#Photonic IC

[creative-news-alert]

Photonic IC Market Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Rising Adoption of Optical Communication Technologies

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are optical components integrated onto a single photonic chip to perform sophisticated photonic functions such as processing, detecting and generating optical signals. They are key components required for building optical routers, switches and transceivers for high-speed data communication. PICs integrate multiple optical components including splitters, semiconductor optical amplifiers, array waveguide gratings, modulators and detectors to perform complex optical processing tasks. The global photonic IC market comprises different types of PICs namely Indium Phosphide, Gallium Arsenide, Silica-on-Silicon and Silicon based photonic ICs.

The global photonic IC Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3535.23 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Dynamics: The rise in the adoption of optical communication technologies owing to increasing data traffic is one of the major drivers fueling the growth of the photonic IC market over the forecast period. Optical communication helps to carry huge amount of data at faster speed over fiber optic cables compared to electronic communication. Further, emerging technologies such as 5G, cloud services and internet of things (IoT) require high-speed data communication networks which is facilitating the adoption of photonic integrated circuits in various applications. Additionally, the development of compact and robust photonic integrated circuits for telecommunication applications is also contributing to the market growth. For instance, IBM developed universal silicon photonic integrated circuits for telecommunications networking applications that combines modulators, detectors and other passive components on a single silicon photonic chip. However, high initial investments and manufacturing costs associated with photonic ICs compared to electronic ICs may hinder the market growth during the forecast period. SWOT ANALYSIS Strength: The photonic IC market size is witnessing significant technological advancements which is strengthening its product offerings. Photonic ICs allow high speed data transmission and enhance computational power which is becoming increasingly important. Manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D to develop more efficient photonic ICs. Weakness: High initial costs associated with manufacturing photonic ICs is one of its major weaknesses. Designing efficient photonic circuits also remains a complex challenge which limits widespread commercial adoption. Lack of standardized fabrication process further adds to the expenses. Opportunity: 5G network rollout and increasing demand for high speed connectivity worldwide presents massive opportunities for photonic IC vendors. Their applications in optical communication, sensing and metrology will further grow in the coming years. Integration of photonic ICs with other semiconductor devices also opens up new opportunities. Threats: Significant capital requirements for fabrication facilities pose major entry barriers for new players. Established electronic chip manufacturers pose competition through alternative solutions. Economic slowdowns can impact investments in network infrastructure and related technologies. KEY TAKEAWAYS The global photonic IC market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period driven by increasing investments in optical communication networks globally. The global photonic IC Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3535.23 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031. Regional analysis: North America currently dominates the market owing to heavy investments by telecom operators as well as government agencies in the region to develop national 5G infrastructure. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market with major upcoming investments planned in countries like China and India. Key players: Key players operating in the photonic IC market are Cargill Inc.,Tate & Lyle PLC,Corbion N.V.,Firmenich SA,Sensient Technologies,Associated British Foods Plc.,Givaudan,Takasago International Corporation,Mane SA,International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF),Quest Nutrition LLC,Danisco A/S. These companies are focusing on new technological advancements and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market position.Explore more information on this topic, Please visit:https://www.newswirestats.com/photonic-ic-market-size-and-outlook/

[skyler10fic]

Me, taking the Destroyer of Worlds and the Annihilator of Hala and making them adorkable girlfriends:

Now kiss

[freshmangojuice]

May I present: Red Dwarf

She has no weapons, no defense systems, and poor maneuverability. But she's as big as a city, built on an asteroid, and has been traveling for over 3 million years without stopping, and has surpassed light speed.

So I ask: how do you defeat a god?

“the millenium falcon would wipe out the enterprise in seconds” lmao the enterprise is just an innocent science class floating thru space…. all they wanna do is look at some rocks… kiss an alien…. find some space plants….. why would you fight that its not a battleship theyre just nerds…… leave them olone 

[technotale]

Photonics: Unraveling the Mysteries of Optoelectronics in Research and Industry

What is Photonics? Photonic is a field of science that deals with the technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. It involves the emission, transmission, modulation, signal processing, switching, amplification, and detection of light. Optoelectronics finds extensive use in fiber optics communications, lighting, medicine, entertainment, optoelectronics, and sensors. Applications of optoelectronics are abundant and impact almost every aspect of our daily lives and economy. Fiber Optic Communication

Optical fibers allow transmission of data encoded as pulses of light through hair-thin strands of glass. It has revolutionized telecommunications by enabling broadband Internet worldwide. Fibers have much larger bandwidth than metal wires and can carry hundreds of terabytes per second over long distances with very low losses. Dense wavelength division multiplexing further multiplies network capacity by transmitting multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously. Optical fibers laid along sea beds now connect all continents through undersea cables. 5G technologies will also rely heavily on optoelectronics for backhauling mobile data traffic. 3D Printing using Photons

A new manufacturing technique called stereolithography employs lasers to selectively cure liquid resin, building 3D structures layer by layer with light. This photopolymerization process fuses liquid material together to solidify complex geometries from 3D digital models with extreme precision. Stereolithography can rapidly produce prototypes and customized parts for industries from medicine to consumer products to aerospace. Researchers hope to advance 3D bioprinting tissues and organs using photons. Novel mask-based lithography also wields photons to precisely etch nanoscale silicon chips for computers, sensors, and other electronics. Lighting and Displays

Solid-state lighting based on light-emitting diodes or LEDs has revolutionized illumination with its high efficiency and long lifetime. LEDs are now ubiquitous in everything from automotive headlights to advertising displays to in-home lamps, significantly cutting energy use. Liquid crystal displays that enable all the smartphones, monitors, and TVs in our lives also rely on optoelectronics to precisely control light transmission and color. Emerging organic light-emitting diode displays spread vibrant colors across flexible form factors like scrolls and fabrics. Researchers work on novel lighting and displays like quantum dots, microLEDs, and solar concentrators. Biooptoelectronics and Medicine

Photons play a vital role in biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. Lasers are used widely in ophthalmology for refractive corrections and cataract treatments. Fluorescence imaging captures biological processes with light, while fiber optics enable minimally invasive surgeries with endoscopes and catheters. Photodynamic therapy activates photosensitizing drugs with visible light to treat cancer and other diseases. Optogenetics harnesses light to stimulate genetically targeted nerve cells, opening new avenues for researching brain disorders. Photons probe molecules and cells with techniques like fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoacoustic tomography and optical coherence tomography. Sensing and Metrology

Sensors that measure temperature, chemicals, strains, and more employ optoelectronics principles. Fiber optic sensors can monitor structures or pipelines over long distances, valuable for infrastructure monitoring. Photonic crystal fibers enable ultra-sensitive measurements of tiny refractive index changes. Interferometers gauge short distances to the nanometer using light interference. Lidar sensors power self-driving cars and drones by laser ranging. Photonic time-stretch dispersive Fourier transform unlocks new capabilities for real-time broadband spectral analysis. Photonic integrated circuits will miniaturize labs-on-a-chip sensors for point-of-care diagnostics and chemical monitoring. Metrology with precise photons traces national calibration standards and revolutionizes manufacturing quality control. Advanced Manufacturing with Photons New directions in manufacturing leverage light-matter interactions enabled by optoelectronics. LightsOut technologies like direct laser writing mould and assemble submillimeter components with light beam accuracy. Two-photon polymerization patterns exquisitely complex scaffolds for tissue engineering on micron scales. Digital light processing precisely projects entire patterns for rapid curing of industrial parts and displays. Nonlinear optics enable cutting, drilling, marking, deposition and surface treatments with ultrafast laser pulses. Optical tweezers employ photons to grasp and manipulate nanoparticles, organelles and cells with femtoliters precision. Advancements in nonlinear and quantum optoelectronics push the frontiers of manufacturing even tinier structures and devices. In Summary, as seen from the wide range of applications outlined above, photonics has transformed numerous technologies essential to modern society and our daily lives. Researchers continue advancing novel materials, devices, and photonic integration to bring new capabilities across communications, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and more. The amazing world of optoelectronics will surely keep empowering human progress and discovery for generations to come.

[glitchy1938]

Murder Drones X Child Reader

Hi everyone I want to make this story, and it took me some times to make it, so let me know if you like it, olso, it's my first story so, hope you enjoy ! Just to let you know :

italic writing is thinking bold writing is the action

Part-1 : Pilot

Uzi : "We are Worker drones" autonomous Robots Helping Humans Mine Exo-Planets for our inter-stellar parent company JC jenson in Spaaaaaacee !!

"Yeah, We were Mistreated in the name of windex, but it's not like WE Revolted and killed all humans or anything"

"Mostly because…They handled that just fine all by themselves…"

"With Biological life wiped from the planet we found it pretty easy to pick up where they left off…"

"We finally had it all to ourselves…"

"Unfortunaly, our planet company didn't exactly love the concept 'Runaway A.I"

In the Distance, the Disassembly Drone will start Emerged from the pod and one of them throw a worker drones head on the ground and they start to laugh evilly and destroy the city with the other two Disassembly Drone.

"But what our parents done for the past forever ?! while those things Built a spire of corpses hide under the ice ?! TREE STUPID DROOS !! It's like we're wainting for them"

"Anyway, that's why MY project is… THIS Sick-as-RayGun !!"

Y/n watch her older sister and her RayGun and saw how cool it was, but.. They have a bad feeling about this… "Why do i get the feeling somthing bad is going to happend ?…"

When she took it out and showed it to them, everyone start to panic

Ramdom Worker : THAT'S SO NOT THE VIBES.. !

Uzi : Easy Morons, it's doesn't work… YET !! Who said it doesn't work ?! Maybe it does !!

Your sister flick the switch at the side of the Gun and laugh like a psychopath, the teacher rolled his eyes, annoyed by that.

Y/n saw the gun start to change color

Teacher : *Sighs* Uzi, the homework was about word problem about buying watermelons.

"OH, and this Magnetically Amplifed Photon Converger doesn't count ?"

"No" he said

-Y/n rise her hand-

Uzi : "What is it y/n ?…" She look at her younger sibling

Everyone in the school loves her little sister, and they nice to her because of how cute and small she was form everyone.

