us discuss them one by one.

Different pergola options for homeowners

Louvered struxure:

It is a conventional option that helps the homeowner to adjust the shade and sun as per the requirement. A louvered pergola is brilliant, and it can be controlled using a remote to change the direction of roof strips.

Umbrellas:

Huge umbrellas can be used to get shade during the sun. These umbrellas look aesthetically pleasing and can be customized. However, umbrellas are unstable during windy conditions and only give little shade.

Pergola:

Pergolas are more of a structure with four beams, and the roof is an option. This structure has a huge range of material choices. When customized with a metal roof or covered roof, a pergola can be an excellent unwinding space.

Permanent roof:

When the roof of a home is extended to cover the patio, it is called a permanent roof pergola. This structure is highly resistant to different weather and gives permanent shade and shelter.

Wrapping up:

If you are confused about getting struxure in Omaha, you can hire a landscaping company. They can help you decide the best material and location for pergola within your budget.

Ground Builders is a premier Landscaping company in Omaha. They install smart pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and firepits in Omaha. Reach out to them now!

#struxure in Omaha #Landscaping company in Omaha

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jcmarchi · 1 year ago

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Research aims to improve recycled concrete for construction, carbon sequestration - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/research-aims-to-improve-recycled-concrete-for-construction-carbon-sequestration-technology-org/

Research aims to improve recycled concrete for construction, carbon sequestration - Technology Org

University of Nebraska researchers are studying the economic and practical feasibility of using recycled concrete as a building material and as a source of carbon sequestration.

Crews removed concrete and debris from the demolition site of Cather and Pound Halls in February 2018. Nebraska researchers are working to improve recycled concrete for reuse in construction. Image credit: Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

The project is funded by an $805,000 grant from the Department of Energy, one of 33 grants totaling $131 million awarded this year as part of its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Matching funding takes the total to more than $1 million.

More than 1.8 billion tons of concrete is used in construction every year in the United States alone, and its production is a prolific generator of carbon emissions; for every ton produced, a nearly equal amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to global warming, is released into the atmosphere.

“Also, we tear down lots of structures – infrastructure, buildings, so on,” said Seunghee Kim, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Nebraska and one of the research team’s leaders. “Whenever we tear down, there’s a lot of waste concrete,” much of which ends up in landfills.

Waste concrete also can be crushed and processed into a material known as recycled concrete aggregate and reused in construction, but it’s weaker than original concrete. Earlier research by Kim has found RCA can be strengthened through a process called carbonation: calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate, both found in concrete, can react with carbon dioxide to form a compound called calcium carbonate, which strengthens the RCA.

Because concrete absorbs carbon dioxide, the gas is captured within the calcium carbonate and permanently stored there.

The new DOE funding will enable Kim and others to expand from successful, but small-scale, lab experiments, in 10- and 30-gallon chambers, to much larger-scale production in a one-ton capacity reaction chamber. A private construction company based in Omaha, Hawkins Construction, is collaborating on the project.

The specialized reactor will accelerate the carbonation process and identify the ideal pressure and carbon dioxide levels needed to modify recycled concrete aggregate.

“On the one hand, this process can make the RCA stronger. But also we can sequester carbon dioxide,” Kim said. “It’s a win-win.”

The research will include analysis of RCA properties, such as residual mortar content, chemical composition, aggregate crushing value, freeze-thaw resistance, abrasion resistance, pH and concentration of heavy metals in leachate water.

Christopher Exstrom, chemistry professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, will lead undergraduate students in conducting chemical analyses on the samples “to make this carbonation reaction more efficient and more productive,” he said.

His role is to help determine the mechanisms by which recycled concrete aggregate reacts with carbon dioxide, as well as analyze concrete samples using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Ultimately, Exstrom said, this research could lead to more recycled concrete being used in construction, reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Kim said the pathway of this research exemplifies UNL’s research-funding pipeline; it began a few years ago with internal grant funding, later was supported by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and has grown to be a DOE-supported project, part of a national move to reduce greenhouse gases.

Hawkins Construction is participating because private industry wants to know “if they can make this work economically. Does it make sense for them?” Kim said.

Eric Thompson, K.H. Nelson College Professor of economics and director of the Bureau of Business Research at Nebraska, is part of the research team, focused on those economic questions.

“A number of private sector companies are interested, when feasible, in addressing climate change,” Thompson said. “There’s reason to believe there’s a market out there for people who’d prefer to use concrete that is more carbon neutral. The question is how large are those markets? … What are the costs of using this technology? There’s a number of questions of interest to economists.”

The research has far-reaching implications for the concrete industry, said Jiong Hu, professor of civil and environmental engineering and another member of the research team.

“There’s tremendous pressure on the concrete industry, largely because of its carbon footprint,” Hu said. “This is something that would not just benefit the concrete industry, but society, too.”

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

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brackenridgebuilders1 · 1 year ago

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Crafting Luxury: High-End Builders Redefining the Art of Home Construction

When it comes to creating dream homes that exude opulence, sophistication, and uncompromising quality, high-end builders stand at the forefront of the construction industry. These elite professionals are dedicated to bringing their clients' visions to life in ways that defy convention. In this article, we will delve into the world of high-end builders, exploring their commitment to luxury, innovation, and the exquisite craftsmanship that distinguishes their work.

Commitment to Unparalleled Quality:

High-end builders are driven by an unwavering commitment to quality. From the selection of the finest materials to the meticulous attention to detail, they ensure that every element of a project meets the highest standards. The result is a home that not only meets but often exceeds the expectations of their discerning clients.

Bespoke Design and Personalization:

Luxury home builders understand that no two clients are the same, and neither should their homes be. They excel in translating their clients' unique visions into architectural masterpieces. Whether it's a modern, minimalist oasis or a classic, timeless estate, these builders are adept at creating bespoke designs that reflect the individuality and lifestyle of their clients.

Exquisite Craftsmanship:

One of the defining characteristics of high-end builders is their unmatched craftsmanship. They often employ artisans who are skilled in various trades, ensuring that every element, from intricate woodwork to ornate metal fixtures, is a work of art in itself. The result is a home that exudes a sense of luxury in every detail.

Cutting-Edge Technology:

High-end builders stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the construction industry. They incorporate state-of-the-art smart home systems, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainable building practices to create homes that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

Attention to Sustainability:

Luxury and sustainability can coexist, and high-end builders understand this well. They often integrate eco-friendly building practices and materials into their projects, ensuring that their creations are not only magnificent but also mindful of the environment. Energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly insulation, and solar technology are just a few examples of sustainable elements incorporated into their designs.

Seamless Project Management:

A hallmark of high-end builders is their ability to manage every aspect of a project seamlessly. From the initial design phase to the final finishing touches, these professionals maintain rigorous project management to ensure that everything progresses smoothly and efficiently.

Access to Exclusive Resources:

High-end builders often have access to exclusive resources and suppliers, allowing them to source the finest materials and finishes for their projects. This access is invaluable in creating homes that exude luxury and exclusivity.

Client-Centric Approach:

Client satisfaction is paramount for high-end builders. They foster close relationships with their clients, ensuring open communication and a collaborative approach. This ensures that every client's unique desires and expectations are met throughout the construction process.

Unique and Prestigious Locations:

Many high-end builders specialize in crafting homes in the most prestigious and sought-after locations. From waterfront properties to mountainside retreats, they have the expertise to build in the most challenging and exclusive environments.

Timeless Elegance:

High-end builders understand the value of timeless design. They create homes that are not only luxurious today but also destined to remain elegant and relevant for generations to come.

For More Info:-

brackenridge

omaha builders

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luxury home builders auckland

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wytfut · 2 years ago

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Robert (Bob) Brown

We all meet people thru out our lives that make a huge impression upon us, that changes how we deal with life forever, or until the next impressive character you come across. I’ve already wrote about a couple of them here on this site.

Good friend Jeff Brown I met on the job at Lincoln hoot and hollar, way back in spring of 1973 (I’ll let Jeff verify this date if so inclined).

We both grew turning into adults somewhat parallel, lives. His wife when to East High, and so did my Wife (in fact they were friends). We both are car guys, and motorcycle guys.

Thru these similarities, Jeff and my lives bounced off each other many times thru the years. He and Anica are just good folks. And Patti and I get along with them very well.

As the years past I met Jeff’s folks. His Mom loved my last name, and would twist it all up hilariously every meeting.

Jeff’s Pop, was a very cool dude. Bob, was quiet spoken. With always a hint of humor in his eyes. I never knew this past story until he was long gone. He impressed upon me that a person doesn’t have to be loud and brash to be interesting. Most likely one of the first people I met that guided me this way, other than Grandfather Baldwin Kruse. Unfortunately I don’t appear to practice what I observe, but I’m still impressed.

