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fizzycherrycola · 2 years ago

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Alfred & Matt, Stargazing

It’s a clear summer night, perfect for spotting stars. Two brothers bond, sharing science and admiring the universe. I wrote this ages ago for @hwsnabroszine and now I can finally share it. Please enjoy!

A Girl Called Hubble

“What’s going to happen to her?” Matthew inquires.

Alfred glances up from his personal telescope, a flashlight highlighting his golden features in the midnight dark. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“The Hubble telescope. Is she...?”

“Oh.” There’s a touch of sadness in Alfred’s tone, which trickles into the soft symphony of crickets, cicadas, and other rural evening sounds. Looking away, he resumes fiddling with the dials on his viewfinder. “I mean, she’s not being decommissioned yet. I think NASA has some plans for joint missions with Webb, so that’ll add a few more years to her life. Eventually though, maybe in a decade, they’ll make an announcement. Most likely... she’ll be set on a course to collide with the atmosphere and burn up.”

Matthew blinks. That seems... harsh, even if Hubble is just a machine.

He rolls the chunky flashlight around in his hands, an industrial strength thing that Alfred keeps in his pickup truck for emergencies and stargazing nights like this. Its synthetic light cuts through the natural darkness, tracing the outline of fluttering moths and the wild grasses stomped flat by Alfred’s tires. Matthew tilts it to better illuminate his brother’s work and nibbles his bottom lip.

“How come?” Matthew eventually asks.

Alfred hums. “Well, she’s past her expiry date. You've got to remember, some of Hubble’s machinery was built back in the 80’s. If something important fails, like her guidance system, she could become another hunk of space debris, zooming uncontrollably around the Earth. And that’s a huge risk for space flights, satellites, and the ISS. It’s sad, but I mean... it has to happen.”

He goes quiet for a moment, but not for long. Never for long. In an instant, he turns to Matthew with a big grin on his face, his eyes shining brilliantly behind his glasses. “Hey, want to hear something cool?”

Matthew sighs, but can’t help smiling. “Sure.”

“Did you know that even a tiny screw bolt travelling at 4 miles a second is strong enough to punch through a tank? There’s no atmosphere in outer space to slow it down, so it can just keep going faster and faster. Pretty wild, huh?”

“Yeah. You mention that, like, every single time we talk about space.”

“Wait, really? Damn. I guess I should start throwing some different facts your way! Have I told you about black holes and event horizons?”

“Yup.”

“How about neutron stars? Oh! Or quasars?”

“Uh-huh.”

“...the Goldilocks Zone? You know, there are actually a bunch of habitable planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. And it’s only 40 lightyears away from Earth!”

“You bring that up literally every time you have a new theory about aliens.”

Alfred tuts. “Well... shit.”

Matthew's smile turns sheepish. “Sorry.”

“S’all good.” Alfred taps open his phone, double-checking his night sky tracking app, mouth twisted into the same, familiar pout from his childhood.

The warm summer breeze overtakes their talk, rustling Canada’s hair and t-shirt. From his seat in the truck bed, surrounded by threadbare blankets and pillows, he swings his feet. Humid air drags up the faint scent of dried corn husks, hay, and whatever else was once grown in this long-abandoned farm field. The sky is gorgeous tonight; barely a cloud to be seen, it glitters with starlight and far-flung galaxies. Alfred picked a good night for skywatching.

Originally, they came out here for a special reason, bringing along Alfred’s private, civilian-use telescope. It is massive, about the size of England’s old armchair, but mobile with its tripod, and probably the most expensive on the amateur astronomy market. They parked Alfred’s truck in the middle of the field, set up his device, and saw it: just a speck in the giant magnifying lens, insignificant against the stars, but it was there. The new James Webb space telescope. A cosmic daffodil with goldenrod mirrors spread wide. A novel machine that will help humanity see and understand the universe.

They stared at it for minutes, then an hour, as Alfred geeked out, listing its many capabilities and functions. But then, after he finally ran out of things to say, after they glimpsed Jupiter and Mars, Sagittarius and Ursa Major, Alfred suggested they stick around a while more to view Hubble when she, too, crosses the night sky.

Despite the heat, Matthew drags a cotton blanket over his shoulders. “That James Webb telescope is going to show us some amazing things.”

“It sure is,” Alfred mutters.

“...Although, I’m a little sad that Hubble is running out of time. She took some amazing photos, too. Right?”

“Yeah.”

“You okay?”

Alfred pauses before giving Matthew a look. “...C’mon dude, you don’t have to make me feel better.” Matthew shrugs. Alfred turns to the sky, the expanse, voice going quiet. “She’s just a piece of equipment. I don’t get all upset over every Ford F-150 that ends up in the scrap yard.”

Matthew picks at a loose thread on his blanket, unconvinced. Having known his brother for centuries, it’s easy to tell when Alfred is being disingenuous. He was morose when the Opportunity rover went dark. Distant, after learning that in 2025, no one will be able to contact Voyager 1. And when he eventually realised that Curiosity sings Happy Birthday to itself, every year, all alone on Mars... well.

“I think Hubble is a lot more special than a pickup truck.”