(If you are a boy, then pretend that you are a girl, for the story)

Y/n : "Is that supposed to make that color ?"

Uzi look down and see it starts to turn red and tehn explosdes the classroom…

Later…

Uzi was in the nurse's office, with a ice pack on her head

Lizzy : "Ew, it didn't kill her" she said, passing by

A few minutes later, a male worker drone came in with y/n and they both sat next to her

Thad : "Classic toxic masculinity Chad ! That's never gonna en up problematic… Oh wow ! Uzi ? I heard you uh…

Uzi : "i'm a anger teen thad, BITE ME ! Also, how do you know my name ? People willing talk about you."

Y/n : "I told him your name !" Uzi look at her

Uzi : "Y/n, what did i say about telling people about my name ?" Y/n : "…Not to…"

Uzi : "And you know what that means ?… YOU GET THE TICKLE MONSTER !!!" She grabs you and start to tickle you and you couldn't stop laughing wery hard

She loves you even though you are not complitly her sister, she promesed herself to keep you safe from harm

Thad : "And everyone knows khan's two daughters, but uh… Then, you might blow the other half of your face clapping daddy issues hilarious…"

She stop tickling you and look at him, wille you try to catch your breath.

Uzi : "What you're in for testoterole too hard ?"

Thad : "This can happend ?! Awseome !" Thad laid back in the chairbefore speaking again

Thad : "And hey, those bandages looks badass !" He pount out

Uzi : "Oh…" She brushed some of her hear back, before looking away as blush make it away to appear on her visor…

Uzi : "Ew, cross ! I hate you said that."

(Trust me, we KNOW you like it 😏~) Y/n : "Then, why are you blushing ?"

Uzi : "i'M NOT BLUSING !! SHUSH !!"

Y/n : "-.-"

Before he can finish, Uzi put down Y/n on the chair and pointed the Gun on Thad

Uzi : "Sick-Hell-Railgun si-fi Nonsense that SUPER words ! I'm going to the murder drones tonight, to get the last spare part I need to save the word with it, and earn my dad's respect ! But mostly save the world part"

Y/n : "Can i come with you ? PLEASE !!" you asked, with giving her puppy eyes

Uzi : "No, it's too dangerous for you to come, and you're too small"

Y/n : "Aww… [Then i will find a way to follow you >:3]

Thad : "Does your dad make awesome doors ? So we don't have to Uh… Do, scary-sounding emotionally redressed stuff you just said ?…"

Uzi : "NO MORE FEEDBACK ON MY REPRESSION TODAY !!" She pointed the gun dangerously on his cheek

Thad : "OW S-SORRY !! I-I-I Didn't think-"

Before he can finish, she left the room grulmbling with her little sister following her close behing

Uzi : "BITE ME !!"

As she left, she came back Uzi : "I'm not mad at you, by the way- It's just hormonal !"

Y/n : "Bye Thad ^^!"

Later, at home. 3:00…

Uzi smacked her self to turn off her alarm and snug to grab the master key that can open the doors, she saw Y/n following her

Uzi : "Y/n !! WHAT DID I TOLD YOU ?!" Y/n : "Come on…! You never let me do anything !" You said very sadly

Uzi : "Fine, but you stay close to me, i don't want to lose you, okay ?" She give you a smile

Y/n : "YAY !!"

You two were going out but when she open the door, your dad was there.

Uzi and Y/n : "OH MY ROBOT-GOD !!"

Khan : "And might I ask where you two are off to ?" he ask to them both

Uzi : "Mm.. Sneaking out with my boyfriend which i definitely have ?…"

Your dad start laughing at this, yeah… He's not buy it…-_-

Khan : "Seriously though"

Uzi finally give up

Uzi : "*groans* Okay, okay ! You caught us. We need to… measure the exterior hydraulic mechanisms of door, because that's…"

She paused and look at her railgun before responding y/n help her hide it…

Uzi : "The project i'm working on for school ? A big old door ! *laughs awkwardly*…Just like my old man build"

He look at the her, still suspisous

Uzi : "We really wanna join the WDF and hide behind for the rest of our life like a cowards and play cards and stuff."

Khan : "OHOH, well we don't just play cards.

The two doors open and there sat a few worker drones playing cards

Worker drone : "Hey Khan ! Can you grab a fresh pack ? We littlerally only play cards so much that the number are faded."

The same person noticed you and Uzi where they were. "Hey Y/n and Uzi !"

You guys both greet them, then your dad close the doors

Khan : "Well… When you build doors so good…"He turn and flattering himself against the door

"Good door, Gooood door" He crooned to it

Khan : "There's no need to fight Uzi, Y/n, This is great news !" He cried

He grabs a Wrench from behind him

Khan : "Here-- The Wrench i use to tighten blots on my first door prototypes-"

Then he took a murderous tone of voice

Khan : "And to put your mother out of her mystery, when the Murder drones got to her with their nanite acid !" He snapped before going back to normal

Khan : "I want you to have it !" He give it to Uzi

Uzi hardly smile at him while you thank him for that, even if, right now, your are hiding behind her because of how he say it

He open again the door behing him.

Khan : "GUYS ! My daughters are into doors !!"

Everyone at the table cheered as the door finnaly opened

Khan : "They gonna be outside for a bit to examine the exterior of door 1 !" He called out

He turns to hes daughters

Khan : "Your door specific destiny awaits !" He told to you two

Uzi : "Uh, wow, okay, me and Y/n are just going to leave then… 'cause this worked so weirdly well. Uh go doors !!*laugh awkwardly*"

The doors close and they both look ahead at the city, the only light was the plants in the sky

Y/n : "So now… What ?…" She ask Uzi

Uzi : "We look for the part, and then we came back"

They both start to walk to the Murder drones Liar…

Helloooo !! So this is th first part of "Murder Drones x child reader", it's inspired from @Exotic-Worker-Dron-Uzi-Says-Is very Sad and @Luna Hamato in Quotev

So i Hope You enjoy !!

[falliay]

Hello! Sorry to pop in suddenly but I was looking through your wonderful blog here and saw Copper, your OC, and i was wondering if you would be okay with sharing some Copper facts? I'd love to hear about him and his story if that's okay. He seems so interesting.

No pressure tho. I'm just being curious. I love your blog!

Oh of course I can talk more about him! He’s for sure my most popular TF oc (considering I barely do anything with them)

(Gif by @pineapplestix , number 1 Copper fan)

Name: Copper, of Iacon

Faction: Autobot

Alt Mode: a Metal Box

Equipment: Photon rifle, datapad, jet-pack

Abilities: His alt mode, although seemingly useless at first, serves as a shield to him whenever things get too messy (similarly to a turtle in it’s shell). Hidden in his right thumb is a microphone which he uses to record his interviews. Due to his small size, he’s pretty stealthy and can go unnoticed by bigger mechs.

About: Copper is an aspiring historian and archivist who travels around the galaxy to document and store information about the war and its participants. He’s curious, brave, reckless, and sometimes rather apathetic. Due to his impulsive need to get more information for his writings, he tends to jump into more danger than he can handle. Most bots see him as an annoyance, frequently interfering in battles to interview those fighting - others, however, see him as a very sad and lonely individual who’s trying anything to be at least a bit useful and memorable during this war.

During the narrative, he is also shown to not really understand the meaning of being an Autobot or Decepticon - and that he was an Autobot for the sake of being safer around his own teammates, which isn’t necessarily true because he did suffer a lot of harassment and bullying for his “uselessness” in battle.

(by DaemonBG on Twitter)

Extra facts!

- He has a British accent (it was a joke at first, not canon)

- He loves ice cream

- At first, I wanted him to not be able to transform - but him being a box would be cooler in my head

- His alt mode is a reference to the Companion Cube

[lovely-cherubs]

Chapter 2: The Beginning Of It All (Disassembled: Origins)

Previous Chapter: Chapter 1 - Prologue

⋘ Booting up// The Beginning if it All___⋙

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████▒▒▒▒▒▒ 30%

█████▒▒▒▒▒ 50%

████████▒▒ 80%

██████████ 100%

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. . . 

"But what have our parents done for the past forever while those things build a spire of corpses?!” A purple-haired drone named Uzi exclaims. She is currently hosting a presentation in front of the class.

"Hide under the ice behind three stupid doors?! It's like we're waiting for an inciting incident!" A grin suddenly appeared on her face.

"Anyway, that's why my project is this sick-as-hell railgun!" She pulls out her railgun and points it at the students as they gasp.

"Oh, that’s so not the vibe!" Riley, one of the students, shouted in panic. Uzi rolled her opticals at the comment.

"Easy, morons. It doesn't work. YET." She said pointing the gun at them again. " It doesn't work yet. Who said it doesn't work?! Maybe it does!" Uzi turns her railgun on, cackling and pointing it back at the students. The teacher drone sighed in disappointment.

"Uzi, the homework was a word problem about buying watermelons." He pointed out.

“What kind of watermelons though? Cuz the ones I like are top quality.” A green-haired drone dressed in green-colored alternative fashion with a green bow on her head blurted out while eyeing Uzi with a smirk. The entire class bursted into a fit of laughter at the innuendo and Uzi herself blushed at the remark.

The teacher rolled his eyes at her comment “Very funny, Emerald. I’m talking about the ones that you put in your mouth.”

“I put the ones I’m talking about in my mouth as well. Those of us in a relationship do or have at some point.” She smirked. Once again, laughter erupted into the class at her remark, and Uzi, now blushing heavier than before, was trying her hardest to contain her laughter.

The teacher sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. That drone's mouth knew no bounds. She was completely unfiltered, which was both a blessing and a curse. 

“Anyways, Uzi. The homework?” He looked at her.

“Oh…” Uzi said, realizing that the focus was now shifted back to her. “And this magnetically amplified photon converger doesn't count?” She asked.

The teacher rolled his eyes. “No. Plus, repressed emotional baggage was only worth two points on the rubric.” He added. 

“And is it supposed to be that color?” He pointed at the gun, noticing something different about it. Uzi turned her attention to her railgun, which had red electricity crackling. Her eyes widened and she let out a “huh!?” realizing what was happening. 