Jeff and family, brought all of Bob’s past history together and wrote it all down. And now pass it out on printed paper for anyone to read.

Its a fantastic story, that is hard to believe..... perfect for a story line for a Hollywood production.

Bob was a radioman on a Marine bomber crew, during WWII. Black Sea Horse Battalion. And during a mission, They were shot down behind enemy lines.

He and 1 other were the only survivors of this mission, and dodged death for about a month. Even protected by the local Natives of the area. Surreal, amazing... I don’t know the right words, that can express enough respect to this story.

In the future I may copy my copy of this story to reprint here. Its that good of a story. But for now this is enough for this blog.

Jeff decided he wanted to get back into motorcycles. He contacted me, to help shop around. His specifics?... Indian or Excelsior Henderson, and it had to be black. LOL

Found a lovely Excelsior Henderson outside of Council Bluffs, in the Loess Hills, and it wasn’t near black but the coveted Red and Oyster.

Jeff jumped into the EH community with both feet. And started to build his stash of parts and pieces (as we all do.... lololol). One purchase was a blank set of tins (fenders and tank with no paint, as in raw metal).

Through this period of time, Jeff’s oldest son Nick was becoming interested, and more talented in “air brush” painting. ...

Jeff had made a request Nick paint the blank tins in “3D” flames. Actually a great idea. But Nick out did this.

On his own with some help, he ended up making Jeff’s Super X a tribute to “Robert Brown's” past.

As can be seen in the pictures, the art work is amazing. NO THIS IS NOT A WRAP. This is all hand painted. Air Brush, paint brush, and toothpicks.

Nicks “help” was some Cousins, Uncle or 2 and myself. This help consisted of stealing Jeff’s Super X, get the new tins placed on the bike, and haul it to Omaha for the world of wheels car/motorcycle show for its unveiling..... all without Jeff’s knowledge.

I also had the side mission of getting Jeff to the show in Omaha, without letting on what the real mission was.

The unveiling at the show was an emotional moment. Jeff had no clue. Nick was beaming. Anica was taking pictures. People were clapping. Tears were shed. Very cool piece of life..

A weekend or so ago, we hauled Jeff’s X to Kansas City World of Wheels show. Nick is still in the game to make his mark in this specialized skill. This show celebrates Automotive artists.... pin strippers, air brush, etc. All art work created at this show is auctioned off for charity. I believe there was 20+ artist present. Nick got a ton of experience, and some sound networking.

Jeff’s Tribute X won a very nice award.

It was a great weekend. I know Bob would be very proud. Nick got his foot further in the door. I had another fun adventure with my buddy Jeff.

What more could a person want...

Find here from my youtube channel a video link I made of this trip to KC and back. I’m posting it here too, as some folks have a hard time getting around on various web sites. I’m one of those people, so I’ll do what I can to make it a bit more simple to help out us old blue hairs.

And yes some photos from the Omaha show back in 2014.

Nicks website link if you are in need of this type of work. Please note, his work isn’t just automotive. He has been known to do Murals in homes, mail boxes, tool boxes, etc:

www.blackseahorsekustoms.com

https://youtu.be/Pysm6fw6FvA

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doomdays · 2 years ago

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silas spent so much of his time growing up in one place, stuck in the confines of omaha, that he never really had the chance to see what the rest of the world had to offer. everyone always told them they were lucky, that omaha was one of the last standing cities in the world, and when he was a kid, it felt big. there isn't much he remembers about his life before the world fell, but it reaches him in flashes, this apartment complex reminding him of a hotel he and his parents once stayed in when he was only five years old, after they'd all roadtripped across the state to see one his father's favorite metal bands. it's one of the few good memories he has with his father, maybe that's why it comes to him now, not yet soured by everything that likely followed the next day.

it's part of the reason that he wanted to leave on their journey in the first place --- he didn't want to live his life knowing he never saw the world, never knowing if there was some place he belonged more than he ever did back in nebraska, where the only welcoming arms were his uncle --- who did his best, but he couldn't save silas from the ridicule he received. there was freedom in getting away, in finally allowing himself to explore not only the world, but who he was, too. and now that he finally sees it all, it's almost strange, a world that once seemed so big now conquered; he's finally a part of it.

his head turns up to look at the skyscraper, head shaking almost instantly. ❝ yeah, um, i'm not afraid of heights, i don't think, but i don't want to test that, ❞ he admits quietly, squinting as he looks it over for a long moment. ❝ have you ever been in one? ❞ omaha didn't have anything like this, but even anything close was far from what silas ever got the chance to see. he wonders what kind of people worked in those buildings, what life was like before the decay of the world started swallowing these buildings, too. he looks back to tector again, adjusting the strap of his pack to pull it up higher. ❝ i don't think i would've liked living in the city. not a city like this. ❞ the civic republic was hard enough, for the brief time he was there. he has no idea how genuine that reflection was of the real world, but he knows it's not where he belongs. he just hopes he hasn't let dennis down.

everything looks small from up here. — silas, @doomdays.

out front of the five-story complex is a sign, miraculously still standing, exclaiming in faded lettering: NOW AVAILALE! it boasts units composed of three bedrooms, two baths each, a community pool and gym listed as amenities alongside the roof terrace— the place where tector and silas stand now, among the ruins of sun-bleached lawn furniture, weathered astroturf, the long-rotted but humble beginnings of a garden. in front of them, roads stretch like shriveled tongues of dying beasts, leading towards a desolated city — skyscrapers like rotting teeth, jagged shards of black against the golden sky of a setting sun.

but it's a beautiful sight, even despite all the destruction — or perhaps, because of it. trees, green and small but persistent, have broken through the asphalt; they gather in small groves, new and fresh, their tender branches shuddering in the evening wind.

silas is right — it all does look rather small. not quite the minuscule specks you'd view from an airplane — but to someone like silas, that comparison would hardly matter. tec looks at the kid, a smile sweeping across his features as gestures towards the skyscrapers, stating conversationally, “just imagine how it looks up in one'a those.” tector's experience in the area is a singular one, but not something easily forgotten — walls of glass, people crawling along sidewalks below like bugs. “i ain't scared of heights, but, man, i would not wanna be up on that roof.”

#serge4nt #thread: s. plaskett.#queue.

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nixter · 7 years ago

Photo

el ratón

#IFTTT #Flickr building #downtown #elratón #glass #lines #metal #mouse #nebraska #omaha #reflection

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transparentgentlemenmarker · 3 years ago

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Theatre, Bucharest, Romania 1916 – 2016

The Empire State Building 1930s vs. 2021

Old House, Omaha, Nebraska

Lincoln Memorial 1917 vs. 2016

McSorley’s Ale House, New York City 1937 vs. 2021

Main Entrance to Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark 1900 vs. 2018

Grand Central Station Terminal, New York City 1912 vs. 2021

Lombard Street, San Francisco, California – 1922 vs. 2018

When you have grown up in a specific place, it can be hard to imagine it ever looking slightly different from how you remember it. But the thing is that things didn’t always look the way they do now… Years of building and landscaping went into forming the memories you now hold close. Lombard Street is one of those beautiful places in San Francisco that tourists love to visit, and for good reason. And these two photographs show the difference between what once was and what currently stands. We bet the architects of this had no idea that they would create such a beautiful street…

Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Springfield, Illinois 1861 vs. 2021

Even though they didn’t live that long ago, imaging how certain presidents of the United States lived back in their day can be difficult. These days the president lives in the big, glamorous, White House, but back then every president lived a more modest life. When this house was built in 1839, it was definitely considered to be a lovely and expensive home. But compared to how presidents live today, this home looks rather homely and quaint. These days the Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves this wonderful home

Western Metal Supply Co. Building, San Diego, California

Considering how long ago some cities were established, the city planners at the time didn’t always have the foresight to imagine the future needs of the city. So a natural progression of building sort of happened over time allowing for the newer needs of the city…

#world #hier aujourd'hui

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arcosantiinc · 3 years ago

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How to Hire a Roofing Contractor

A roofer, roofing contractor, or roofing contractor is an individual who specializes in roof building. Roofers repair, replace, and construct the roofs of commercial buildings, using various materials, such as asphalt, shingles, metal, and bitumen. Contractors also offer maintenance and repair services. They must be licensed by the state to carry out this work. If they are not bonded, insured, and licensed, they should be avoided.

When choosing your Arcosanti, Inc roofing contractor, there are a number of important factors that you should consider. Of these, budget and time are perhaps the most important. While roofing companies can provide you with many options for your roofing needs, it is important that you first sit down with your budget so you know what you can afford. Next, you should take into account the length of time you want to have the job completed. Lastly, you should make sure that the roofing contractors are experienced, as well as qualified, and have supplied the prior services that you need.