“Meh.”

“Stinky gas-guzzlers.”

Alfred’s lips twitch and Matthew knows he’s on the right track. “Hey, don’t shit-talk my trucks.”

“And more expensive, too. By, like, a few BILLION dollars.”

Alfred’s expression cracks and he chuckles. “Sure, okay. You’ve got me there.”

A weight lifts in Matthew’s chest and his restless legs swing higher, sneaker laces tapping his heels to the tune of his heart.

Then, Alfred checks his phone once more. He suddenly lights up. Ducking down to look through the scope’s eyepiece, he shouts with joy. “Hey! She’s here! Come on, come over here and see.”

Matthew’s eyes go wide. He shimmies, sliding off the truck bed and tossing his blanket aside. Hopping over to Alfred, who steps aside, he peeks through the scope, glasses clinking against the viewfinder. And there she is, in all her tin-can glory.

Surrounded by the dark sea of space, Hubble looks so very small, even with the aid of Alfred’s chunky telescope. Her solar panels are extended like squarish wings, helping her soar high above the world. One of the many machines floating through outer space that fuels imaginations and wins affection, satisfying the universal thirst for knowledge with each photo and landmark discovery.

Grass crunches as Alfred shuffles his feet. He doesn’t launch into a lesson on astrophotography or detail the known nebulae. He says nothing, silence stretching far beyond the atmosphere. Then, murmuring: “She might have been expensive, but she was worth it. She was worth every single penny.”

Matthew rights himself and peers at Alfred’s silhouette. The faint glow of the Milky Way, a great band of lustrous cloud, stretches behind him. Matthew doesn’t raise the flashlight to catch his brother’s expression. He doesn’t need to.

“I’m sorry, Al.”

A dark arm comes up to knead the back of Alfred’s neck. Quietly, he sighs.

“...Thanks. I’ll be okay. She’s still around for a while longer.”

The night rolls on, the stars turn overhead, and soon, Hubble is out of sight. Sailing across the sky, lenses facing the distant heavens, dutifully, she will record all she can. Until her instruments expire and her circuits give out, she will inspire Alfred, Matthew, and the entire human world.