Within seconds, an explosion occurred, students coughing from the dust and debris produced. Unfortunately for Uzi, she earned a trip to the nurse’s office, a bandage over her right eye, and an ice pack. 

“Oh, here. No, wait, hold on. Shh.” a voice whispered. Uzi looked up to Lizzy and Doll in front of the door.

"Ew, it didn't kill her! Oh my God, I'm so bad!" Lizzy taunted Uzi before she and Doll giggled and ran off. Uzi groaned in annoyance at her petty behavior. Typical behavior of a popular girl in school.

A few seconds later, another drone came into the office. He appeared to be conversing with someone else.

"Classic toxic masculinity, Chad! That's never gonna end up problematic." He said with an amused laugh before noticing Uzi and was surprised by the state she was in.

"Oh wow, Uzi? I heard you, uh-" He started hesitantly.

"I'm an angsty teen, Thad. Bite me!" she told him as he walked towards one of the chairs and sat beside her. "Also, how do you know my name? People willingly talk to you." She pointed out. He chuckled at her statement.

"Well, I'd say everyone knows Khan's daughter, but, uh..." Thad said as he pointed to the poster of Khan Doorman, Uzi's father.

"Then you might blow the other half of your face off." He added as Uzi gave him a deadpanned look.

"Crippling daddy issues, hilarious," Uzi muttered with a small laugh. "What are you in for? Testosterone too hard?" Uzi joked with a smirk.

"That can happen?! Awesome!" Thad said before turning to face her. "Hey, those bandages look pretty badass!" He said with a smile which caused Uzi to blush.

"Oh... Uh, ew. Gross, I hate that you said that." She replied shyly and awkwardly. “And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m taken.”

“Oh yeah, you're right.” Thad chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “What was her name again? Um… Emerald? Yeah, Emerald! What she said in that class today was wild! Hilarious. I should get some tips from her. Whaddya say?” He looked at Uzi.

“Um… yeah. I guess.” She replied. 

“Cool! *sigh* You guys are a cute couple. Sometimes I wonder how you managed to get with someone like her.” Uzi rolled her eyes at the question. However, it was true that she often wondered why Emerald fell for someone like her. She wasn't that attractive. Not only that but Emerald was well-liked by everyone, unlike her. So… why did she choose her out of all the drones?

“So, what's the, uh..." Thad changed the subject, pointing to the gun.

"Sick-as-hell railgun?! Sci-Fi nonsense, that super works!” Uzi exclaimed.

“I'm sneaking to the Murder Drone lair tonight to get the last spare part with Emerald, that I need to save the world with it and earn my dad's respect and stuff, but mostly the world part," Uzi explained as she remembered her best friend always helping her.

"Oh, but doesn't your dad make awesome doors so we don't have to, uh... Do that scary-sounding emotionally repressed stuff you just said?" Thad questioned her motives. In response, Uzi pointed the end of the gun on his cheek.

"NO MORE FEEDBACK ON MY REPRESSION TODAY!!!" She exclaimed angrily.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't think..." Thad apologized as Uzi pulled the gun away and started to leave.

"BITE ME!" She yelled only to come back.

"I'm not mad at you, by the way—just generally hormonal!" She shouted and left the office. 

“Hey Uzi!” a voice suddenly appeared, startling Uzi.

“AH!” Uzi jolted, completely startled. It wasn’t until she saw the familiar face that she calmed down.

“Oh, it’s just you, Emerald.” Uzi chuckled. The drone eyed Uzi with a deadpan expression on her face.

“You seriously brought that railgun into the class after I said not to?” Emerald had her hands on her hips. Uzi’s smile slowly turned into a frown. 

“Are you… mad at me?” She asked softly.

Emerald sighed. “I’m not Zi. I just… didn’t expect you to blow up the classroom.”

“It was an accident, Em!” Uzi rolled her eyes. “Plus, it wasn’t supposed to do that.”

“Well, what’d you expect from a railgun that isn’t 100% complete yet?” Emerald squinted her optics.

“And that’s why you and I are going out tonight to get the last spare part.” Uzi happily declared.

‘What! But what about our plans?” Emerald paused in her steps. Uzi turned to face her and tilted her head in confusion.

“You promised we’d watch “Copper-9’s Got Talent” for our date tonight.” Uzi opticals widened in shock, her hands holding her head in panic.

“Crap, I forgot about that!” The purple-haired drone began pacing around in circles. 

“Hey, it’s okay Zi,” Emerald reassured Uzi.

“No, it isn’t! I shouldn’t have forgotten. How could I have forgotten something so important? I’m such a terrible girlfriend. You probably hate me for this.” Uzi exclaimed feeling guilty.

Emerald shook her head. “You’re not, Uzi.” She walked over to her.

“Look at me.” Uzi turned to face her. There were now digitized tears flowing down her visor. Emerald cupped her cheeks with both of her hands. A small smile appeared on her face afterward.

“Am I bummed out? Hurt? Yes. But to hate you for that? Absolutely not. And for the record, you’re not a terrible girlfriend.”

“Really?” Uzi asked, with tears still flowing.

Once again, Emerald smiled. “Why would I say that if it wasn't the truth? Uzi, you have no idea how glad I am to be your girlfriend. If anything, I feel like the luckiest drone on this planet being your partner.” Emerald pulled her into a hug.

“I love you so much, Uzi. You’re the best girlfriend ever. I could never bring myself to hate you.” Emerald kissed Uzi on her forehead before breaking the hug. Uzi blushed a bit and began to smile.

“T-Thanks, Em. I really appreciate it. And again, I’m sorry for messing this up.” Uzi apologized again.

Emerald gave a small smile. “It’s okay. We all forget at times. I am no better. I forget things all the time. *chuckles nervously* Gotta love having AuDHD.” She continued walking beside Uzi.

“Y-yeah you’re right. Besides, who says we can’t go out and look for spare parts for a date?” Uzi sheepishly suggested. 

Emerald smiled. “That would be great, Zi.” She wrapped her arms around Uzi’s waist and pulled her close. She then bent down and gave Uzi a quick peck on the lips. Uzi blushed, completely flustered by her girlfriend’s actions.

“Speaking of which, does your father know you and I are dating?” Emerald asked. Uzi hesitated before replying. 

“No actually…. He doesn’t. I haven’t told him yet.” 

“How come?” 

“Because… well, I’m scared of how he’ll react.” Once again, Uzi's face turned into a frown. “I’m… scared that he’ll look at me differently if he finds out you and I are together.”

“Well, you’re gonna have to tell him at some point.” Emerald motioned Uzi to continue walking with her. “Whether or not he’s okay with it is not his choice to make. Besides, everyone knows you can’t control who you fall in love with.” She stated.

Uzi sighed. “Some, not all. You remember how Ryan reacted when he saw you and I—” 

“Can we not talk about him, please?” Emerald interrupted Uzi before she could continue. “I’m sorry, it just… brings back bad memories when I hear his name.” Emerald apologized. She was now the one frowning.

“N-N-No no, I-I totally understand. It’s my fault for mentioning him in the first place.” Uzi immediately apologized. “And speaking of memories, are you still having those terrifying nightmares and visions? You were running around the bunker last night screaming and crying, and you looked terrified. Plus, you woke up everyone, including me.”

Suddenly, it was quiet. Emerald stayed silent for a couple minutes before responding. "Actually, I do. And… they're a lot worse." Uzi's eyes widened in fear. A lot worse? Just how bad were they getting.

"What do you mean? How so?" Uzi questioned her.

"Last night, I-I saw myself—as a Murder Drone." Hearing this, Uzi was now frightened. Emerald's been having these nightmares and visions for years now, and they've definitely gotten worse over time.

"You? A Murder Drone?" She asked. "Are you sure it was you specifically?"

"Yes! Or rather, I believe so. This drone had the same hairstyle and bow and even dressed like me. But, it looked completely different as well! I-It had two tails instead of one! Not only that but the tails were shaped into hearts instead of the syringe-like appearance that we see on the Murder Drones.

On top of that, there was a symbol located on its chest—a biohazard symbol. And it had that "X" symbol on its visor and laughed maniacally before charging at me."

"And... this all happened in real life?"

Emerald sighed. "That's the thing, I don't know if it was real or not. But it felt too real. Uzi… I think I might be hallucinating.”

Written by @lovely-cherubs (me)

Do not copy, steal, modify, etc.

Reblogs, comments, and like are appreciated ❤️

[trekbait]

Upcoming holonovel releases this month!

Catch the latest entertainment, available soon at your local holosuite!

Captain Proton Versus the Zombies of the Stratosphere!

Tom Paris’ latest instalment in his Captain Proton series has Proton face off against undead alien invaders who seek to swap their dying planet’s location for Earth’s warm orbit. It is down to you to stop them from throwing Earth away into the cold void of space with the power of atom bombs!

Vulcan Love Slave, Volume VII: T’Hot in Prison

Fresh off Ferenginar’s anonymous erotic presses, this latest tale from the Vulcan Love Slave series sees T’Hots thrown into a barbaric Breen prison where she must “bond” with her fellow female inmates to plan an escape. Can she distract the attention of the cold and mysterious Breen guards to allow her comrades in chains to melt away the ice walls of their cells with their physical activity? (Please note this programme may be restricted in some Starfleet holodecks; check before you download)

Human

The first Exocomp-written holonovel follows the crew of the all-Exocomp science ship Omortson who come across a derelict spaceship in an uncharted asteroid belt. The brave Exocomps mistakenly release a creature from stasis, a deadly and aggressive Human who starts to stalk and murder the crew within their own vessel. Can you survive and ensure the Human doesn’t escape the ship onto other worlds?

Sharknado Attack!

When a freak hurricane swamps San Francisco, thousands of sharks terrorize the waterlogged Starfleet Command. Pyblic Domayne HoloProductions previously became famous for adapting classic Human works like Dixon Hill, Sherlock Holmes, Beowulf and Shakespeare. With the recent craze for Human stories from the early 21st century they’ve been adapting that era’s golden classics such as Bubba Ho-Tep, 50 Shades of Grey, The Emoji Movie and Daddy Day Camp. Sharknado is celebrated as one of the great works of the era and this is the best adaptation of the work to date!