The most important consideration when hiring a Arcosanti, Inc roofing contractor to perform a small project like a new roof is safety. If you have young children or elderly family members, it's imperative that you do everything you can to ensure their safety during the process. As with most roofing projects, you should only hire a reputable and qualified roofer Omaha . A qualified professional will have years of experience under their belt and will know exactly what to do during each phase of the roofing project.

One of the most important factors of the safety of roofing contractors you choose is their ability to get the job done properly. Ask for a list of references. Ask to speak to other clients who had worked with the roofing contractors you are considering. Ask how long it took them to complete the project, and if they would recommend them. Ask if there were any problems, how the work was completed, and what happened if something was incorrectly done. It's imperative that you only hire a licensed, bonded Arcosanti, Inc roofing contractors.

After speaking with a few roofing contractors, you will be able to narrow down your list to a few candidates. Now it's time to schedule an interview. Most states require licensed, bonded roofing contractors to meet with prospective customers for at least one hour. During the interview, you'll want to ask a number of questions pertaining to the state requirements and a general overview of your roofing needs. You'll also want to ask the contractor how many years of experience they have, their specialty, and their opinion on local roofers.

Once you've interviewed several contractors, narrowed down your choices to a few, and arranged for an appointment, it's time to hire the right one for your home. Remember, you don't have to hire the first one you meet with. Always compare prices, ask friends and family who they hired, and check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints lodged against the contractors you're considering. Hiring a roofing contractor is not a difficult task. With a little bit of effort, you can easily hire a great one for your home.

Arcosanti, Inc Address:8415 G St, Omaha, NE 68127 Phone: 402-991-7667 Email:[email protected]

https://goo.gl/maps/684XvFsQwJBAyw1a7

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johnboothus · 4 years ago

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The Differences Between Bitters Tinctures and Shrubs

Finishing touches define art. “A Day in the Life” loses masterwork status if the Beatles don’t add the song’s final lingering piano chord. Without the slightly mischievous upturn in her mouth, Mona Lisa is merely a pretty portrait. Hell, the room in “The Big Lebowski” isn’t tied together without the rug, per the Dude’s infinite wisdom. In the world of cocktails — mixologists’ own form of art —bitters, tinctures, and shrubs are a bartender’s version of these coups de grâce. The right number of drops, drips, or dashes from these power-packed elixirs elevates a libation from mundane to magic, leaving the imbiber little choice but to acknowledge the sublime craftsmanship in the glass.

The shared source of their sorcery is their intensity, which is why they’re typically doled out in teensy amounts. “All three are designed to be highly concentrated ingredients,” explains Gareth Moore, beverage director of Home & Away in San Diego. “Because of this, they can drastically change a drink’s flavor profile with just a few drops. Once you know how to use them, you can build a drink to a specific flavor profile efficiently.”

Originally, the trio’s shared purpose was intended to make those consuming them feel good in a whole different way. “I think it’s important to know that all three started out as medicines,” states Jamie White, co-owner and bartender at Pearl Diver in Nashville. “Even though they have these similar backgrounds historically, it’s important to understand they all have different profiles of ingredients and use.” The best way to get a handle on these differences is by looking at how they’re built. Bitters are made with a pure grain spirit inundated with bittering agents like fruit peels, spices, or funky stuff like bark or cassia. Tinctures act as straight-up botanical, fruit, or vegetable infusions without any bitterness. A shrub adds sugar to fruit juice and uses vinegar to cut the sweetness.

Many imbibers and bargoers these days have an awareness of how these ingredients are used, but this hasn’t always been the case. Those of us who muddled through the bad old days of the pre-2000 bar scene had a vague sense of Angostura bitters’ existence back then, but that was only because we had one friend smart enough to order an Old Fashioned while we did Kamikaze shots. Regardless, bitters were a misunderstood ingredient. Tinctures and shrubs, on the other hand, were fully unknown substances.

This changed with the craft cocktail movement’s nationwide explosion in the 2010s, when bartenders from Orlando to Omaha dug deep into drink history and resurrected their usage. This coincided with a bitters boom marked by several upstart companies experimenting with unique and funky flavor profiles. This one-two punch created a renaissance of cocktail enhancements, one that fully blossoms when you look at each ingredient separately.

Bitters

Cocktail bitters (as opposed to digestive bitters like Amaro Montenegro or Fernet Branca, which are their own beasts) are highly concentrated concoctions designed to add flavor depth and balance to a cocktail. They can also occasionally act as a drink salvager, even for the professionals. “They’re sometimes used as a savior to fix a cocktail that I didn’t nail the first go-round,” White says. “It’s one of the reasons why they usually come in at the end of a drink for me.”

Angostura, Peychaud’s, and orange bitters are the holy trinity of bitters, and they’re essential if you’re making classics like Old Fashioneds or Sazeracs. But they can (and should) lay the groundwork for the kind of alchemy that leads the home bartender to more advanced voodoo.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment!” says Ashlyn Miyasaki, bar manager at Bar Henry in Los Angeles. “Next time you make Moscow Mules at home, try adding a couple dashes of Angostura bitters and see what you notice. Add orange bitters to your Martini. Try different brands of orange bitters and use them in tandem. Once you’ve got a feel for it, then you can branch out to different drinks and unique bitters.”

You can even go beyond the recommended two dashes of bitters — if you dare. Bartenders love the Trinidad Sour, a delicious yet brazen concoction that calls for a whopping 1.5 ounces of Angostura. It tastes like how prog metal sounds: bold, burly, and relentlessly complex.

Making Your Own Bitters

Making bitters is fun, and is easier than you might think. Here’s a recipe to get you going:

What You’ll Need:

16 ounces Everclear

4 teaspoons of botanicals, preferably four different botanicals

Four 4-ounce Mason jars

In each jar, add 4 ounces of Everclear and one teaspoon of a botanical. Label each jar with the botanical used, and seal. Let botanicals steep for about two weeks, shaking the jars daily and tasting them regularly. Strain out the matter with a coffee filter. Dilute with water or sweetener if desired. Mix the contents of each jar.

NOTE: Common botanicals used in bitters include juniper berries, cardamom, ginger, cloves, caraway, rose hips, and fennel. Your neighborhood spice shop should have ample supply. When you get the hang of it, you can also throw in flowers, legumes, or dried fruits to achieve extra funky goodness.

Tinctures

Tinctures are the metronomes of the bartending world, a steadying beat that bartenders break out to achieve singular flavor precision. “I use tinctures when a drink calls for something super specific, like black pepper,” White explains. “I can make a black pepper tincture and use a drop of it in a drink instead of trying to use a pinch of pepper. The drop of a tincture will always be more consistent.”

This sense of control can make it an ideal homemade ingredient if you fret about getting the drink’s flavor just so. And they will be homemade — the only tinctures you’ll find on the market are for medicinal use or are made from cannabis (which has its own medicinal purposes). But that’s no big deal. All you need to make a tincture is alcohol, the agent providing the infusion, and the patience for the infusion to do its thing. There’s no limit to what the infusing agent may be; people use everything from fruit and veggies, to herbs and flowers, so wander around your garden and see what looks delicious.

Making Your Own Tinctures

If you’re new to making tinctures, keep things simple. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need:

4 ounces high-proof vodka (at least 100 proof)

Infusion agent, such as fruit (for this example, use one a whole mango)

1 Mason jar

Place the mango in the jar. Pour in the vodka and seal. Put in the refrigerator for about a week, stirring and tasting each day.

NOTES: Using a higher-proof spirit could expedite things. If using berries as the infusion agent, fill the jar halfway with berries.

Once you get the hang of the process, though, you can push the boundaries of creativity a bit. This recipe from Gareth Moore is a great place to start:

Cinnamon Bourbon Tincture (Courtesy Gareth Moore)

What You’ll Need:

1 part cinnamon bark

4 parts high-proof bourbon (at least 100 proof: the stronger the proof, the better)

1 Mason jar

Fill a jar with the cinnamon bark. Pour in the bourbon and let sit in the refrigerator for one week. Strain out the cinnamon bark and transfer to a dropper bottle.

Shrubs

Because vinegar is involved, shrubs offer a little more food and drink-based versatility than bitters or tinctures. “Shrubs can make a nice base for vinaigrette salad dressings,” Miyasaki says. In a cocktail, shrubs’ mélange of vinegar, fruit, and sugar creates a bright, bold complexity that adds sweet, tangy, and tart notes, making it a favorite ingredient for bartenders when they’re behind the stick. “I prefer working with shrubs at my bar, but that’s because I know I’m going to be making a large volume of drinks every night,” says Moore.