End / Fin

~~~

Author’s Notes

I had to fudge a few things, scientifically, in order to make this fic work. Because of its orbiting pattern, Hubble is best seen between the 28th parallel north and the 28th parallel south. So, if you live near the equator, you can easily see Hubble with a telescope. Being further north or south of those latitudes makes spotting it trickier. Despite this, I decided to put Alfred and Matt in a corn field, rather than on a beach at the southern tip of Florida. I preferred the vibe, since corn fields are often connected to outer space in American stories (see: 2014’s Interstellar and multiple films featuring aliens.)

The JWST is also hard to spot. For starters, it’s very, very far away. If you’re able to spot it, it’ll just look like a dot, even with the aid of a telescope. Depending on which way the mirrors are facing, it's visible when it catches the Sun’s rays, or it’s completely black when tilted away. And unlike Hubble, it doesn’t orbit Earth. It orbits the Sun. So, the math involved in spotting it is... way harder than what I can manage on my own. Let’s just pretend that Alfred is a god-king at astronomy and knows exactly when and where to point his telescope to view the JWST.

Being an amateur astronomy nerd, I loved writing this fic. However, I tried not to weigh things down with too much technical jargon. If you're interested in learning more about space (and some of the things mentioned in this story, like neutron stars and black holes), please check out ‘SciShow Space’ on Youtube, or visit NASA’s official website. ❤

#hws america #hws canada #na bros #hetalia fanfiction #aph canada #aph america #alfred f jones #matthew williams #hws na bros #my writing #hetalia

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sims4cars-breezemotors · 1 year ago

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“Super Sport Truck”

1967 Chevrolet El Camino SS 🇺🇸

A unique saloon bodied pickup, from a distinctly American idea. In the U.S. there is an abiding love for pickup trucks like nowhere else in the world, and the Chevrolet El Camino was a unique saloon pickup created to satisfy this market. The 2nd generation 1967 El Camino was based on the popular Chevrolet Chevelle mid-size saloon. Due to this base, its ride quality is considerably superior to that of a pure truck, and its generous, roomy interior was very comfortable.

Available exclusively for “No Limits” and “All Inclusive” tiers this July. Since August 1’st. Available for All Inclusive tier only.

Model with HQ interior and functional light.

Go and join my Patreon!

#the sims 4 #sims 4 #sims4 #sims4car #the sims 4 cc #the sims 4 custom content #thesims4cars #the sims 4 cars #sims4vehicles #the sims #the sims 4 cc finds #sims 4 cc finds #the sims 5 #sims 4 cars #sims 5 #sims 4 cc #the sims custom content #sims 4 alpha cc #sims

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mightyflamethrower · 5 months ago

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youtube

You have probably not heard of the new Toyota HiLux Champ pickup. Probably because they don’t want you to know about it. “They” being the people who control the federal regulatory apparat, who don’t want you to know that people in other countries can buy a brand-new pick-up for $13,000 or so to start – something no American has been allowed to do (in America, at any rate) for more than 20 years.

And it’s more than just that. The ’24 HiLux Champ is a mid-sized pickup – not a compact. The latter was the last kind of truck you could buy here for around $13k or so brand-new, about 20 years ago.

You can guess why not – and it has nothing to do with “emissions.”

But hang on for just a second while we take a look at the truck you won’t be allowed to buy, if you’re stuck living in America.

The HiLux Champ is everything a truck used to be, beginning with affordable. It costs about half what you’d spend to buy the least-expensive new truck you’re allowed to buy in America – the Ford Maverick – which stickers for $23,920 to start. And unlike the Maverick – which looks like a truck – the Champ is a truck. Put another way, it isn’t based on a FWD/AWD layout (as the Maverick is) and it features body-on-frame construction rather than unibody construction, which is how almost all new cars are put together.

That means it’s tougher and simpler. Easier to fix – and less likely to break.

And it is affordable because it’s basic as it comes – which is how trucks used to come before a tag-team combo of government-mandated “safety” features that don’t make a vehicle less likely to crash (and in some cases, arguably, make them more likely to end up crashing) and a culture of living-beyond-our-means turned even “base” trim trucks into what would have been considered loaded trucks back when trucks were still trucks.

The HilLux Champ is like those trucks – the ones we used to be able to buy in America, some of them made by American companies. But that was a long time ago.

It is available in standard and long-wheelbase versions and with a diesel or either of two gas-burning four cylinder engines and a standard manual transmission – the latter once-upon-a-time being the standard transmission in pretty much every truck sold in America.

Ditto the regular cab – which has all but disappeared from the American truck market.

It even comes standard with AC – something that used to be optional in pretty much every truck sold in America back when trucks were still trucks and cost less rather than much more than cars, as they do now.

Just not climate-controlled, three-zone AC.

And just one air bag.

It also comes standard with configurability. Toyota designed it with pre-drilled attachment points to easily mount various types of beds, state kits, boxes – pretty much whatever the buyer would like to add to the truck. And Toyota will help the customer do that, by putting them in touch with aftermarket companies and suppliers that can help with that.

Instead of one-size-fits-all (and take-it-or-leave-it) and the price tag that comes along with it, here’s a truck that anyone who can afford a new motorcycle can afford to buy.

“Our ultimate goal,” says a Toyota spokesman, ” was to make this (vehicle) affordable and accessible. If people can afford their first car, which they can use to run a business and generate income, it will enhance their quality of life and provide new economic opportunities.“

It is unimaginable in America – what has become of America – because the American government is not interested in enhancing the quality of life of Americans – much less providing them with new economic opportunities made possible by their being able to afford a truck like the HiLux Champ. The government that rules Americans wants Americans to be endlessly struggling just to make ends meet, a goal that is achieved by making everything cost more than they can afford. Picture a gerbil wheel and you will have a sense of the plan.