An Eye for a Golden Lady

Felix’s Secret Agent series continues as you are sent on a mission to retrieve the kidnapped daughter of the Japanese emperor. As you travel across ancient Earth in style, uncovering a vast criminal arms conspiracy, all our nuclear war is on the line! But you'll still find time to seduce the princess and sample the local martinis.

Photons Be Free: The Opera

The Doctor, from Voyager, has adapted his tale of photonic servitude for those more musically inclined. The 5-hour-long operatic masterpiece will have you singing along (autotuned if necessary) with the characters as you play an abused holographic slave to an evil crew. The locations are redesigned to be more abstract like stage dressing and, based on the quality of your performance, expect a round of applause for your performance!

[niobiumao3]

Phee Minifig #3

More Phee minifig options. I did a thorough browsing of the Lego catalogue for a torso that got close to her S2 top without having a wrong-skin-tone collar. I settled on this one, which I like a good deal.

I tried out a gold paint pen to do the hairbands; I think they're okay, but I'm going to try a few other styles as well. Teal pen is on the way still, and I need to decide how to do the headscarf.

Also did a slightly-modded, pure Lego datapad alternative. This is closer to the right profile by using the walkie talkie minifig utensil, with one change: cutting off the antenna. Otherwise, this is a pure Lego option. Both use the calculator for a button panel, while the left has one of the few transparent blue decorated 1x1 rounds and the right is a 1x1 transparent blue with glitter. Both look pretty good, I think!

Parts list below the cut

Phee Minifig (pure Lego w/mod)

Hair: 53126 gold bands: paint pen Head: 3626cpb3015 Monica Rambeau (Photon) Torso: 973pb3820c01 Ice King Torso w/983 reddish brown hands Legs: 970c63pb07 U/Y-Wing pilot

Tech's Datapad (pure Lego option w/small mod)

1x1 round 98138 - transparent light blue glitter 1x1 round 98138pb003 with Ninjago Hypnobrai Pattern 1x1 tile, decorated 3070pb174 calculator Minifig Utensil, 19220 Radio w/Grill (black) - antenna removed Minifig Utensil, 3962b Radio w/extended handle (dark gray) - antenna removed

[nfoodd]

BOOTING UP//

EXPOSITION //

Uzi: We are Worker Drones. Autonomous robots helping humans mine exoplanets for our interstellar parent company, JCJenson IN SPAAAAACCCEE!!!! Yeah, we were mistreated in the name of Windex. But it's not like we revolted and killed all humans or anything, mostly because they handled that just fine all by themselves.

(As she speaks, the planet core collapses and blows up a good majority of Copper 9. Afterwords, a Worker Drone touches a frozen human skeleton, which falls over and shatters.)

Uzi: With biological life wiped from the planet, we found it pretty easy to pick up where they left off. We finally had a future, all to ourselves.

(The Landing Pod crashes to the city.)

Uzi: Unfortunately, our parent company didn't exactly love the concept of runaway AI...

(The Disassembly Drones begin to emerge from the pod. One of them throws the head of a dead drone, laughs, and destroys the city with other drones.)

Scene 2

(During a class presentation...)

Uzi: But what have our parents done for the past forever while those things build a spire of corpses?! Hide under the ice behind three stupid doors?! It's like we're waiting for an inciting incident! Anyway, that's why my project is this sick-as-hell Railgun!

(Her classmates panic.)

Riley: Oh, so not the vibe!

Uzi: Easy, morons. It doesn't work... yet! It doesn't work yet. Who said it doesn't work, maybe it does! (Uzi flicks the switch and laughs evilly.)

Teacher: (Rolls his eyes and sighs in disinterest) Uzi, the homework was a word problem about buying watermelons.

Uzi: Oh, and this magnetically amplified photon converger doesn't count?

Teacher: ...No. Plus, repressed emotional baggage was only worth two points on the rubric. And is it supposed to be that color?

(Uzi's railgun turns red and blasts the classroom.)

Scene 3

(After that calamitous demonstration, Uzi winds up in the sick bay.)

Lizzy: Ew, it didn't kill her! Oh my god, it's so bad! (She and her friend leave.)

Uzi: Ugh...

Thad: (Walks in) Classic toxic masculinity, Chad! That's never gonna end up problematic... Oh wow, Uzi? I heard you, uh-

Uzi: I'm an angsty teen, Thad. Bite me! Also, how do you know my name? People willingly talk to you.

Thad: (Chuckles) Well, I'd say everyone knows Khan's daughter, but, uh... Then you might blow the other half of your face off.

Uzi: Crippling daddy issues, hilarious... What are you in for? Testosterone too hard?

Thad: That can happen? Awesome. Hey, those bandages look pretty badass!

Uzi: Oh... Uh, ew. Gross, I hate that you said that.

Thad: So, what's the, uh...

Uzi: (Points railgun) Sick-as-hell railgun?! Sci-Fi nonsense, that super works! I'm sneaking to the Murder Drone lair tonight to get the last spare part I need to save the world with it and earn my dad's respect and stuff, but mostly the world part.

Thad: Oh, but doesn't your dad make awesome doors so we don't have to, uh... Do that scary sounding emotionally repressed stuff you just said?

Uzi: (Angrily points railgun into his cheek) NO MORE FEEDBACK ON MY REPRESSION TODAY!!

Thad: Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't think...

Uzi: (Leaves) BITE ME! (Comes back) I'm not mad at you by the way, just generally hormonal! (Leaves again)

Scene 4

(It's now 3 in the morning. Uzi smacks her face to turn the alarm clock off and prepares to sneak out of the house. She grabs her railgun, straightens her hat, and quietly steals her father's door key to swipe and get a door open. Just when she is about to leave, she runs into her dad.)

Uzi: Oh, Robo-Jesus!

Khan: And where might you be off to?

Uzi: Umm... Sneaking out to make out with my boyfriend that I definitely have?

Khan: (Laughs) Seriously, though.

Uzi: Okay, okay, you caught me! I need to measure... the exterior hydraulic mechanisms of Door One. Because that's... the project I'm working on for school? A big old door! Just like what my old man build! (Khan isn't buying this.) I want to join the WDF and hide behind the doors like cowards while playing cards and stuff...

Khan: (Chuckles) Well, we don't just play cards...

(Another door opens up behind Khan revealing his buddies playing cards.)

Braxton: Khan! Can you grab a fresh pack? We literally only play cards so much that the numbers have faded. Oh, hey Uzi!

Uzi: (Chuckles)

Khan: (Closes door) Well... (Laughs) When you build doors so good- (Goes back to hug the door like a dog owner petting his four-legged friend) Good door, good door... (Turns his attention back to Uzi) There's no need to fight! Uzi, this is great news! Here! The wrench that I used to tighten bolts on my first door prototypes, and to put your mother out of her misery when the Murder Drones got to her with that nanite acid... I want you to have it! (He hands Uzi the wrench.)

Uzi: Neat. Therapy's fun!

Khan: (Opens door) Guys! My daughter is into doors!

(The fellow drones start cheering as another door opens, letting in snow and a cold breeze, much to their chagrin.)

Khan: She's gonna be outside for a bit to examine the exterior of Door One! Your door-specific destiny awaits!

Uzi: Uhh... Wow, okay! I'm just gonna leave then, cause this worked so weirdly well. Uh, go doors! (The door closes.)

Khan: (Tearing up) They grow up so fast! (He takes off his fake mustache.)

Scene 5

(Uzi ventures out into the arctic wasteland and makes her way to the Corpse House. She comes across a downed Drone pod and forages around for the component she needs when she hears a noise behind her. A winged drone swoops in, takes the head of a drone, and crushes it. They notice Uzi hiding behind some machinery, and the two engage in a fight. Uzi braces her railgun, but the drone lands so hard it gets knocked out of her hands. Uzi jumps back and strikes a pose.)

Uzi: Whoa, and they said pirating all that anime was useless...

(The drone stabs Uzi hand, leaving a hole, and flings her to the side. Uzi quickly grabs her railgun as the drone scans around for her.)

Uzi: Bite me!

(Uzi fires the railgun, destroying the drone's head. The railgun recharges as the drone's body falls to the ground.)

Uzi: Holy hell! Suck on that, Dad!

(Suddenly, the drone's head regenerates. Uzi quickly slaps them with an arm, which does nothing, then their eyes open.)

N: ...Did you just slap me with that arm?

Uzi: Holy crap, it talks.

N: Yeah... Sorry, it's just my, uh, head kind of hurts. Hey, are you new to our squad? You're a little, uhh... (Shows Error in his sensors) short, for a Disassembly Drone. I'm Serial Designation N, nice to meet you. I'm kind of the leader of the squad in this city. That's not true, everyone tells me I'm useless and terrible. Wait, I'm not supposed to tell you that part! Biscuits! (Sighs) Well, honesty is the best policy. (Laughs) I also can't seem to remember the past 3 hours of my life, but I'm sure that'll sort itself out.

Uzi: Uh huh... I, uh, have to, go. (She leaves, but forgets about the painful hole in her damaged hand.)

N: Stuck yourself? Just pop it in your mouth. Our saliva neutralizes the nanites, otherwise I'd be constantly disassembling myself. (He holds up a syringe with nanite acid.)

Uzi: And by our saliva, you mean...

Uzi & N: Disassembly Drone?

Uzi: Right. Hey, let's go in that landing pod over there!

N: Sure! I love doing anything!

Scene 6

(N is drinking saliva from Uzi's hand.)

N: Sweet! Uh, I'm open to new things, I guess.

Uzi: We are never talking about this.

N: Talking about what? Consider it, uh... Repressed!

Uzi: ...Uh, you mentioned other members of your squad? Are they coming back soon?

N: Oh, yeah. Two others. They're out hunting for a bit but you'll love them. First, there's V.

(Flashback. V tears a drone's entrails out.)

Grant: No, No! Please don't feed me my own entrails in front of my family!

(N watches V feed Grant his own entrails in front of his family and kill him.)

V: ...And yet, I still feel nothing. (Her crazed eye twitches.)