Indeed, there is a bit of a conundrum with making shrubs at home. They don’t have the staying power of bitters and tinctures, which can both keep their integrity for about a year on a home bartender’s shelf. Shrubs are also designed for shelf life, but last half that long and will lose their mojo quicker the more they’re used. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make shrubs at home — you should, because they’re delicious. Besides, the vinegar makes shrubs a killer fruit preserver — a property that made them a hit back in the American colonial era. If given the choice between turning a past-its-prime peach into a superb cocktail ingredient or chucking it into your garbage in a few days, there’s only one good answer.

Making Your Own Shrubs

There’s a little more prep work involved when making shrubs compared to tinctures and bitters, but they’re still relatively easy to make. Besides, every shrub you create gives fruit a second life. Here are a couple of recipes to get you started:

Strawberry Basil Shrub (Courtesy Ashlyn Miyasaki)

What You’ll Need:

4 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves

4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

4 cups white wine vinegar

Place the strawberry halves and basil leaves in a large bowl. Add sugar and salt, then cover. Let set at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until liquid begins to form. Add vinegar, and stir until sugar is dissolved. Fine strain the liquid, and store in the refrigerator.

Grilled Peach Shrub (Courtesy Jamie White)

What You’ll Need:

1 peach, sliced and pitted

1 cup sugar

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup regular vinegar

Grill peach slices until they have slight char marks. Mix all ingredients in a pot. Cook on low for 15 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Blend ingredients with a hand blender. Put back in the pot, and let simmer for five to 10 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.

The article The Differences Between Bitters, Tinctures, and Shrubs appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/guide-bitters-tinctures-shrubs-differences/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/the-differences-between-bitters-tinctures-and-shrubs

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waywardaardvark79 · 5 years ago

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I’ll Wait Part 2

Summary: Part two of I’ll Wait. Dean kept his promise, and found reader.

Pairing: Past Dean x Reader

Warnings: Language, angst, mild talk of injury, character death

Word Count: 2,839

A few years later

"Hey, it's me. You anywhere near Omaha?" you asked as you flung open the door to the motel room.

"I'm in Spokane. Why?" he asked.

You dropped your bag on the end of the bed, dust flying up when it made impact. "I think I got a possible vamp nest, and I was wondering if you were interested." you said, as you pulled your laptop from your bag and placed it on the table

. "I'm kinda in the middle of something here, but I could probably be there in a week, maybe a few days if everything goes as planned." he said.

You pulled out a chair and sat down at the table, "It's fine, Kit. Don't worry about it. I'll handle it." you said as you waited for your laptop to fire up.

"Why don't you call someone else in for backup." he suggested causing you to chuckle.

"Yeah, I'll get right on that." you said.

"Y/N, I'm serious. Don't go in there alone. You either call somebody else, or you wait for me." he said, his tone completely serious.

"Who the fuck do you want me to call, Kit? It's not like I got a long list of people I could call. You're basically the only contact I got left." you said.

He was silent on the other end for a moment, "You know Omaha isn't that far from Lebanon." he said.

. "No. No. No, absolutely not." you said, knowing exactly who he wanted you to call.

"I know they would help. I mean, I ran into the guy a few months ago, and he said if you ever needed him go to Lebanon." he argued.

You ran your hand through your hair, "Listen, I still have to do some research, and I'm not even sure if it's a nest or not. It may just be a few stragglers. If I don't think I can handle it I'll give him a call." you said, lying through your teeth

. "Y/N, don't do something stupid." he said.

"Come on, you know me better than that." you defended.

"Yeah, I do. I know that you would go in there alone before calling him. I just don't get it." he said, becoming frustrated with you.

You sighed, "I know, it's just really complicated ok. Me and...me and him, we...we're just better off apart." you said, not wanting to get into your history with Dean.

"Just promise me that you won't go at it alone." he said.

"Yeah, I promise." you said, as you pulled up the article you needed. "I've got some stuff I need to look into. I'll call you tomorrow." you said, hoping that would satisfy him.

"I better hear from you tomorrow." he warned.

"Yeah, yeah. Stay safe out there, ok." you said.

"You too." he replied before you disconnected the call. You tossed your phone down on the table next to you before turning your attention back to the screen in front of you. You knew everything you needed to know. You were pretty sure you had even locked down the location. You rubbed at your tired eyes, before turning off your laptop and deciding to try and catch a few hours of sleep.

Dean rolled over in bed, his phone buzzing on his nightstand waking him. "Yeah." he grumbled, his voice rough from disuse.

"Dean?" the voice asked.

"Yeah, who's this?" he asked, not being able to place the voice.

"It's Kit. I don't know if you remember me. I'm a friend of Y/N's. We met on that case a few months back." he said.

Dean was now completely awake, "Yeah, yeah, I remember. Everything ok?" he asked, knowing that he didn't just call to chat.

"Y/N called me yesterday, said she was in Omaha on a possible vamp nest. She asked for my help, but I'm in Washington, and couldn't make it. She was supposed to call me today, and I can't reach her." Kit said.

Dean was out of bed pulling on his jeans, "What else do you know?" he asked.

"That's about all I got. She said she wouldn't go at it alone, but she, well you know how she is." he said, panic instantly washing over Dean.

"Give me her number." Dean barked out.

"I've been trying her all night. She isn't answering." he said.

"Just send me the God damn number." Dean said again, his patience wearing thin.

"Ok, ok. Could you let me know when you find her?" he asked, but Dean hung up the call before answering.

He flung open the door to his room, quickly making his way to Sam's room and pounding on the door. "Sam! Get up! We gotta go, now!" he yelled before heading to the garage. Omaha was about three hours away, and he knew he didn't have time to spare.

Dean was white knuckling the wheel, pushing the car to go as fast as it would go. "He should have been with her. Fuck, I should have been with her." Dean said, breaking the silence that had started right after he had given Sam all the details.

Sam was able to track your phone, and they were about thirty minutes out from your location. Sam didn't know what to say. He knew that whatever he said would do nothing to help his brother with the guilt he was feeling. It didn't matter if he told him that the two of them had tried to get you to come back with them to no avail. It wouldn't matter if he told him that he did the best he could to keep tabs on you throughout the years, and it wouldn't matter if he told him that this was your choice, it was the way you said it had to be. He couldn't bring himself to tell him that you were probably fine. He couldn't fill his head with false hope, so he said the only thing that he knew to be true, "We're almost there." he said, his statement seeming to fall on deaf ears, Dean too in his head to notice that he had said anything.

You blinked open your eyes, pain suddenly radiating throughout your body. You stared up at the large hole in the floor above you, and cursed the rotting planks of wood that caused you to fall.

You slowly turned your head to the side, the headless body of the vampire that had surprised you was laying next to you. "Asshole." you muttered.

You attempted to lift your head to try to access the damage, but quickly gave up when the pain from moving was too much for you to bear. You eased your head back down and drew a few shallow breaths. You had a feeling that your left leg was broken, and you slowly took your hand and started to pat down your body trying to find the source of pain that was currently radiating from your middle.

You slowed your movements when your fingers made contact with a warm substance, running into something metal a couple inches later. You forced yourself to raise your head, despite the pain, and you looked down to see what you thought was a piece of rebar protruding from your lower abdomen. "Well, fuck." you breathed out, as you lowered your head back to the ground.

You moved your hand to your jacket pocket, attempting to feel for your phone, and praying that it had managed to stay put during your fall. You felt your fingers curl around it and slowly pulled it from your pocket. You held it up to your face and hit the power button to wake it from sleep. The completely shattered screen lit up, and you attempted to make a call, the damaged screen not allowing you to do anything.

You started to rack your brain, trying to come up with some way to get yourself out of the predicament you were in. Kit knew where you were. You sent his last call he made to you to voicemail before going in to deal with the vamps. Fuck, you didn't know how long ago that was.

You forced yourself to keep your focus on drawing slow, shallow breaths, and hoped that you would think of something soon because you were running out of time.

Dean was almost out of the car before he turned the engine off. "Dean!" Sam barked, it doing nothing to slow his brother down. "We can't just run in there." he said as Dean was loading down with weapons from the trunk.

"You can stay out here and make a plan, or whatever it is that you want to do, but I'm going in there." Dean said.

Sam looked over at him for a moment, knowing that logic wasn't going to reach him right now, not when it came to you. Sam grabbed a machete, "Let's go." he said, Dean already starting to head towards the abandoned building.