The object being to prevent the accumulation of capital by average people, so that they never become capitalists. That being a threat to state capitalism – i.e., the ownership of essentially everything that matters by the government and the corporate lampreys that feed off of it.

This is achieved by arranging things in such a way that most people spend whatever they earn just to keep up with their debts. This serves the corollary interests of the government and the financial system that bought the government more than 100 years ago (if you’re interested in learning more about that, Edward Griffin’s Creature from Jekyll Island is an excellent primer).

And that is why Americans aren’t allowed to buy a $13k pick-up like the HiLux Champ.

Not because of “emissions” – which are just another bogey. The Champ’s engines do not pollute. But they aren’t compliant – with the very latest American emissions standards, which is not the same thing (or even in the same ballpark) as “polluting.” The Champ meets “Euro5” emissions standards, which allow for almost no emissions. But that is not good enough for the American regulatory apparat, which uses the pretext of “emissions” and the lie that trucks such as the HiLux Champ “pollute” to keep them out of the hands of American buyers.

So as to assure that American buyers aren’t able to buy – as opposed to endlessly make payments on – a truck like the Champ that they might be able to pay for in cash. Or pay off in a year or two.

And so be able to accumulate capital (wealth) rather than live hand-to-mouth.

And there you have it.

Or – rather – there you can’t have it. And now you know what – and why.

#Youtube

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awesome-casuallyfamouscollector · 4 months ago

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youtube

Why Car Ownership Is Getting So Expensive | CNBC Marathon

CNBC Marathon examines a variety of factors that lead to car ownership in the U.S. being so expensive, from auto loans to repairing your vehicle. A car loses about 10% of its value as soon as it's driven off the lot. And within the first three years, that number goes up to 50%. Depreciation — the rate at which that happens — is one of those numbers everyone in the automotive world thinks about including consumers, automakers and the massive used car market, which made up somewhere around 35.2 million in 2022 — compared with 13.8 million new cars. More than 100 million Americans have an auto loan and auto loan debt in the U.S. is at a record high of $1.56 trillion. Between the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, alleged predatory lending practices, inflation, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, getting an auto loan is getting increasingly difficult and costly. Auto repair costs have been rising for years, but recently they've spiked. Experts say it's likely a mix of factors including heavier, faster and more complex vehicles, riskier driving behavior, new technology, and labor and supply shortages. Repair shop owners say they can’t find enough technicians despite paying six-figure salaries. As technology marches forward, and fancy cutting-edge EVs fill the roads, consumers hear horror stories about huge repair bills. But insiders say there are reasons to be optimistic.

P.S. The main reason - primitive consumerism: in America, many people have forgotten that the primary function of a car is to be an efficient means of transportation, not to impress neighbors and friends with the huge size of the car and the size of the loan payment... One of my biggest culture shocks when visiting America was the American car inefficiencies...! You have to see with your own eyes how they drive to work or to Walmart every day in huge pickup trucks and people don't even make money with these cars...! In addition, they still brag about who has the biggest, most inefficient and therefore worst car in town. This is complete nonsense...!

There are practically no cars of reasonable design in America...It's no wonder Americans are inundated with auto loan debt...and American car manufacturers are NOT popular in Europe anymore. American cars are conceptually designed to get as much money out of people's pockets as possible...

#USA #car sales #used car #car market #scam #Youtube

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dh5ryxhgbctgr · 2 months ago

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Global Pickup Truck Eps Market Trends and Growth Pathways 2024 - 2031

The Global Pickup Truck EPS (Electric Power Steering) Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in automotive technology and rising consumer demand for enhanced driving experiences. This article explores various facets of the market, including key trends, drivers, challenges, and regional insights.

Key Trends in the EPS Market

Adoption of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The integration of ADAS in modern pickup trucks is a major trend influencing the EPS market. Systems such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking require precise steering control, which electric power steering provides. As manufacturers increasingly incorporate these features, the demand for EPS systems is expected to rise.

Shift Towards Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The transition towards electric vehicles is reshaping the automotive landscape, including the pickup truck segment. EPS systems are inherently more compatible with electric drivetrains, making them a preferred choice for manufacturers developing EV pickup trucks. This shift not only aligns with sustainability goals but also enhances vehicle performance and efficiency.

Increased Focus on Fuel Efficiency

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing emphasis on fuel efficiency in vehicles. EPS systems contribute to this by reducing energy consumption compared to traditional hydraulic steering systems. The ability to improve fuel economy makes EPS a valuable technology for pickup truck manufacturers aiming to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Pickup Trucks

The rising popularity of pickup trucks, particularly in North America and Asia-Pacific, is a primary driver of the EPS market. Consumers appreciate the versatility, utility, and performance of pickup trucks, which are often equipped with advanced steering technologies to enhance the driving experience.

Technological Advancements

Continuous innovations in EPS technology, including improvements in sensor systems, control algorithms, and software integration, are propelling market growth. Enhanced steering feedback and adjustability cater to diverse driving conditions, making EPS systems increasingly appealing to manufacturers.

Regulatory Push for Safety Features