N: So, V, uh, I heard this planet-wide toxic death storm is supposed to be especially inhospitable tonight-

V: Oh God, who are you?! (She leaves.)

N: No worries, I'm N! But a whole letter is a lot to remember! (He laughs nervously.)

(Flashback ends.)

N: So obviously, a lot of mutual respect there. But secretly, I actually kind of have a crush on her... You can't tell her, okay?! (Beat. Motioning, Uzi zips her mouth.) Then there's J, our leader.

(Another flashback. J has N pinned to the ground.)

J: N, you're worthless, and terrible, (N: (Struggling to breathe) Thank you...) and if the company allowed it, I would straight up kill you myself!

(Flashback ends.)

N: J's awesome. Hey, let me give you the tour! Outside are the corpse... wall... thingies. In here are the buttons! (He begins pressing buttons.)

Uzi: This... isn't just a landing pod... This is a spaceship! This could get us off the planet!

N: More of a one-use missile. They never taught us how to land.

Uzi: No, I, uh, uh, the worker drones, we could work with them to fix this! Instead of all the murder! ...Which, uh, why are we doing that again...?

N: Other than ingesting their WARM, SWEET oil to avoid overheating and dying? I guess I just want to be useful. I was given a job and I always want to try my best.

Uzi: And look at all the respect it's gotten you, N. You really think the company isn't going to dispose of you once all the workers are dead?

N: Oh my, you sure are rebellious! It's kind of exciting. But, not as fun as, uh, following the rules...

(They hear footsteps.)

N: Hey, they're back! You- (Uzi has disappeared.)

J: Idiot, get out here!

Scene 7

(Uzi retreats from the Corpse House.)

V: (Laughs) Yo, we got a worker out there I kind of want to practice balloon animal shapes with. ...What happened here?

J: Synergistic Liability here must have tripped and knocked himself offline. (J slaps N.) Moron bot, hello? (She snaps her fingers as N goes through a system reboot.)

Uzi: (On a recording) You really think the company isn't going to dispose of you once all the workers are dead? (Rewind.) Bite me!

YOU'RE DEAD

[IDIOT]

(The reboot finishes.)

N: Ohhhh... (His scanner indicates Uzi's footprints.) Ohhhh! You know, I-I left an-an extremely dangerous weap- excuse outside...! (He flees as V holds up a flag that says "Literally So Insanely Suspicious". Meanwhile, N goes off in pursuit of Uzi, who is fleeing back to the colony.)

Scene 8

(Meanwhile, during the card game...)

Todd: Haha, I am out, boys.

Drone: Oh, gosh darn it...

Braxton: Wait until my loving wife and kids hear about this!

(The door opens, letting in the cold and Uzi, much to their annoyance.)

Uzi: Bite me! Close it, close it!

(Uzi tries to swipe the card to close the door, but N has already stuck his claw in between. He pries the door open slightly.)

N: Hey, fellas. Oh, deal me in, I love rummy. Wait, no, I'm going to murder everyone... Rain check!

(He swings his acidic tail at the door scanner, breaking it and the key. The door opens up, as do other doors. Realizing their lives are on the line, Uzi and the other drones, minus Todd, run off.)

Todd: Um, actually, it's gin rummy. So-

(N impales him against a wall and slices his head off. He begins firing at the rest, shooting Makarov's head off and pouncing the other drone. Meanwhile, Braxton catches up with Uzi.)

Braxton: Hey, Uzi! I just realized no one's said my name out loud before, so I'm just letting you know I'm- (N slices him in two, then flies off in pursuit of Uzi.)

(Uzi recharges her railgun and turns back to fire, but sees that N is gone. Khan appears.)

Khan: Pretty nice hydraulics, huh? (He pauses as he sees all the chaos he missed.) ...What-What have you done?

(Uzi doesn't reply. Before she could explain herself, N swoops in. Uzi prepares for a fight.)

Uzi: This time, I won't miss!

N: (Chuckles) I'm sorry. I really enjoyed our time together, but I can't have you shooting V with that thing.

Uzi: Bite me! (To Khan) Dad, get down!

Khan: Uzi, you Lead a murder drone here?! My beautiful doors!

Uzi: Now is so not the time! I messed up, in the same way I'm about to fix it! Move, dad!

(N pins her to a wall and her railgun falls at Khan's feet.)

Uzi: (Straining) Dad... Point and shoot... Trust me...!

(Khan, trembling with fear, slowly backs off instead of helping his only child.)

Uzi: (Heartbroken) Dad...?

(In an act of cowardice, Khan closes the door, leaving Uzi broken. Not just brokenhearted, but broken to the point where she shuts down. No grief over being left in the lurch by her own father. No attempts to fight back N. Nothing. She just goes limp... The room turns red and alarms blare as N regains his sanity, looking with despair over what he has done. At this moment J and V show up.)

J: Whoa, N! Am I dreaming, or did you do something not useless, for once?

V: I've been trying to get past those doors for months. Nice work, N.

N: ...You... Me... Name... Remember...?

V: These ventilation shafts can easily get us around this last door. Lowest body count eats a missile! (She flies upwards.)

J: Way to go, stud. The company's gonna love this. With this colony wiped, we'll make top team this quarter, for sure. You know what that means... Branded pens! (She holds up a JCJenson brand pen, to N's joy. She tosses it to him and prepares to fly off and catch up with V.)

N: ...Uh, you know, not that I can't wait to keep murdering all these, uh, maybe not-so-actually different from us Worker Drones, but, just out of curiosity, do we actually, uh, know what the company plans to do with us afterwards...?

(Uzi begins to wake up.)

J: Excuse me...?

N: Okay, so, a worker earlier might have suggested that they could fix up our landing pod to, uh, escape the planet and stuff, which, whoa, hey, that's against the rules! But, it is kind of making me question why our pods were only one way in the first place. Cause, you know, I get the feeling the company doesn't actually love robots, and like we might be robots. I've made a terrible mistake. It's cool how immediately I could tell.

J: Hmm... No way, buddy. Questioning the company? You just finally gave me the excuse I needed. (J injects N with a virus.) Worker drones are corrupted, N. That's why the company sent us. I hate to see you corrupted as well.

N: (Infected) Thanks, J... Always looking out for me... You're awesome... (He passes out.)

J: Heh. (She flies upward to catch up with V and hunt down more drones.)

(Uzi wakes up and goes to get her railgun.)

N: (Still infected) Ah, biscuits. I'm sorry. I ruined your card game, then made you have an awkward moment with your dad.

Uzi: And I made you rebel like an angsty teen, which got you killed. Though, you also tried to kill me, so morality calls this a draw. (She climbs on top of a box to reach the vent. Predictably, she can't reach due to not having the ability to fly, and for being too short.) Ugh... For the record, that was the lamest heel-face turn in history. Was that supposed to be you switching sides?

N: Being rebellious is a lot harder than it looks. Thanks for showing me the ropes.

Uzi: Nuh-uh, no bonding thing. You just killed a bunch of people, idiot.

N: That's super fair... (Sighs) I screwed up...

Uzi: Ugggh...! In the same way you're about to fix it? (She shows the wrench.)

N: Hahaha! I love doing anything!

Scene 9

(Thad gets flung backwards. Lizzy and Doll rush to help him as J arrives.)

Khan: So... They found our evacuation spot. But, if we build a quick door...

(Thad gets up.)

Thad: Are you kidding me?! You're the WDF, right? Defend! (Khan and his friends back off in more cowardice.) For real?

(V arrives and impales Thad. Just as she's about to kill him...)

Uzi: Hey!

V: Huh?

Uzi: Put that conventionally attractive male down!

(N waves before Uzi nudges him.)

N: Oh! Uh, J, you're sometimes kind of mean to me, and I wish you weren't. Just some constructive criticism.

Uzi: Nice. (They fist bump.)

J: Noted, traitor. We'll circle back after I right-size your existence!

Uzi: (To N) Okay, which one do you want?

N: J, please.

Uzi: Too bad. Good luck.

(Battle commence. Uzi flings her pen at J's hair and runs off, leaving N to deal with V. J manages to knock Uzi down and yanks the pen out of her hair.)

J: Damn the well-made quality assured durability of JCJensen's products! Huh? (Uzi gets back up and kicks J in her face.)

(Meanwhile, N is fighting V. He tries firing from his gatling gun, but hearts shoot out instead.)

N: Ah! My mind's in a weird place! Don't read into this! (A rocket lands near him and explodes.)

(J gets up and knocks Uzi out while N and V are swordfighting. N sees J walk up to Uzi.)

N: UZI! (To V) I'm so, so sorry. Have fun repressing this! (He... licks V's sword. Nasty...)

V: EW! What the hell?! (N kicks her down as J looms over Uzi.)

J: You've got a lot of cuts for a barely sentient toaster. I've had prey fight fact before, but your edgy spirit is just... so... painful...?! (She looks down. Her leg has been stabbed.) GAH! FOURTH! QUARTER! PROFITS! MOTHER OF COMPANY LEADERSHIP RETREATS! (She jams her foot on a piece of rubble and falls over. Uzi points her railgun at her face.)

Uzi: One more buzzword and I'll do it!

J: ...Equity partnersh-

(Uzi pulls the trigger. In the end of it all, J's entire top half has been obliterated. Uzi spits on the corpse (Or what's left of it) to show who's the baddest. As the other drone's come out of hiding to cheer for her, she falls over tiredly. N picks her up onto his shoulders.)

Thad: Holy hell, Uzi, that was insane! And you too, uh...

N: Huh? Oh! N! I'm an angsty rebellious disassembly drone, now.

(They hear someone clearing their throat. It's Khan. Uzi throws her wrench back at his feet.)

Uzi: I brought the murder drones here accidentally. You chose to leave me for dead instead of just freaking believing in me! That's not even an edgy teen hyperbole like when I said it last week! (No response. Uzi, near tears, smacks herself to regain composure.) I'll save you the trouble dad. I banish myself! (Khan tries to speak, but can't find the words.) Let's go, N. Everyone here can bite me! (N grabs V and they begin to leave.)

N: Nice to meet you, Mr. Uzi!

Uzi: (Smacks him) Shut it.