Dean pushed open the door and quietly stepped inside, Sam right behind him. Dean quickly spotted the headless body a few feet in front of him and pointed it out to Sam. Sam motioned to the stairs on the far side of the room, hinting that he would take the top floor while Dean searched the bottom. The two of them split up, and attempted to search the place as quickly as they could.

Dean was making his way through the bottom floor, easing into each room on full alert, only finding bodies in his wake and no sign that you were still there. He stopped in front of the last door, afraid of what he would find when he walked through, but quickly shook off the feeling and stepped inside.

He spotted the body instantly and walked over to it, nearly falling into a large hole where the floorboards had rotted out. He eased himself around it, not daring to get too close to the edge when something caught his eye. He stepped closer to the edge and peered down, his stomach instantly churning at the sight. There you were. He had found you.

His eyes quickly scanned the room and he finally spotted what he thought was a hatch for a basement. He ran over to it , and quickly pulled it open, taking the stairs down as fast as he could to get to you.

He crouched down at your side, his eyes scanning your body and trying to decide what to do. "Sam!" he yelled out as loud as he could.

You turned your head to the side and forced your eyes open, "Dean?" you croaked out, not really sure that he was there.

Dean gently touched the side of your face, pushing a few stray strands of hair from your forehead, "Hey, sweetheart." he said, tears starting to form in his eyes

. The corner of your mouth turned up, "You found me." you said.

Dean nodded, "I promised didn't I. I said I would always find you, and I'm here. It's going to be ok. Everything is going to be ok. Me and Sammy are gonna get you patched right up." he said, trying to keep his voice from wavering.

"Shouldn't lie to a dying person." you said, in between shallow breaths.

"I told you that you were going to be fine. You're gonna be just fine." Dean repeated again, trying to convince himself just as much as he was you. "Sam!!" he yelled again, even louder than the first time.

You raised your hand and reached out for him, Dean quickly taking your hand and holding onto it for dear life. "I'm sorry." you said.

Dean shook his head, "No. No, don't you start that. Don't you dare say goodbye. You're gonna be fine. I'm gonna get Cas down here, and he'll fix you right up." he said, tears starting to streak down his face.

"It doesn't hurt anymore. I can't feel it." you managed between breaths.

"Sam!" he yelled again, pure desperation in his voice.

"De, I'm sorry. I should...should." you tried to say.

"Shh...it's ok. I'm right here. You're ok." he said, knowing it was the furthest thing from the truth, his heart breaking at the realization.

You sucked in a breath, "I didn't want this to happen. That's...that's why I stayed away...didn't want to lose you, but...I was wrong. I should...should have come back." you said, each breath getting harder to take.

"It's ok, baby. I'm here now. We're together now, and I'm not leaving." he said before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss to your lips, the coppery taste of your blood lingering on his lips when he pulled back.

Your breathing was becoming more unstable, a longer period of time between each ragged breath, and Dean knew that you didn't have much time. "You'll...find me...again?" you asked, each word a struggle.

Dean nodded his head, "I'll find you, no matter where you are. I promise, I'll always find you." he said, the corner of your mouth turning up into a slight smile.

You could feel your eyes growing heavy, the need to close them was overwhelming. "Hey, hey, hey. Come on, baby. I need you to look at me. Come on, Y/N. You gotta stay with me." he pleaded.

You forced open your eyes, "Love...you." you said.

. "I love you too so, so much. You can't...come on....just, please don't go. You can't go." he said, his voice cracking.

You looked up at him, and using everything you had left whispered out, "I'll wait."

Dean watched as your eyes glazed over, your chest no longer rising with the struggle of trying to draw a breath. He looked down at you, laying there completely still, and he couldn't control the sobs that racked his body.

He pulled your into his arms, not caring about your blood that was staining his body. He didn't know how long he sat there on the floor with you cradled to his chest before Sam came in. "Dean." Sam gently said, as he slowly approached his brother, knowing that they were too late. "Dean." Sam called again, causing Dean to slowly look over his shoulder at him.

"I've...I've got to get her home." Dean choked out.

Sam nodded and slowly approached him like you would a wounded animal, "Come on, I'll help you get her to the car." Sam said.

Dean shook his head, "No. I've got her." he said, as he rose to his feet, your body laying limply in his arms.

Neither one of them said anything as they made their way out of the building. They didn't say anything as Dean carefully placed your body into the backseat, and they didn't say anything as they took you back to Lebanon, back home.

Dean pulled into the garage of the bunker and turned the engine off, sitting behind the wheel with a blank expression on his face as he stared straight ahead. "Hunter's funeral." he quietly said, Sam taking the hint and nodding.

"I'll get everything ready." he said before opening the door and getting out.

Dean sat behind the wheel, the grip he had on it turning his knuckles white. He forced himself to look into the mirror, praying that none of this was real. It was all just a nightmare and he would wake up any second, but there you were, laid out in the backseat. Dean took a deep breath before getting out of the car, and carrying you inside the bunker.

Sam poked his head into the spare room to see Dean sitting on the edge of the bed, your body wrapped neatly in a sheet behind him. "It's ready." he said, not making eye contact with his brother. He took a step back from the door, and watched as Dean gently picked you up, cradling you to his chest as he slowly walked out the door.

Sam followed him outside, and watched as he eased your body onto the pyre, taking special care to be as gentle as he could. He watched as he prepared your body, and stood over it, hesitating to strike the match. "Let me do it." Sam said, trying to be of some help.

Dean shook his head, "I'll do it." he said before striking the match and throwing it onto you. They both stood by in silence as your body burned, tears streaking both of their faces by the time it was finished.

Neither one of them had spoken to each other afterwards. They both went their separate ways, both dealing with your death in their own way.

Dean took another long pull from the whiskey bottle before sitting it on the table beside his bed. He adjusted the pillow under his head and stared up at the ceiling, knowing the only thing he could do now was wait, wait to find you, and he promised himself that one day, no matter how long it took, he would. He would always find you.

#supernatural fic #supernatural one shot #dean winchester #dean x reader #supernatural #supernatural reader insert #supernatural fanfiction #dean x you #reader insert #dean #spn one shot #spn fic #spn #angst

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sandersstudies · 6 years ago

Text

Quirky - Chapter 5

A High School Superhero AU - Sanders Sides

(Will add tag list in a reblog! If I miss you, please let me know ASAP - As always, asks, comments, messages, reblogs, and keysmashes are more than welcome.)

-> Chapter Six

<- Chapter Four

<<- Chapter One

You can now also find the fic with the same username and title on AO3 :)

Virgil kicked a stone in front of him as the class walked toward the bus. Next to him, Logan was going on about the history of U.S.J., their destination for Hero Studies class. Virgil wasn’t a fan of field trips. He almost envied Terrence, who had stayed home sick from school.

“Pick up the pace, gang,” Mr. Picani said. “Last I checked, none of you had lead feet as a quirk.” There had been no updates on Mr. Sanders, but Virgil and many of the other students had been watching the news religiously. All that had been released to the public was that Mr. Sanders had encountered an unnamed retired pro hero at the site of a recent vandalism, attacked him using his quirk, and fled the scene. Police officers had pursued, but initially lost the trail until Mr. Sanders was arrested in the early hours of the morning in his apartment. The date of his trial had not yet been announced.

“Am I boring you?” Logan asked, stopping mid-sentence.

“Oh, no, no,” Virgil said, spasmodically grabbing Logan’s wrist and then dropping it immediately. “Sorry, guess I’m a little caught up in my own head. What were you saying?”

“U.S.J. is a fascinating location, that is all,” Logan said. Mr. Picani checked their names off his list as they got on board the bus. “Think: a single building containing several ecosystems and terrains to prepare heroes for work in any field at all! Especially useful for disaster intervention, search-and-rescue...but I won’t go on.” He took one of the few remaining open seats, and Virgil sat beside him, on the aisle side. “What were you thinking about?”

“Mr. Sanders again,” Virgil said, lowering his voice and leaning toward Logan. He felt exposed sitting near the aisle. “Do you really think he attacked another hero?”

“Rumor has it the other hero was the Flying Falcon,” Logan said in an even lower voice. “But I don’t like spreading inconclusive evidence.”

“The Flying-” Logan shushed him. “The Flying Falcon?” Virgil whispered. “Roman’s dad?”

“Inconclusive evidence.”

Virgil craned over the back of his seat as the bus started. Roman was several seats back reading a comic book, the seat next to him empty.

His posse not hanging out with him anymore? Roman had seemed a little quieter than usual yesterday. Then again, everyone had. Roman was dwelling an awfully long time on his page. He’s no genius, Virgil thought, But I’m pretty sure he can read. Roman’s eyes did look a little glazed over, come to think of it—

Logan pulled gently on Virgil’s sleeve, and Virgil came back to himself as he slid back into the seat.