Government regulations promoting vehicle safety are compelling manufacturers to incorporate advanced steering systems. EPS enhances overall vehicle control and stability, contributing to improved safety ratings. This regulatory push serves as a strong incentive for adopting EPS in new pickup truck models.

Challenges Facing the EPS Market

High Initial Costs

Despite the advantages of EPS, the higher initial costs associated with its implementation can deter some manufacturers, especially in the lower-end pickup truck segment. The investment in advanced technologies may not yield immediate returns, making it a challenging decision for budget-conscious brands.

Technical Limitations

While EPS technology is advancing, some technical limitations remain. Issues such as system reliability under extreme conditions and potential loss of steering feel in certain scenarios can pose challenges. Manufacturers need to address these concerns to enhance consumer trust and adoption rates.

Competition from Hydraulic Steering Systems

Hydraulic steering systems, known for their robustness and reliability, continue to pose competition to EPS. Some consumers and manufacturers remain loyal to these traditional systems, particularly in heavy-duty applications where high torque and durability are essential.

Regional Insights

North America

North America is the largest market for pickup trucks, with a strong inclination towards EPS adoption. The region's robust automotive industry and consumer preference for technologically advanced vehicles are key factors driving market growth. Major manufacturers are increasingly integrating EPS in their pickup truck models to meet the demand for enhanced driving experiences.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the pickup truck EPS market, fueled by rising disposable incomes and urbanization. Countries like China and India are experiencing a surge in pickup truck sales, prompting manufacturers to adopt EPS for improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Europe

Europe's stringent regulations on emissions and vehicle safety are significant drivers for the EPS market. As manufacturers seek to comply with these regulations while providing better driving dynamics, the adoption of EPS systems in pickup trucks is expected to increase.

Conclusion

The Global Pickup Truck EPS Market is poised for substantial growth as technological advancements and changing consumer preferences reshape the automotive landscape. While challenges such as cost and competition from traditional systems exist, the benefits of EPS in terms of safety, efficiency, and performance present compelling reasons for its continued adoption. As manufacturers innovate and respond to regulatory pressures, the future of the EPS market in the pickup truck segment looks promising.

#Global Pickup Truck Eps Market Size #Global Pickup Truck Eps Market Trend #Global Pickup Truck Eps Market Growth

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identifying-cars-in-posts · 1 year ago

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Opinions on the first gen GMC Canyon/Chevy Colorado?

i like them, although i blame them a little on the push to bigger pickups since they replaced the chevy s10 and gmc sonoma but sized them up into light trucks while still marketing them as small or compact pickups. they’re solid for what they are though, i’ve never driven one and i don’t see them all too often but they seem cool

#not a car id #asks #drpepperfucker

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break-time-blogs · 6 months ago

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2025 Rivian R1S and R1T Updates

June 7, 2024

Rivian has unveiled the second generation of its R1S mid-size SUV and R1T pickup truck for 2025, featuring significant updates under the hood and minor visual changes. Both models now offer an 850-hp Tri-Motor configuration and an improved Quad Motor setup with 1025 hp.

Battery Enhancements

The 2025 R1 models come with three battery options: Standard, Large, and Max. The Standard pack now uses a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry, simplifying service and reducing complexity. The Large pack’s usable capacity has decreased to 109.4 kWh, providing up to 330 miles of range. The Max pack offers up to 410 miles for the R1S and 420 miles for the R1T. Charging rates remain at 220 kW for all but the Standard battery, which is capped at 200 kW.

Powertrain Improvements

The default Dual Motor powertrain remains at 533 hp and 610 pound-feet of torque, while the Performance version maintains 665 hp and 810 pound-feet. The new Tri-Motor setup produces 850 hp and 1103 pound-feet of torque. The revised Quad Motor model now boasts 1025 hp and 1198 pound-feet of torque. Rivian claims the 1025-hp R1S can accelerate to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, with the 850-hp version doing it in 2.9 seconds.

Chassis and Technology Upgrades

Rivian has reworked the suspensions for improved ride and handling. New Pirelli tires and 22-inch aero wheels are introduced, along with updated lighting elements featuring animated light bars and an Adaptive Drive Beam. The electrical architecture has been streamlined from 17 to 7 control units, enhancing serviceability and reducing costs. The updated infotainment system now uses AI, and advanced driver-assistance features include 11 cameras and 5 radars.

Pricing and Availability

The 2025 R1S Dual Motor starts at $77,700, with the Large battery at $84,700, and the Max pack at $91,700. The new Tri-Motor model with the Max pack starts at $107,700. The R1T prices remain the same at $71,700 for the Dual Motor with the Standard battery, but the Large and Max pack versions are now $78,700 and $85,700, respectively. The Tri-Motor R1T with the Max battery starts at $101,700. The R1S Dual Motor is currently available, with the R1T following soon. The Tri-Motor variants are expected this summer, and the Quad Motor models later in the year.

Conclusion

Rivian’s 2025 updates to the R1S and R1T enhance range, performance, and technology. These improvements, along with a streamlined production process, position Rivian’s flagship models as more competitive in the evolving electric vehicle market.

Trending topics on google

Understanding the Recent H5N2 Avian Flu Case in MexicoTagged Rivian R1S and R1T new look

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wheelsgoroundincircles · 1 year ago

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Packard Patricia pickup

Chris Coleman

Former Test Driver & Mechanic at Automotive Industry (2007–2008

What were the original reasons for Chevrolet coming out with the El Camino?

The El Camino, and other similar vehicles, like the Ford Ranchero, Subaru BRAT, Dodge Rampage and others, were designed to offer car-like comfort, performance and convenience, with the cargo capability of a light truck. Three of the forerunners to this were the Packard Patrician pickup, the Chevrolet Cameo and the Dodge Sweptline pickups.