(N takes off with Uzi and V. Khan has a sip from his mug in disappointment."#1 DAD" Nothing could be further from the truth...)

Scene 10

(Out in the frozen wilderness, Uzi sitting on top of a broken car, thinking to herself. Meanwhile, N is lodged inside the Corpse House.)

N: I'd join you if the sun didn't kill me. Hope you're having important character growth or something, though!

Uzi: Just can't wait to murder all humans. Classic robot stuff. I hope they're sitting pretty there on Earth, because we're coming for them...! (She laughs maniacally, her sanity completely vanished, as the zoom out reveals three Drone pods making their way down to Copper 9.)

(Credits roll.)

(The sound of rainfall and thunder pounds outside...)

James: We got to curb her trips to the dump.

(N is shown wearing a suit and holding a platter, like a servant.)

James: And where is she getting the hair to play dress-up with them? Creepy...

(James tosses his glass onto the tray, which N catches without dropping any dishes and walks off. He stops to make a view out of a window as the cacophonous storm continues raging. Continuing his walk, he looks around some more as he collides with V, wearing a maid's outfit. The collision causes N to drop the platter and the dishes fall to the floor.)

N: OH! I'm so sorry!

V: I-It's okay! I wasn't looking.

(Their hands touch and a spark emits. They blush and stare in curiosity as N begins to speak, but is kicked to the side by J.)

J: Move it, moro- (Suddenly turns cutesy and polite) Hi, Tessa! ...Oh, no. Another one?

(A new drone reveals herself from behind Tessa. She makes eye contact with N as everything suddenly goes dark...)

Scene 2

(N wakes up from his rest and falls to the ground.)

Uzi: N, I found something in here!

(Inside the Corpse House, Uzi is inspecting her new finding: a symbol consisting of a skull with a cap and wings. Uzi stares at her reflection in a mirror, which breaks.)

V: That's weird and concerning.

Uzi: Bite me! This is probably you weirdo's fault!

V: I've never seen that symbol before. Wanna do an autopsy to find out?

N: (Appears) What'd you find?

Uzi: Did you know that was a pilot hat?

N: I was the pilot? That's awesome! I crashed and ruined everything... Spaceship Pilot: Origin Story.

(V hisses, then calms herself by blowing bubbles out of a bubble blower.)

N: ...Speaking of piloting to Earth, we sure "murder all humans" is, uh, morality?

Uzi: The humans sent you without a communication relay and reformatted your memories to soup. (No response or rebuttal.) Covering their tracks means their past negotiating. Not like tried negotiating with my mom...

V: Or you missed the negotiations! The humans programmed us to solve a problem. Where's proof of your backstory? The one where your kind's so conveniently innocent? (Chuckles)

(N, not wanting another fight to break out, gently pulls Uzi out of the way.)

N: J was getting orders from someone. If not the company through that relay, then, uh, who? And how?

Uzi: (Pouts) Quit complicating my murder plan. (N tries to comfort her by gently patting her on the head, but Uzi brushes his hand away.)

Scene 3

(Back at Uzi's colony, two drones are staring at the large hole that N made in the roof.)

Tim: Yeah, just fix her up because, whoops, pretty big security risk in hindsight. Uh, you got this, uh, Ladderbot 5000. (His name is Frank.)

Frank: Ugh... Please, just leave the lights- (The lights go off.)

(Frank digs his flashlight out and tries to think of a way to get up there when he hears a clattering sound. He looks around in fear and suspicion when he notices something... fleshy. He goes to investigate, only for a strange spider-like heart device to reveal itself. His flashlight gets shot out of his hand as The Absolute Solver turns the colors of the room yellow and red before finally dispatching him.)

Scene 4

(It's Parent-Teacher Conference Day (AKA "That explains a lot!") at Uzi's school. Khan sits down across from the teacher.)

Teacher: Mr. Doorman, your daughter has been, uh... absent.

Khan: Yes, on that "kill all humans" kick, like when I was younger. Grounded herself and all that.

Teacher: Speaking on her behavior-

Khan: Of course, of course, precocious, popular, supernatural understanding of doors. Takes after her old man.

(Flashback time.)

Teacher: Uzi, please sit normal.

Uzi: Bite me!

(Flashback 2.)

Teacher: Uzi, (Sighs) give Braden back his sentience.

Uzi: (As Braden) Bite me- her! I started it, and also, I'm dumb. (Her head lights ablaze.)

(Flashback 3.)

Teacher: Uzi, you have to partner up.

Uzi: Several people wanted to, for the record.

Lizzy: No, we didn't. You freak us out.

Uzi: (Inside a trashcan) But mostly, bite me!

(End flashback montage.)

Teacher: Yeah, she has trouble fitting in. We think there might be something damaged with her programming. How is she at home?

Khan: Uh... Sorry? I mean, she's a little herself, but damaged? I... maybe haven't spent much time...

Teacher: Mmm, m-hm...

(A worker arrives.)

Worker: Mr. Doorman, sir? There's been an... incident.

Scene 5

(Meanwhile...)

Uzi: Oh, I'm sweaty! Who programmed that?!

N: You good, Uzi?

Uzi: I'm good! Better than good! I am God!

(She pauses to see Thad has shown up.)

Uzi: (Chuckles nervously) Hi, hi, Thad. (He hands her back her railgun.) Thank you.

Thad: Of course, 'Zi! (To N) N&M's. You saved my life. I don't think the colony is even serious about all this banishment stuff, more just confused. Especially with the fact-

Uzi: I'm too rogue to re-enter society now? I can never return...

Thad: ...Recent disappearances, and your murder friend's corpse. When I went to grab your gun, it kind of looked like it... crawled away...?

Uzi: We can return a

Scene 6

(Back at the colony, Tim comes across a hologram of Frank (Or Ladderbot 5000).)

Tim: Oh, Ladderbot 5000? We looked everywhere for you!

(Frank screams in pain, then returns to normal.)

Frank: Hi, Tim. Care to join me?

Tim: Join you standing eerily still over there in suspiciously low resolution?

Frank: ...Yes?

Tim: ...Alright.

(He walks over, not knowing that the Absolute Solver is about to snatch him and drag him up into the ceiling up until it's too late. Tim's hologram joins Frank.)

Tim: Flawless character acting, me.

Frank: Improv game for more practice?

Tim: Hahaha! We are a monster!

Scene 7

(Uzi, N, and Thad head back to the colony. A worker opens a door a little bit to see who arrived.)

Ron: Welcome back, Thad! (Notices Uzi) Uh, wait, isn't she grounded or something?

Uzi: Ugh, banished! Has my dad been saying I'm grounded?

Ron: (Notices N) Genocide Robot?

(N quietly walks up and hands Ron a crayon drawing to show how super very, very sorry he is for all the murders he committed.)

Ron: ...Oh, alright, just don't do it again. Get in here, ya goobs! (He hangs the drawing on the door.)

Scene 8

(The Absolute Solver's handiwork has been turned into a crime scene.)

Worker: Yeah, where's Khan? Because this looks, ahaha, ugh, non-ideal.

Sarah: Parent-Teacher Conference. Something about his daughter being more important than building a door in this hallway. Ugh, kind of cringe.

Worker: Ew. (Gets ready to hurl) Oh, give me a minute... (Holds his vomit in) Ah, yep, okay, almost threw up.

(Uzi is behind them, listening in on their conversation.)

N: You good?

Uzi: I'm good. Stop asking! (She pushes N away and motions for him and Thad to follow her while sneaking past the investigators.)

Sarah: (Turns to two of her colleagues behind her) Any forensic things over there? (No response.) Do we have fingerprints? (They fade away. She turns back to her colleague, who also fades out. Same with Frank and Tim. Her surroundings begin to get the same treatment. She looks up in horror as the Absolute Solver makes it's way towards her...)

Scene 9

(Back at the Parent-Teacher Conference...)

Khan: I mean, you don't think it's my parenting, do you? I left her for dead once! It sounds like she's bored in your class and the other kids suck! Call her "damaged" again, and I will install a DOOR ON YOUR FACE!

(Lizzy and Doll are in the back, listening to the ragefest that is Khan.)

Lizzy: (To Doll) Where are your folks?

(Doll starts having flashbacks.)

Doll: Мёртвые. Я смотрела как они умирали. ("Dead. I watched them die".)

Lizzy: ...That was the joke, idiot?

(They both hear a knocking. They turn to see a hologram of Lizzy outside the door)

Lizzy: That girl is... Gorgeous, right!? I'm gonna let her in. (She gets up to let her copy in.)

Scene 10

(Uzi, N, and Thad are in the room where they fought V and J.)

Uzi: You guys... do that often?

N: Haha, no. I'm very concerned, but also pretty frightened a little bit.

Thad: Hey, Uzi! What's this thing?

(It's an Absolute Solver sign.)

N: Hey, isn't that your special eye?

Uzi: Don't call it that! (She reads.) "Absolute Solver"? "Reboot"? Does this have something to do with how you grew your head back?

N: Hehe. I actively avoid unpacking how that works.

Uzi: New material can't be pulled from thin air. If the wound is severe enough, this "Solver" might be some sort of auto run program to collect more matte-

(N places his hand over her mouth to shush her. They hear something coming towards them... A human hand. It latches itself onto Thad's leg as they look up to see what the hand is attached to. Not able to see much in pitch black, N fires his missile cannon. This still doesn't reveal much, but it does anger it enough to begin pulling Thad up. Suddenly, a shuriken flies in and slices the cable apart, freeing Thad. He looks back to see that N was the one who unleashed the shuriken.)

Uzi: I want a freaking ninja star!

(She and N get thrown against a wall as one of the Solver's claws grabs Thad and leaves.)

N: (Getting up) You good?

Uzi: (Slams him back down) Stop asking! ...Chainsaw hand time?

N: (Braces his chainsaw hands) Yeah, cool, cool.

Scene 11

(Uzi and N give chase. They come across Thad's hologram.)

"Thad": Yes, and hello. It's me, Tad. Um, can I get a location? ...I heard dentist's office! I'm Thad at the dentist office. Come over here for your... teeth!

Uzi: Predictably terrible work, J. Why do you look so-

N: Great! You look great, J!