“It’s rude to stare,” Logan said. Virgil felt his neck flush hot as he bounced his leg. Logan must think he was a real ass. He stared down at his hands, and then toward the front window of the bus, watching for U.S.J. to appear on the horizon. Another disadvantage of sitting on the aisle side of the seat was limited window access.

“There it is,” Rafaela said a few minutes later, pointing. Students craned their necks to get a first glance at the dome.

“Please stay in your seats,” Mr. Picani said from the front of the bus. Students sulked back down.

U.S.J. didn’t look like much to Virgil. He’d gone on vacation once with his mom and visited the Omaha zoo, and the huge glass building reminded him of the desert dome that housed things like Fennec foxes and meerkats. He had a vague idea that once he entered U.S.J. he would be pounced on by a bobcat.

“The hero Glass runs the U.S.J.,” Kai whispered to Kenny from behind Virgil. “They’re so cool.”

Virgil vaguely recalled seeing Glass on television before. The hero could turn things they touched into glass, and also transform into a glass figure which, when damaged, could regenerate almost instantly. That cheesy action figure, Virgil remembered. The little clear plastic arm that shot off and could “regrow with the power of their Quirk!” (that is, be replaced and reused). How many millions did heroes make off of dumb things like that?

Kai was bouncing up and down, grasping the back of Virgil’s seat and shaking it back and forth as the bus pulled up to the building. Virgil winced. He’d noticed that when Kai was overexcited, his quirk goo could leak from his nose and ears.

“Let’s go!” Kai said.

“Just a minute,” Mr. Picani said. “Your names must be checked off the list as you get off the bus, so don’t rush, now.”

“You checked us on off when we got on!” Kai whined, draping himself over his seat. Roman was instructed to check off names so Mr. Picani could lead the students into the building, and the students started to file into the aisle. Virgil wondered for a moment if Roman would be petty enough to leave Virgil’s name unchecked, but the class president’s face was serious as the other students got off the bus.

“Are you thinking again?” Logan asked, alighting just behind Virgil.

“A little,” Virgil admitted. At least Logan wasn’t embarrassed by Virgil’s awkward staring anymore.

“I do find the construction of U.S.J. compelling,” Logan said again. “The ecosystems…” He was staring at the building with barely-contained delight. “I’ve read about their systems of environment regulation for the six main zones. It’s fascinating. Do let me know if I go on about them too long.”

Virgil felt his lips contort irresistibly into a smile. Logan sure was a nerd, but it was kind of funny how excited he got. “You’re fine.”

Logan continued, rejuvenated by Virgil’s consent. “The main zones are the Ruins, the Landslide, the Mountain, the Flood, the Downpour, and the Conflagration zones. As their names suggest, each is related to a different environmental factor.”

Logan sounded almost like he was reciting from a book. His quirk isn’t a photographic memory, Virgil thought. In fact, Logan was liable to forget things that didn’t interest him. But it might as well be when it comes to this stuff.

“The Conflagration Zone is perhaps most impressive,” Logan went on. “Designed to simulate a city on fire, a blaze is kept constant within the zone, maintained by the environmental factors which prevent it from spreading into the other zones. It’s actually a very delicate balance, the design took years to perfect.” He spoke as proudly as if he’d designed it himself. The class began to move toward the entrance of the building where there was a large sign with U.S.J. emblazoned above it in gold letters.

“Glass is the official caretaker and one of the head designers, along with Multi-Man himself.” Logan’s arms moved emphatically. “Glass’ quirk is quite astonishing. I would be very interested in seeing it in person. Of course, they are also a faculty member. Perhaps they would prefer to be referred to by their civilian name.”

Other students were also commenting on the structure and its caretaker, but none in such technical terms as Logan, who had paused to take a breath after a particularly long paragraph.

“We’re going to process into the front entrance,” Mr. Picani said. “We’ll stop there and you’ll be directed into the next location.”

The students jostled a bit, and Virgil shrunk into his oversized hoodie. Logan, on the other hand, seemed to have grown two inches taller since they’d left the main campus. He was scanning each part of the building as they went through the front double doors, and Virgil imagined once again that he could hear Logan’s synapses firing.

The class oohed and ahhed as they entered the building. The raised platform they entered onto let them see across the entire space, which was more massive than a stadium. From their height, it reminded Virgil of an arena. In front of them was a blue arch leading to the stairs that descended into the rest of the building, which had a dirt floor. Smaller domes encased two of the environmental zones, but a real miniature mountain rose to the ceiling on their right, with a landslide arching down to its base where rested a mock town, small but with everything to real scale. It was so realistic Virgil expected to see people peering out of the windows to watch their arrival. At the edge of the town was a series of collapsed buildings which came almost up to the edge of the raised platform, and across from those was a lake to the students’ right; Virgil had anticipated a pool, a simulated lake, but the body of water had grass and even small trees at the edge, growing happily inside the pavilion with a healthy diet of lake water and sunshine.

The building seemed all sunshine, in fact. Even the mountain was contained inside the massive glass ceiling, and on this sunny day no artificial lights were needed. A few metal beams around the edge were the only reminder that they were not really outside.

Forgetting Mr. Picani’s instructions in their excitement, a couple students began to rush for the stairs that led down into the zones, but stopped suddenly, as if prevented by an invisible barrier.

“Woah there,” said a new voice. In their astonishment at seeing the building, none of the students had noticed the figure standing before him. The person had outstretched their hands to stop Kai with one arm and Rafaela with the other. They were not invisible, but clear through their entire body, and it was only as they began to return to their ordinary form that Virgil could make them out.

They wore ordinary black clothing that looked casual and modern. In place of the mask that usually covered the whole round face was a smile under dark eyes and hair. Virgil realized that the action figure had exaggerated the hero’s age: Glass could not be much older than some of the UA upperclassmen. A few students muttered the name in awe and surprise.

“Here, I’d ask that you refer to me as Mx. Stokes,” Glass said. “Glass is for field work and going on Ellen and things like that.”

Kai was staring up at Mx. Stokes in astonishment, mouth slightly agape. Mr. Picani walked up to the other hero.

“Mx. Stokes is going to begin by giving you all a bit of a tour, and then you’ll be prepared when you start using this place for rescue training,” he said

“That’s right,” Mx. Stokes agreed. “Do any of you know how many zones are in U.S.J.?”

Logan’s hand shot up so fast he almost smacked Virgil in the face.

“Yes?” Mx. Stokes said. “And your name is?”

Logan had begun after the teacher’s first word, so the response went something like “U.S.J-contains-eight-zones-six-of-which—Logan—six-of-which-contain-specific-environmental-factors.”

“Thank you, Logan,” Mx. Stokes said. “That’s correct. All of you are actually standing in the first zone now. The entrance is itself one of the zones, and if you’ll look down those steps you can see into the central plaza, which connects the entrance to the six environmental zones.”

Virgil stared past the other students down the massive flights of steps, lined with guardrails and wide enough that the whole class could have walked down side-by-side. At the base of the steps was the plaza, in the center of which was a circular green space. Virgil hadn’t noticed it at first; it had been dwarfed in size by the other zones. It was little more than a fountain surrounded by plants, a typical park centerpiece. It looked out of place only because it was framed by fallen buildings, a mountain, and a lake.

“Let’s start walking toward the plaza,” Mx. Stokes said, turning for the stairs. The students began to follow, Kai leading the way. Virgil grumbled at the thought of having to go back up the stairs again before they left. He envied Patton, who Mr. Picani was directing to a small elevator — too small for the whole class, but Virgil could dream.

“Now, when lots of people think of hero work,” Mx. Stokes went on. “They think first of TV stuff like punching people and blowing stuff up, right?” A few students muttered agreement. “Right! But the most important part of being a hero isn’t that stuff. Even more important than knocking the shit out of villains—”

“Glass,” Mr. Picani warned from the top of the steps.

“Knocking the stuffing out of villains is caring for the people we serve, and that often means search-and-rescue operations. Plenty of heroes are known for this kind of work.”

There was a beat of glances among the students. Rescue was Multi-Man’s speciality.

If he wasn’t in jail, would he be giving us this speech? Virgil wondered.

“Now,” Mx. Stokes said, breaking the moment. “If the entrance is noon, we’re going to move around the zones clockwise. Does anybody know what the zone immediately to our left is called?” The students were halfway down the stairs, and the collapsed buildings began to loom to one side.

Logan’s hand shot up in the air again, but Mx. Stokes glanced over the students and called on Kai’s much shorter raised arm instead.

“The Ruined Zone,” Kai said.

“Ruins Zone,” Logan corrected in a whisper.