1957 Dodge Sweptline with tailfins

Chevrolet Cameo Fleetside

The El Camino was based on the full-sized Impala originally, and was enormous. The low ground clearance and hefty weight made it a poor choice as a pickup. Most owners purchased them for styling reasons, especially with the cat eye taillights and horizontal tail fins.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

Later, Chevrolet downsized the El Camino and based it on the Chevelle/Malibu, where it remained until it was discontinued.

1968 El Camino SS

With nothing in the rear, other than an empty bed, it was difficult to make it competitive as a muscle car, since the weight distribution was heavily biased towards the front.

Also, the bed used curved sheet metal in many places, to accommodate the rounded body panels, and this wasn’t a good fit with common pickup cargo, like plywood, hay bales and crates.

With the passenger compartment realistically holding two people, it was worthless as a family car, while a station wagon version of the Chevelle would be perfect. These things made it an odd fit with a very limited customer base.

Holden Ute, from Australia

Paradoxically, in Australia, cars like these, called Utes (short for utility) were and are extremely popular. Australia has a more rural environment and remote ranches and homes, which make this type of vehicle perfect for them. However in a more suburban setting, like the U.S., the El Camino was always an odd choice.

1972 Ford Ranchero - Based on the Torino

Dodge Rampage

Dodge Rampage, built on the K-car platform

Subaru Baja

Today, no one makes a ute for the American market, but that doesn’t mean these may not resurface from time to time. As kids grow up and nests are emptied, we may once again see a demand for the ubiquitous El Camino, Ford Ranchero and others.

#car #cars #muscle car #american muscle #ford #chevrolet #dodge

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nicklloydnow · 1 year ago

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“Traffic deaths of pedestrians are up by 70% in the last 10 years and pickup trucks are largely to blame, according to a story from The Hill that we ran this week.

The number of walkers killed by “light utility trucks” rose from 732 in 2010 to 1,773 in 2021.

The reasons are obvious. Pickup trucks have long since ceased to be the single-bench-seat, utilitarian work vehicles of my youth, and morphed into monsters. It used to be rare to see a large four-door pickup. Now, it’s practically impossible to buy anything else.

To make them look brawnier, manufacturers raised suspensions and put huge grilles on the front. The hoods are so hard to see over that one congressman has proposed requiring new trucks to have forward-facing cameras and sensors to reduce “frontover” accidents, which is running over people or things you can’t see through the windshield.

There’s a better way: smaller trucks. They exist. We just can’t buy them.

(…)

Every time I see that, I say to myself (or anyone unlucky enough to be in earshot) “There, that’s the truck I want” — minus the machine gun, which I’d only need if I were driving Kris Kobach in a parade.

But we can’t get those trucks here because of two reasons: profits and politics.

Profits, because car manufacturers make way more per unit selling jumbo trucks. And politics because of an antiquated trade policy levying a 25% tariff on imported light trucks, in retaliation for a European tariff on U.S. chicken.

(…)

According to an Axios study, shopping and errands are the No. 1 use of pickups, with 87% of owners reporting they do that frequently. Second was pleasure driving, 70%, and third, commuting, 42%.

Only 28% said they frequently use their trucks for personal hauling, and towing was a piddling 7%.

That same study showed that in 1985, mini-trucks were slightly more than a quarter of all pickups sold. By 2010, that had dropped to zero, and full-size trucks had over 90% of the market.

(…)

So if you want to try to make a dent in traffic fatalities, gasoline usage and global warming, call or write your congressperson and ask them to repeal the Chicken Tax.

That’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. U.S. trade negotiators made a deal in 2011 to allow Korean light-truck imports by 2021, but President Donald Trump, a big fan of trade wars, pushed that back to 2041.

Ditching the Chicken Tax might break the big-truck stranglehold on the market. If smaller import trucks sell, as I suspect they would, our domestic manufacturers might be led to retool and compete.

And then, when it comes to buying a pickup truck, we might once again be as free as the Taliban.”

#trucks #imports #trade wars #tariffs #taxes #chicken tax #taliban #isis #isil #dion lefler

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booleanean · 1 year ago

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Day 4 - Agalmatophilia - Skeletons - Abduction

Alex leaned on her broom, staring at the display model of the twelve foot skeleton. The store had closed a while ago. Terry, her asshole manager, had sent everyone else home and was doing whatever it was asshole managers did in the backroom after closing while she swept up the last of the store.

She always paused by the skeletons though. Ever since her first Halloween at the Depot, she'd been fascinated by them. That first year had been rough, she'd had to sneak to the bathroom to masturbate at least once a shift. Something about its presence and size, the alabaster lines of its collarbones, the curve of the fingers, and those long, slender legs…

Alex caught herself biting her lower lip and staring. She quickly went back to sweeping. The only reason she was taking on extra shifts, was because she was hoping she could afford one of these by the end of the season, if they had them in stock that long. Her emergency fund had been drained over the summer, and she'd had to dip into her skelly savings when her washer broke the day before they came in stock.

"Heads up!"

Terry's keys hit her in the shoulder half a second later.

"Ah, too slow. I'm heading home, lock up when you're done."

"But—" Alex protested, but Terry was already turning the corner on the next aisle and heading for the employee exit.

Terry stuck his head around the corner. "Oh, and don't worry about clocking out, I already did that for you."

"Asshole," she muttered under her breath as she heard the door slam shut behind him, the sound echoing around the empty store. A shiver went up her spine at the thought of being alone in the giant building, and having to walk back to her rickety old truck in the parking lot alone. She screamed wordlessly in defiance, cursing capitalism and managers and student loans and a terrible job market that kept her working in this dead end job way longer than she intended to.