"Thad": No, no, wait, guys, it's really me! Is that a (His voice glitches and turns robotically feminine.) freaking ninja star?

(N unleashes his shuriken as Uzi kicks it. It flies upwards to bring down the real Thad as the hologram disappears.)

Thad (The Real One): (Pulling himself together) Life savers again. Thanks! Super invited to my shindig next weekend. Cool kids only. (He runs off as Uzi and N squee with delight over being invited to his get-together. Suddenly...)

Absolute Solver: We're busy then anyway, so whatever. So lame.

Uzi: What's with the voice, J?

Absolute Solver: Oh, J's not here. We are trying to repair that host as per our directive.

Uzi: So, you ARE a program?

Absolute Solver: More like you are our cute puppets. It hurts our feelings you don't remember us. (The Solver creates a hologram of Nori, Uzi's mother.)

Uzi: N...? (N has vanished.) What's with the mom hologram...?

Absolute Solver: Easier to assimilate than explain.

Uzi: Not happening.

Absolute Solver: Fair, but poor choice. Now we will have to do something shocking. (The Solver brings down a clone of Khan.)

Uzi: Woah! Hey!

Absolute Solver: Goodbye, Dad. ("Khan" gets ripped in two and the Solver feeds on his corpse.)

Uzi: What...?

(The Solver goes in to kill Uzi, but it gets struck by a missile fired by N.)

Absolute Solver: Pained cry.

N: Uzi shoot! Or give it to me! (He fires again, but the attack is deflected by the Solver.)

Absolute Solver: Claw swipe. (It then begins to move in on the duo.) Snarl.

N: Uzi! You good?!

Uzi: ...No.

(N grabs the railgun...)

Absolute Solver: Pranked, idiot. You big stupid. (The Solves throws Uzi to the side, knocking the railgun out of her hands and smashing it, it grabs her.) Lucky for you, it's snack time. Time to go into my mouth now.

(Before the Solver could feast on Uzi, N, the actual N this time, saws off its appendages. The railgun suddenly turns red as N fights the claws.)

Absolute Solver: Ow. And please don't. And also, I was using those.

(N grabs Uzi and they make their escape as the railgun self-destructs... As they regain themselves, they look back at the mess.)

Uzi: What was...? Which parts of that were real...?

(The Solver reappears and tries to escape.)

Absolute Solver: Sneaky sneaky. Sneaking away. Get snuck upon. (N stabs it.) Ow. (He repeatedly stabs it until it turns into a miniature black hole and floats off. Hearing a commotion heading their way, N tries to help Uzi to her feet, but she resists in fear.)

Uzi: What... are you things...?

(Hurt by her newfound distrust in him, N flees the scene as a search party led by Khan shows up.)

Khan: Uzi? (Uzi silently staggers towards him.) What are you doin- (Uzi, without word, hugs her father, who silently returns the embrace. He gestures for his men to scour the area. Khan looks up and sees N, who makes his escape.)

Scene 12

(Doll is sitting by herself in the classroom, looking at a photo. A robotic cockroach crawls up her arm as she looks back towards the door and remembers what happened earlier when Lizzy saw a copy of herself behind the door.)

Lizzy: Gorgeous, right?! I'm gonna let her in.

(She gets up to let her copy in... Only for Doll to use one of her powers to break the door before Lizzy could reach it.)

Lizzy: Jesus, sorry, industrial strength ghost or whatever. Settle. (She takes her seat as her copy disappears.)

(Back in the present time, the roach crawls onto the photo, only for Doll to will it to explode. She licks some of its remains off her face as we see what's in the photograph she's holding. It appears to be V.)

Scene 13

(Back at the Corpse House, V speaks to N, who is still guilt-ridden over what happened earlier.)

V: (Sighs) I hate your personality normally, but this is somehow worse. What am I being punished for? (V’s expression softens, and she looks down, revealing her chain is broken. She then hides it before looking back at N, and then turning away again with arms crossed.)

(Uzi is in her room, laying down on her bed, and looking up at a web of theories in regards to the Absolute Solver program.)

(Credits roll.)

[maxs-guesswork]

Unfinished Timeline for an Untitled Setting

Critique and advice is more than welcome, though please be nice about it. Goes up to about 2081 rn, though I plan to get at least another 50 years further in before I get to the time I want the bulk of the setting to be set in.

Timeline:

2022: First controlled break-even fusion reaction, followed by first controlled net-gain fusion reaction.

2025-2026: Increasing unrest in USA leads to mass riots outside the white-house. Sweeping reforms after growing revolts threaten to become a major armed rebellion. NASA miraculously left untouched, general increase in standard of living. Economic crisis narrowly averted.

2027: First nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) tested in orbit by NASA and DARPA. GPT-style language modeling declared “dead end” for self-aware AI.

2030: First Lunar base established under NASA Artemis program. Suez Canal temporarily blocked by a poorly driven cargo ship again. Evergreen Shipping goes bankrupt.

2034: Lunar Gateway established under joint NASA, ESA, JAXA, DLR, ASI, and CNSA. Lunar helium-3 mining declared officially nonviable. Radial detonation engines become standard for lower ascent stages, SpaceX Starship, NASA SLS, and Roscosmos Soyuz phased out. Drop in launch prices.

2034-2036: Additional modules added to the Lunar Gateway from SpaceX, KARI, ISRO, and Roscosmos. Lunar Gateway Collaborative Group (LGCG) established consisting of all current contributors to the station.

2036: First commercial fusion energy plant reaches full operation in France under ITER. Mass production of Tritium begins. First fully private space station under SpaceX. Asteroid mining corporations begin formation. Establishment of Nigerian Organization for the Development of Space (NODS). Ecuador experiences communist revolution.

2036-2037: First manned martian mission under LGCG, first human footsteps on another planetary body.

2037: Elon Musk assassinated. New SpaceX leadership declares plans for space elevator. North Korea collapses, Korean peninsula unified under South Korean leadership, becoming simply Korea. Indian nuclear stockpile secretly surpasses 50000 Gt. First baby born on the moon.

2040: Artemis base becomes semi-self sufficient, producing it’s own food and air from hydroponics, and water from mined lunar ice. Lunar LH2 and hydrolox production begins. Lunar population passes 100.

2040-2042: First commercial fusion power plants established in the US, UK, Australia, Korea, and Japan.

2042: A joint US Government and SpaceX black operation destabilizes Ecuador, leading to a corporate takeover of the territory.

2044: Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand form West Pacific Trade Organization (WPTO). Construction of the base of SpaceX’s planned space elevator begins off the coast of Ecuador.

2047: LCC completed at CERN. Mission for permanent martian base declared. Major economic crisis in China, intervention from several megacorps results in a decrease in Chinese government power and increase in corporate control in the region. SpaceX space elevator counterweight construction begins in geostationary orbit.

2048: Major revolution in quantum mechanics brought on by new data from the LCC. Lunar population passes 250.

2050: China splits into 4 corporate states, Amazon Corporate Territory (ACT) with its capitol in Chongqing, Samsung Independent State (SIS) with its capitol in Shanghai, Territory for Electronic Developments (TED) made up of Apple and Microsoft with its capitol in Yinchuan, and the Chinese Corporate Union (CCU) made up of several formerly state-owned corporations with their capitol in Wuhan and possession of the Three Gorges Dam. Beijing becomes an independent city-state controlled by the former Chinese government, retaining control over the CNSA. Massive revolution in battery energy density. Permanent martian base established by LGCG.

2051: Breakthrough in photon manipulation, beamed energy and solar collection becomes increasingly viable. Many asteroid mining corps branch into solar power, notably Binghamton Vacuum Mining Solutions (BVMS). Lunar population passes 500.

2052: Martian population surpasses 100.

2053: Martian base reaches semi-self sustainability.

2055: All 4 Chinese corporate states and the Beijing city state form the Chinese Federation for Space Exploration (CFSE), supplanting the old CNSA. Lunar Gateway module renamed and LGCG roster amended accordingly. SpaceX space elevator cable completed, first test cart sent to GEO. WPTO begins construction of a space elevator in the Banda Sea.

2056: SpaceX space elevator declared complete, commercial operation begins.

2057: BVMS surpasses $1T in net worth, becomes primary supplier of energy for the Artemis Lunar Base. Lunar Population surpasses 1k, massive migratory population surge begins following influx of energy from BVMS. Martian population surpasses 250. First fusion reactor in Ecuador.

2058: WPTO space elevator counterweight begins construction in GEO.

2060: First fusion reactors in Nigeria and India. First large-scale solar collector on Earth constructed in New York operated by BVMS. Large population surge in Binghamton NY. Lunar population surpasses 5k. Martian space station established. Regulations for GEO development established.

2061: First lunar-built spacecraft flown. Secondary lunar settlement founded by CFSE. Massive influx of funds for the WPTO space elevator from the CFSE, GEO counterweight construction begun. Lunar Gateway population surpasses 100. First fusion reactor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Congo space agency (DRCSA) founded.

2064: WPTO space elevator cable completed, declared complete and opened to commercial operation.

2065: BVME establishes unmanned Mercurian base. CFSE settlement population surpasses 100. Martian population surpasses 500. Lunar Gateway population surpasses 200.

2066: Mass expansion of Artemis Base life support systems using BVMS produced automated construction equipment. Aerostat scientific outpost established by LGCG.

2067: Microbial life discovered on Venus. Venus outpost (and LGCG) acquires substantial funding boost. Artemis base population surpasses 2.5k and begins to plateau.

2069: Unmanned mission to Europa announced by LGCG, plans to use BVMS automated platforms to drill into subsurface ocean established. Martian base purchases automated construction equipment from BVMS, massive population boon ensues. CFSE settlement population surpasses 750. Lunar gateway population surpasses 500. Martian base population surpasses 500. BVME becomes the largest corporate entity in the system.

2070: BVMS performs feasibility study on gas giant aerostat mining platforms.

2071: Study of Venusian lifeforms disproves Earth-Venus panspermia.

2073: BVMS tests laser-sail propulsion on small unmanned craft.