“Right, the Ruins Zone,” Mx. Stokes said. “Or the Collapse Zone. It probably looks a lot like the place where you guys had your heroes vs. villains exercise, and where you took your entrance exam.”

Virgil shuddered at the memory.

“However, the Ruins Zone is meant to simulate an urban environment in the middle of a disaster like an earthquake or tornado, and some of the buildings are not very stable.” They’d finally reached the base of the stairs and had landed almost among the buildings where Patton, just coming off the elevator, was waiting for them. Virgil was startled by the level of detail in the fallen city. Real road signs lay bent at the side of cracked roads. He could see inside individual broken windows and into the rooms inside. He could imagine himself, perched on top of a building in his mask. He could swoop inside the windows and rescue...who was inside the building? He imagined a crouched figure inside. Perhaps it was—

He cut off his daydream halfway. Unrealistic.

“Could...could one of the buildings collapse now?” Kai asked nervously.

“Nope,” Mx. Stokes said, hands on their hips. “The entire building is currently in safety mode. Nothing can hurt you right now so long as nobody goes messing around. But some of the beams and stones are very unstable and are liable to collapse if tampered with, so it’s not a good place to experiment if you don’t know it very well. Anybody know the name of this next zone?”

Since they’d reached the bottom of the stairs, Logan had edged closer to the front of the class and was directly in Mx. Stokes line of sight when he raised his hand.

“Logan.”

“The Landslide Zone,” Logan enunciated.

“That’s right,” Mx. Stokes said, turning around to lead then away from the buildings and toward the small town, surrounded by forest and half-buried under the edge of the mountain with mud and rocks. “I think the name is pretty self-explanatory.”

Virgil was astonished with how long it took to walk first to the Landslide Zone and then all the way to the Mountain Zone, around five or six o’clock on Mx. Stokes’ imaginary map. Surely the building didn’t look this big from the outside? If he kept his gaze focused on the mountain, he found he could almost forget he was inside a building.

“Quite a lot of cliffs there,” Mx. Stokes declared after ignoring Logan’s hand to allow Remy to say “Mountain Zone.”

“Here’s a question,” Mr. Picani said, coming to stand beside Mx. Stokes. “I want each of you to think about your quirk strengths and weaknesses for a moment, and when we get back to the entrance, I’d like to hear which zones you feel work to your advantage and which would be most difficult for you.”

“Does this count as homework?” Remy asked.

Mr. Picani pointed a joking finger at the students. “Be lucky this is Hero Studies and not Literature or I’d have you write an essay on it.” A few students chuckled good-naturedly.

“We’ll take a quick break here,” Mx. Stokes said. “You guys can think about that question and take a quick look around the base of the mountain. No climbing though, okay?”

Some of the students practically sprinted toward the rocks, while Virgil and several others fell gratefully into splayed sitting positions.

“I am going to investigate the rock face, would you like to come?” Logan asked, leaning over Virgil.

“No thanks,” Virgil said. “Think I’m just gonna chill out here.”

“Understood.” Logan sped-walked away, paused to examine a root, and vanished behind a small clump of trees at the base of the mountain.

It is cool, having all this stuff indoors, Virgil admitted to himself. But he was no geology student. He flopped onto his back. The ground felt like real dirt, and he stared through the ceiling’s metal beams to see the clouds drifting lazily overhead. He hadn’t slept well after the news about Mr. Sanders. It was silly but—

He was distracted from his thoughts as Mx. Stokes leaned in to say something to Mr. Picani, too quietly for Virgil to hear except as a mutter. The glass hero touched the other teacher on the arm, and the two took several steps away from the class, though Mr. Picani’s gaze still scanned the students, most of whom had run some distance away or were now chatting amongst themselves. Kai had made a bouncy ball using his goo quirk and he and Kenny were tossing it back and forth, occasionally sprinting after it when it managed to slip through their fingers.

What was Glass saying to Picani? Half-closing his eyes, Virgil rolled onto his side as casually as possible to see the pair better. With the arrest of Mr. Sanders, maybe it was better not to trust anyone, not even the other UA teachers.

From Virgil’s distance, Mx. Stokes’ furrowed brows looked almost sympathetic as he spoke. Picani shooed the younger teacher away after a moment, and Mx. Stokes took a respectful step back.

Something’s going on between those two, Virgil thought. He glanced around to see if any of the other students were watching, but the only one nearby was Patton who was—

Looking at him.

Virgil quickly rolled over and went back to half-closing his eyes. He probably didn’t see that, he tried to convince himself. It didn’t work. He really didn’t like Patton’s eyes. If Virgil had had the courage, he would have watched to see if Patton ever actually blinked, or if his eyes were always staring just a bit. He didn’t look back for several minutes, and was nearly drifting into a nap when Mx. Stokes’ voice broke out again.

“Okay, everybody come back!” Mx. Stokes called. “Roman, you’re class rep, aren’t you? Run around toward the mountain and make sure we’ve got everybody back.”

Virgil pushed himself back into a standing position and dusted himself up without checking to see whether Patton was looking at him.

“Enjoyed your rest?” Logan asked as he approached.

“Enjoyed your investigating?” Virgil responded.

“Thoroughly. They’ve used an ingenious mix of sedimentary rock and artificial materials to create an accurate imitation of a genuine landmass. The trees are growing via an irrigation system routed from the lake under the tile.”

“Who knows the name of the next zone?” Mx. Stokes asked. Logan’s delight at the discovery of sediment and irrigations had distracted him long enough that he had not raised his hand by the time the question was answered.

“The Conflagration or Fire Zone.”

“That’s right, Roman,” Mx. Stokes said. “Let’s start moving that way. And before any of you freak out—” The teacher raised their hands defensively. “The safety settings make the location totally secure.”

A few students scoffed, but Virgil stifled a grateful sigh. The Conflagration Zone, situated near seven o’clock, was the first of the zones covered completely in a dome, this one red instead of clear, with drawn-on flames rising along the sides. Ordinarily, Virgil would have thought of it as a large building, but dwarfed by the entire U.S.J. it was much less impressive. Virgil could almost feel Logan shaking with excitement next to him.

“How does the Conflagration Zone work?” Virgil said, deadpan.

“Very interesting that you would ask!” Logan almost burst out. “Actually, the fire in the space is maintained via a chemical balance, not by burning materials, which regulates it while simulating real fire. Many of the materials inside are actually functionally fireproof. A ventilation system maintains a regulated amount of smoke, and—”

“So,” Mx. Stokes began from the front of the group. Logan trailed off his lecture to listen. “We’re about to go inside the dome now. We are going to stop right inside the entrance, where there won’t be any fire, so don’t break off from the group or run around.”

The doors looked as if they might lead into an ordinary pavillion or museum, but Virgil shivered (ironically, he thought) at the prospect of going inside. He pulled his hood over his head.

“The Conflagration Zone is an environmentally controlled space—” The teacher’s voice changed as he crossed the threshold of the dome, and Virgil was pushed along as the students followed. It was a good thing Logan had already told him about the zone, because he couldn’t hear Mx. Stokes talking over the roaring in his ears.

Like the Ruins Zone, the space contained rubble and several collapsed structures, all engulfed in fire. Standing just inside the door was like facing a raging campfire, and Virgil flushed in the heat. There was no lighting inside the dome besides the flames, so the entire place was illuminated in red and orange. A few mock streets between buildings were the only places away from the entrance that seemed to be totally clear of fire. The class’ brief stay inside was mostly a blur for Virgil, and he breathed deeply when they turned and proceeded back outside. Outside, Virgil realized, was how he thought of the inside of U.S.J., despite the domed ceiling above them.

“Everybody really likes this next spot,” Mx. Stokes said. “Who knows what it’s called?”

“Flood Zone,” a few students said at once.

“Right, sometimes called the Shipwreck Zone,” Mx. Stokes went on. “Nice relief after that heat, huh?”

The students muttered agreement. Near nine o’clock arched the clear blue water of the artificial lake, a large yacht bobbing like a massive buoy two hundred yards from the shore. Behind the lake rose up a small mountain on which perched wooden scaffolding to support a amusement-park-style waterslide, funneling water into the lake. The main slide twisted around several times, reaching the height of an office building, and was wide enough that the entire yacht could have slid inside it. An offshoot from the slide did not come to rest in the water, but jutted out over the zone, spewing water to form a waterfall.

“Looks fun, right?” Mx. Stokes said. “You can’t see from here, but rock formations stab out of the belly of the slide, and the way down is pretty dangerous. The slide and boat are fully functional, though. You guys can check them out when you come back for your first session of rescue training.”