Sighing, she rushed through sweeping up, mostly just spreading the dust around and pushing the larger bits under the racks for the next deep clean. She would've worried Terry would check the surveillance cameras tomorrow and see that she did a shitty job, but he'd left his office unlocked earlier, and she'd seen all the cameras offline. He'd cursed so loudly at the repair tech during her break, she knew they'd be out until Thursday at least.

Before she left, she stopped by the skeletons one last time. The empty store didn't feel so empty with her large, alabaster crush towering over her.

"What's a tall, handsome skeleton like you doing in a dump like this?" Alex asked, trying out her worst pickup line.

In her imagination, the skeleton laughed, then complimented her in turn. In a flash, she pictured a night of intense passion, followed by a second, then a third date at a cute bistro by the river. They dated briefly before eloping and living off the land in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, far enough north that they never saw another soul, living or dead.

The fantasy left her feeling a little sad. It was something that could never be. The feeling reminded her of when she was little, and she'd hoped her stuffed toys would come to life to play with her. She'd been so hopeful when she watched Toy Story, and like any kid, tried to catch her toys for months after. She'd tried to reason with them too, one phrase becoming a sort of mantra against the loneliness she'd felt as a kid. She felt that same loneliness now.

"I know you're alive, but it's okay, I won't tell anyone."

The skeleton's massive head shifted, then turned towards her. Her heart pounded in her chest before she convinced herself she must've just bumped it and it was settling. She took a step back, in case it tumbled over.

"You— you know I'm alive? Bless my bones, finally someone to talk to." The skeleton spoke, it's hand moving up to scratch the back of its head.

Alex screamed at the top of her lungs, and fell back on her ass, then scrambled back.

"Wait! Wait, why are you scared! You said— Oh, fiddle and sticks, you were joking. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! Please don't be afraid."

"What! How! Who?" Alex managed.

The skeleton stepped off the platform it had been set up on and crouched down, hugging its legs to its chest. It was still taller than she would be standing up.

"Don't be afraid, let me help you up." It held out a long, bony hand she felt could wrap completely around her waist, palm upturned. "I am dreadfully sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Alex's head swam. Had she hit her head hard enough to hallucinate? Was she having a stroke? Would whoever was opening tomorrow morning find her dead in a pool of her own drool? She'd heard people evacuated their bowels when they died. The indignity of being found dead in a Home Depot covered in her own excrement made her feel nauseated.

"I—," she started, but didn't even know what to say.

"This must be very confusing to you."

"Am I dying?"

The skeleton pulled its head back, still looking at her. "Eventually, all humans do. But I don't think today is your day. My name is John. My friends call me Gino."

The large skeleton sat down, folding his legs under himself. He folded his long limbs under him. The sight of a twelve foot, animated skeleton sitting crisscross applesauce on the floor of the DIY store she worked at was enough to let her get back to herself somewhat. She still wasn't convinced she wasn't currently dying, but if she was, she might as well die with a smile on her face. This was what she'd been fantasizing about after all.

She held her hand out. "Alex."

"A pleasure to meet you, Alex."

"How—" Alex started, but realized asking how someone was alive was probably very rude, especially to a twelve foot tall skeleton.

"How am I alive, and why can I talk?"

Alex blushed. "Mm-hmm."

"Hmm, well, I suppose I don't really know. Do you know why you are alive?"

"I— Hmm, I think— I guess I don't."

"As for how I can talk, all my people can talk."

"Your people?"

"You wear the colors of the Collectors, I thought you'd know."

"Collectors?"

"Ah. Well, let me start at the beginning. I'm from a secluded valley far north of here. We've had some contact with humans, but try to avoid them as much as possible. Lots of people seem to be bothered by the way we look, something to do with an unfortunate coincidental similarity between our appearance and your internal structure, I gather.

"A few years ago, a series of graverobbing incidents shook my community. Thousands of our ancestors were dug up and carted off. Year after year this continued. We only die from violence you see, and our graveyards are filled with the honored dead who gave up eternity to keep the rest of us safe. We tried to guard the graves of our fabled warriors, but the robbers — humans, dressed like you are — brought weapons. We are much larger and stronger of course, but were out-gunned and outnumbered. Many fell and were carted off along with the rest of our dead."

"Oh my god, that's terrible! I had no idea!" Alex felt terrible for wanting to buy one. How many of their dead had she helped sell? She loved convincing people to buy these skeletons, and her enthusiasm really helped her sales numbers. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know."

"I can feel your honesty, Alex, I understand."

"So how did you get here? I thought they only took your dead?"

"I was sent to investigate, but I was caught infiltrating one of your warehouses. They managed to trap me in a net, then beat me until I lost consciousness. By the time I woke up, I was on display here. I had to stay quiet, or my cover would be blown. I thought they would beat me or kill me and sell my bones. I've been slowly recovering and waiting for a chance to escape."

"Why didn't you run away at night?"

"I tried, but the doors were locked. I couldn't force them, I'm still weak from my injuries and so hungry. I think it would set off an alarm too, and then they'd hunt me down. Besides, from what I know of your people, these stores are usually in the center of large urban areas, are they not?"

"How do you—"

"Just because we're a race of sentient skeleton people, doesn't mean we don't have basic cable, Alex."

Alex suppressed a grin. "Want to get out of here then? I've got the keys for the loading door, if you can't fit out the employee exit."

"I think I can squeeze through, but what about people outside?"

Alex thought for a second. "I've got an idea, meet me by the loading door back there in a few minutes."

That's how, fifteen minutes later, Alex was bombing down Main St. with an actual, for real, alive twelve foot tall skeleton sitting in the back of her truck. His was doing an eerily good impression of a dead load. He rocked back and forth as she made her way through town, to the small suburban house she'd inherited from her grandmother a few years after she finished college.