2075: LGCG Europa mission discovers multicellular aquatic life in Europa’s subsurface ocean. Plans for a dedicated research base drafted.

2076: Multi-corporate base established on Ceres to facilitate further asteroid belt mining. BVMS intentionally excluded from this project.

(System effectively split into quarters: Past Venus under BVMS, Between Venus and Mars under LGCG, belt under Multi-corporate mining control, outer system unclaimed.)

2077: GEO-Lunar cycler niche mostly filled by Intraplanetary Transport Services corp (ITS).

2080: Permanent scientific base established at the Europa Breach Point (EBP) with mostly automated systems and a small (5 human) management and maintenance crew.

2081: Panspermia further disproved by study of Europan life. Massive object detected in Jupiter’s lower atmosphere. BVMS begins mission to establish a mining aerostat on Saturn, utilizing laser sail propulsion to transport equipment.

(Saturn Aerostat site intended for use in the further colonization of the outer solar system and the Uranus planetary system itself. Atomic Rockets page)

[fairytail-whathesays]

Can we get some headcanons for Lucy with a male s/o and finding out he uses void magic?

(I do like seeing what people make so I look forward to it.)

void

/void/

noun noun: void; plural noun: voids

1. a completely empty space."the black void of space"

If we get into what a void is, i.e. the complete absence of anything, practical limitations come into play.

True void magic doesn't exist, or if it does, it's a very unknown and dark aspect of black abyssal magic, the likes of which most people wouldn't know. You can't use magic to create nothing or eliminate all matter from a space, because even then, filling the space would be the ethernano that created the effect. Even Hades' Nemesis spell was said to create its effects from debris around the area.

What "void" magic can do in lieu of this is magnify an empty space by pushing matter outward, or annihilate mass by loosening the molecular bonds holding matter together. The matter won't be destroyed but will be changed or translated to create what "void" magic looks like. You can also create "empty" spaces by bending

In doing this, your magic would bear similarities to the following magics:

-> Ice Magic. Slowing molecular movement and depriving molecules of matter to rub against means your magic is typically very cold, and negates energy needed to create heat.

-> Darkness Magic. Disassembling matter, which includes light (photons) and denying energy buildup means that there's very little light involved in your magic and it can often deter light.

-> Manipulation/Dissassembly Magic. Your magic bears the greatest similarity to Midnight's Reflector or Gildarts' Crash magic, which itself is meant to break down the world around it into smaller components. Like Crash, Void magic can dissassemble magic attacks, even incorporeal ones by targeting and disrupting the ethernano/magical energy forming the attack. This is also a strategy employed by Midnight's Reflector, which essentially creates a space where hostile matter can't enter and which deforms any would-be invader.

All of this means that, provided you don't go explaining your powers, you could achieve a variety of effects without a lot of people being able to figure out what's going on, whether it's in a fight or just standard magical applications.

Which in turn means that Lucy, mystery lover that she is, probably made a hobby of trying to figure out whether you were a wizard, and what exact kind of magic you used.

The harder you make this for her, the smarter she feels once she finally gets it.

If your magic has a celestial bent, expect her to be weirded out. Her own magic revolves all around the beauty of the night sky and the billions of objects taking residence there--magic based on the emptiness of space would really put her off. But she would, as with everything else, come around to it.

If you've experienced any ostracism due to the magic you use, odds are Lucy goes out of her way to be extra understanding to you. Your magic is the diametric opposite of magic like hers, or Natsu's, or Erza's. It doesn't make you inherently bad.

If your magic has any necessary limitations, she will work out how to abuse them if you two ever come to blows. Can't use your magic on living flesh? Have fun being tackled and pinned down by a giant bull man.

Fights and butting of heads can occur if you're anything like your magic, i.e. negative, low-energy, or immovable, which can rub her the wrong way when she's in one of her passionate moods. But you're also really good at defusing anger and stress, so it balances out.

[blackfeatherdragon]

Zexal Characters in 5Ds: Team Signers

(Long post under cut)

Thomas Arclight

-Seventeen years old

-He and his brothers are from Tops

-His father, a researcher at Old Momentum, vanished during Zero Reverse ten years prior to the main story and was presumed to have died instantly in the implosion

-Still has that scar on his face, but here it's from when Zero Reverse happened

-Is involved in the Riding Duel circuit, has solid popularity

-His D-Wheel is known as the Puppetmaster

-Uses a Synchro version of Gimmick Puppets, with Gimmick Puppet Dragon as his ace

-Has an intense rivalry with the Kamishiro twins, hates that he's being forced to work with them

-Also not happy with being dragged into all this Signer stuff

Ryoga 'Shark' Kamishiro

-Seventeen years old (Aged up to allow him to participate in racing tournaments)

-Regular (Not Tops) Neo Domino resident

-Both his parents died in Zero Reverse

-Rising star in Riding Duels

-His D-Wheel (Same bike as the one he uses in Zexal) is known as the Megalodon

-Uses a Synchro version of his shark themed deck, with a Synchroified version of Shark Drake as his ace

-Has an intense rivalry with Thomas, keeps bickering with him

-Also keeps bickering with Rio

Rio Kamishiro

-Seventeen years old (Aged up so that Shark can participate in Riding Duels)

-Regular (Not Tops) resident of Neo Domino

-Both her parents died in Zero Reverse

-Rising star in Standing Duels

-Uses a Synchro version of her Ice Winged Beast deck, with Permafrost Dragon as her ace

-Has an intense rivalry with Thomas, keeps bickering with him

-Also keeps bickering with Shark

Kaito Tenjo

-Eighteen years old

-His father is the current head of Neo Domino

-Was encouraged by his father into the Riding Duel circuit (so that he could determine for certain if Kaito was a Signer or not). Kaito's main reason for doing it is simply because his younger brother Haruto loves watching him duel.

-His D-Wheel is known as the Photon Racer

-Uses a Synchro version of his Photon deck, with a Synchrofied version of Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon as his ace.

-Has the best working knowledge of what the goal for the Signers is here, but tends to be a bit of a loner.

???

-No one's certain who the fifth Signer is

-Dr. Faker thought it was Kazuma Tsukumo for a while, but he vanished off Daedalus Bridge some time back so apparently not.

[ygoartreviews]

Photon Token

I completely understand that this little orb is meant to be, you know, a photon, but I can't shake my initial impression that this is, in fact, a ball of ice. It's less the ball itself (although the spiky projections on the top and bottom could be mistaken for icicle-like protrusions), and more the jagged white shapes floating around it. They're probably meant to be swirls of energy, but they really do look more like weird floating hunks of ice. I am in love with the mystical looking background here, however.

Rating: 6/10, an orb for you to ponder

[wyrm-in-a-closet]

science fact of the day- planets!

generally speaking, planets come in two flavors: rocky and gaseous. rocky planets vary a good deal in size, and in the field of exoplanet research, they'll classified by either "super" or "sub" earths, depending on their mass (ie any planet smaller than earth, such as mars, is a sub-earth, while a rocky planet more massive, which we don't have in our solar system, is a super-earth.) right now, super earths are the most commonly observed type of rocky exoplanet, because of their greater size, but because there are none in our own solar system, we don't know a great deal about them. another way to classify rocky planets would be based on the internals- whether or not they have plate tectonics. Earth is the only planet that does right now, which is important because its possible tectonic movements are influential or even needed for life. generally, the masses of rocky planets ranges from about 10% of earth (roughly the mass of mars and mercury, the smallest known planets) to about 10 ish earth masses, at which point a planet would much more likely be an ice giant

ice giants are one of the two subclasses of gaseous planet. their mass is greater than 10 times that of earth, but im not sure what the upper bound is. the reason ice giants are great big gassy planets rather than rocky worlds with a mild to medium atmosphere is their mass, and an important factor which is the escape rate of gas. as sunlight hits a planet, photons from the sunlight randomly impart momentum onto atomspheric particles. sometimes, itll be enough for the particle to fly away from the planet, never to return. thus, atmospheres naturally become somewhat thinner over time. heavier molecules/atoms take much more energy to burn away, and so they tend to remain in atmospheres. this principle is why most moons don't have atmospheres- they don't have enough gravity to hold on to any particles at all- and why mercury doesn't- it's too hot, any particles just leave. but just because a planet can hold some gases doesn't mean it can hold all of them. crucially, helium and hydrogen are the most abundant elements in the universe- making up abotu 75% and 25% of all mass respectively. when the solar system formed, first, dense, rocky cores accreted. some of them remained small, and they became the rocky planets, while others continued to grow. if they grew to a certain point, they drew in more and more hydrogen and helium without it immediately leaving back into space, and so they quickly began to grow. however, some were limited because there simply wasn't as much hydrogen left. because hydrogen is so light, the pressure that the sun exerts on molecules through just light (called the solar wind) is enough to push them out of the solar system. by the time Neptune and Uranus were large enough to begin acreting hydrogen, there simply wasn't as much left because of this process, meaning they were stuck with 10-20 times the mass of earth.

but, if the planet was just a bit younger, then they could've kept growing. and growing. and growing and growing and growing and growing and by god that's a big fucking planet. gas giants are the most massive class of planets, ranging from a few dozen times the mass of earth to hundreds or even thousands of times it. one way to put jupiter's mass into perspective is this fact: image the mass comparison of earth and neptune- it's about 1 to 17. but when comparing neptune to jupiter, it's 1 to 19. jupiter is just that massive. gas giants are the lucky ones who grew earlier on, able to grab much more of that sweet sweet hydrogen before it evaporated into space. this is actually why saturn is smaller than jupiter- it's believed to have simply formed a bit later. gas giants do not have nearly as many ices or other chemicals as the ice giants, mostly because theres just so much more hydrogen. that said, if you ventured inside one, you'd likely find mostly the same- a thickening atmosphere with violent storms before you reach a supercritical ocean, which finally covers a small rocky core. one interesting fact abuot gas giants is that sccientists speculate that it rains diamonds on them- the tempratures and pressures are so high that natural carbon is pushed into becoming a diamond, which causes it to gain density and plumet down as a sharp, lethal downpour. we don't know for sure that it happens, but it's a safe bet.

this is like a lot longer than a normal one btw theyre not always this long