They’d reached the edge of the water, and Mx. Stokes bent down on the mossy shore to reach into the water and cup it in their hand.

“Lightly chlorinated,” they said. “To keep out bacteria and the like. You can even—” and they slurped the water from their hand like they were taking a shot. “Though I don’t necessarily recommend it. Go ahead and touch if you like.”

Several of the students plunged their hands into the water. Kai slipped off his sandles and dipped in his toes. Virgil slid down to sitting and felt the wet ground sink slightly under his weight. When he stuck his fingers into the lake, he could still see them clearly, if slightly distorted in shape and blued in color.

Logan plopped down next to Virgil and plunged his arm in all the way up to his shirt sleeve. When he pulled his hand back out, he’d grasped a fistful of soil from the edge of the water.

“Incredible,” he said, rubbing the grains of sandy dirt between his fingers. “They’ve actually incorporated the lake directly into the ground of the location. The irrigation of the water must be highly advanced.” When he sat back up, the front of his shirt was blurred with mud, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“The lake is connected directly to our next zone,” Mx. Stokes said, gesturing to the dome near ten o’clock. “The Downpour Zone’s ceiling and floor are routed with pipes to and from the lake to create the constant rain without wasting water. Now, I can see you’re all enjoying the lake, but I’m not sure you all would like to walk into the eye of a storm.”

Virgil suspected Logan would enjoy that very much, if it meant a chance to learn about irrigation or whatever it was.

“So, we’re going to walk along the dome and take a look through the doors, and we won’t be getting soaked,” Mx. Stokes said, beginning to walk around the edge of the lake toward the second dome at a brisk trot. Some of the students took an extra moment to get up from the shore, and Kai skipped several steps as he tried to put on his left sandal. Mr. Picani brought up the rear.

“You guys still with me?” Mx. Stokes called over their shoulder smilingly. “We’re almost done, I promise.”

As they approached the final dome, there was a faint sound of thunder from within, muffled by the walls, and Virgil had an image of the Downpour Zone as a snowglobe on Mx. Stokes’ mantlepiece. The dome was indigo and dappled with large painted clouds of blue and purple, intersected with large beams. When the teacher swung the double doors in to let the students peer inside, Virgil remained suspended near the back of the group. He’d seen storms before, and he only had to wait through a few minutes of oohs and ahhs before it was the time he’d been dreading: time to ascend back up all those massive stairs to the exit. Do you want to be a hero or not? he asked himself in an attempt at motivation.

Not that badly, he responded.

The entire group sans Patton and Mr. Picani, who had returned in the elevator, slugged up the stairs. The only students still apparently full of energy were Kai and Logan, who had sparked a conversation in their mutual admiration of the space and were now gibbering away to one another excitedly.

Too discouraged by the stairs to keep up, Virgil walked a few steps behind. It looked like Logan had found a new, more willing set of ears, even if those ears sometimes leaked goo. Virgil found he wasn’t relieved to be rid of Logan’s lecturing, and managed to catch a few snippets of their conversation.

“The production of the building was a direct result of…that’s why I find it so interesting....me too!”

Kai was several inches shorter than Logan, and did pant for breath about halfway up the stairs. Virgil slowed even further, but still caught up to the pair.

“Hello, Virgil,” Logan said. He was smiling. “Kai also knows a lot regarding the history of U.S.J.”

“I’m a big Glass fan,” Kai said, pausing to catch his breath. “I figured.” Virgil hadn’t meant to sound so cold, but Kai’s nose was leaking goo again. The shorter boy sniffed and then suddenly tensed. “Oh no, don’t—” Virgil didn’t get a chance to finish before Kai let out a massive sneeze, splattering Virgil with flecks of goo like smashed Jell-O.

“Oh, gross!” he said instinctively, shoving Kai away from him. Whether the other student was already thrown off balance or whether he’d pushed harder than he meant to Virgil was never quite sure, but Kai tumbled back and would have fallen onto his butt if Logan had not been directly behind him. Too surprised to catch Kai, Logan fell back against the railing of the stairs with an “oof,” Kai essentially in his lap. His glasses went flying.

Kai exclaimed and threw out one hand as if to catch the glasses, and they were enveloped suddenly by goo shot from his fingers before they flew past the safety rail and over the edge of the tall, tall staircase.

Kai almost screamed. “I’m really sorry!” he said, covering the noise of Virgil swearing.

Virgil leaned down to drag Kai to his feet — he was very light — and take Logan by the hand.

“I think my glasses…” Logan muttered.

“They went over the edge,” Virgil said. “Gosh, I’m so so sorry, will you need new ones? Can you see okay? Should I—”

“Oh, they’re not broken!” Kai insisted.

“What?” Logan got back to his feet.

“They’re not broken,” Kai said. “My goo is a shock absorber, they’ll be protected.”

“Everything okay back there?” Mx. Stokes had been leading the group, but paused when Kai shouted, and had now turned around to approach them. Mr. Picani appeared at the top of the steps after exiting the elevator with Patton and was also peering down to see why the group had paused.

“We’re so sorry, Mx. Stokes,” Virgil stuttered. “It was my fault. Logan’s glasses fell over the side of the stairs.”

“Well, that’s not good,” Mx. Stokes said after a beat. They leaned over the guardrail to peer into the Ruins Zone below. “Can’t see much from here, huh? Well, why don’t you — and what’s your name, kid?” They planted their left hand on Virgil’s shoulder.

“Virgil.”

“Okay, Virgil, I don’t think Logan here will be much help to you down there.”

Logan had, in fact, lost his depth perception and was experimentally walking up and down the nearest three steps with only minimal success.

“You...you want me to go down there?” Virgil asked. He was unsure how to put confused emphasis on every word in a sentence at once.

Mx. Stokes tapped their thumb against their lip. “Here, Virgil, why don’t you take your class rep, he’s a popular guy, right? His light quirk will be a big help down there.” Virgil had no time to protest before Mx. Stokes was waving. “Hey, Roman! Hop down here a minute!”

Roman was near the front of the group but trooped down the steps at the sound of his name. Mx. Stokes slapped their right hand onto his shoulder so they stood in a T-pose connecting the boys (albeit a crooked T, because Roman was taller than Virgil).

“You’re gonna take a jaunt with Virgil here to recover Logan’s glasses,” Mx. Stokes said. “Think of it like a real hero mission, boys.”

Roman looked unimpressed.

“Now,” Mx. Stokes went on. “Safety settings are still on in all zones, so there’s nothing dangerous down there so long as neither of you messes with anything. Just go ahead and run down there and right back up and we’ll hold the bus for you.” They lightly smacked both the boys’ shoulders and jogged away, gesturing for the rest of the class to follow.

“I really appreciate it, Virgil,” Logan said, touching Virgil’s arm lightly before walking away and leaving Virgil facing Roman on the middle of the stair.

The two stared at one another for a second before Roman huffed and started off down the steps. “Well, are we going or not?”

Virgil bit his tongue. He supposed putting up with Roman was enough of a punishment for sending Logan’s glasses spiraling into a collapsed city, and began to follow the other boy down, loath to think that he’d have to climb the stairs all over again.

When Virgil reached the base of the steps, Roman had wandered a few steps into the city and was staring around the ground, occasionally swearing under his breath.

“Thought you and Specs were buddies or something,” he said, peering under some fallen beams. “What’d you knock his glasses off for?”

“It wasn’t on purpose,” Virgil snapped.

“Geez, chill out,” Roman said, straightening up. “Just a question. Where did the damn things go, anyhow?”

“They fell over there,” Virgil said, pointing deeper into the ruins. There were a number of beams arching above the walk and though a strong sunlight was coming through the ceiling, it was difficult to see underneath them. “Why don’t you just use your quirk?”

“I don’t need to use it for everything!” Roman said a little too loudly.

“Geez, just a question,” Virgil said, imitating Roman and sticking out his tongue. “What, jealous since you’re basically quirkless anyway?”

“Hey, fuck off!” Virgil said, bristling. “I didn’t drag you down here or anything.”

“You said it was your fault the stupid things fell.” Roman took a few steps toward Virgil, his hands balled into fists.

“Yeah, but it’s not my fault that you’re acting like a massive ass,” Virgil snarled.

“Oh, fuck off, I’ll get the stupid things myself.” Roman whirled around. He stalked away, shaking slightly at the shoulders. Just as he was about to round the corner of one of the collapsed buildings, he took a furious swing at a low hanging beam, the impact of which created a hollow groaning sound. Roman kept walking.

Virgil was about to follow him when suddenly the groaning grew instead of faded, and the beam shuddered and collapsed directly over Roman’s head.

#studywritesstuff #sanders sides #fanfiction #fanfic #fic

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