She managed to pull into the garage without bumping Gino's head. She helped him out of the truck bed, then pulled the truck back out into the driveway and shut the garage door. Sitting on the steps to the house, she looked at Gino sitting in the middle of her garage, surrounded by the random detritus that seemed to gather in any garage over the years.

"I cannot thank you enough, Alex. I thought I would be stuck there for weeks until I was sold, or maybe worse…"

"Of course. I'm so sorry the company I work for did such terrible things to you and your people. If there's anything more I can do…"

"I couldn't possibly ask more of you. I will head out while it is still dark, and try to make my way back to my people."

"You should rest here at least for today. I can see if I can get you some food. Maybe we can find an easier way to get you back to your people, or even come up with a plan to stop the Home Depot from harming your kind. If people knew what they were doing—"

"A place to rest would be appreciated."

"What do you eat?"

"I can eat most foods you eat, though I desperately need a source of calcium, some old animal bones or something like that. I feel brittle."

"I've got some fortified milk I think is still good. Let me check the fridge."

As she got up, her eye fell on a box stuffed in a corner of the garage. It was full of antlers from deer her grandfather had shot on hunting trips. She'd been meaning to get rid of the dreadful thing, but just never really got around to it.

She grinned and pointed to the box, Gino's head turning to look. "Will antlers work?"

"Ooo, deer antlers, I haven't had those in years! They'll do just fine, thank you."

The two of them chatted as Gino snacked on the antlers. His eyes glowed a soft green, something she'd mistaken for the LED screens built into his dead ancestors by the evil corporation she worked for. As he devoured the box of antlers, she thought the glow became stronger more steady. She could see tiny fracture lines in his skull and arms knit back together too, the fresh bone a bright contrast to the distressed and dirty old bone.

He told her about his people, how they had learned to hide from European settlers. They had some contact with humans, a few small groups that had set out to live in the wilderness away from society that they traded with. They had also helped introduce technology, though they mostly limited its use to entertainment and lighting.

Meanwhile, Alex told Gino about her job, how she felt stuck, trapped by capitalism in a job she hated but couldn't afford to leave without immediately getting another job that would be just as bad. He listened attentively, nodding along with her. His knowledge of human culture was mostly from TV shows and the 11 o'clock news, but he knew enough to follow what she was saying.

Hours passed like they were minutes, Alex grabbing some pop for herself to drink, bringing a big tub of leftovers for Gino. He washed it down with the milk, drinking straight from the gallon jug. The serving spoon looked tiny in his massive hand, even with the dish towel wrapped around it so that he could grip the slippery metal. She had no idea where the food went, it just vanished into the darkness in his mouth without coming out the back when he swallowed.

After he'd eaten, conversation died down a little. Alex had rarely felt so comfortable with anyone, even her friends. She kept checking him out too, the attraction only growing knowing he was alive and oh so kind and thoughtful. She caught herself drifting into a fantasy where he carried her away from here, to his homeland and made love to her under the stars every night.

"I have a bit of a strange request," Gino said, pulling her back out of her fantasy. "I've been on the road for weeks, and then trapped in your store for weeks more. I haven't had a chance to wash in so long, I feel absolutely filthy. Do you maybe have a bucket or a wet towel?"

"I can give you a hand if you want." It flopped out of her before she could stop it. She blushed bright red and looked away.

Gino paused, making her feel like she'd gone too far. Then, hesitantly, he said, "I would very much like that, Alex."

They discussed logistics for a while, coming to the conclusion she didn't really have any implements big enough for him to handle comfortably, before resolving that she would wash him instead. Alex filled several buckets with warm water in the utility sink and got out her car washing kit. She cracked the garage door just enough so the water could run out and into the driveway, then took off her shoes and socks, and rolled up her jeans. The garage floor was cold on her bare feet, but one look at Gino's reclined form gave her all the heat she needed to stay warm.

She started with his hands, brushing the hot, soapy water across his long, slender digits until they were bone white again. Scrubbing off the artificial weathering her evil employer had applied took some effort, but he said he enjoyed the rough treatment with the brush. She bit her lip, subconsciously picturing what these digits would feel like on her skin, massaging her, sliding into her. She'd expected them to be rough, but the texture was smooth and even. There was no give of course, but the sandpapery texture she'd expected from exposed bone was absent.

Cleaning his radius and ulna was much quicker, the weathering and grime coming off easily on the smooth surface. After she finished with his left arm, she started on his right. By the time she was working on his torso, scrubbing the inside and outside of his ribcage, she was breathing hard, not from the exertion, but because being so intimately close with a creature so perfectly sculpted to push her particular buttons was turning her on more than she had anticipated.

"If you need to rest, we can continue tomorrow," Gino offered.

Alex blushed again, shaking her head. "I'm not winded, just— I want to keep going, if you do as well."

"This feels very good," Gino admitted.

Alex blushed again, and looked him in the eyes. His sockets glowed with a steady, green glow. The flicker was gone, the light illuminating outer rim of his ocular cavity. She felt an intensity in his gaze she had never felt from anyone else, a draw to keep going.

She shook herself, and continued cleaning, brushing every nook and cranny along his spine with a fresh toothbrush �� using an old one seemed weird somehow — then focusing on his legs. When she finally finished with his toes, she turned to him.

"I can do the rest myself, if you prefer," Gino said.

Alex shook her head. "I want to—"

As she cleaned his hips, working outside in along his pelvic bone, she caught glimpses of a faint, green glow right where a penis would be on someone with flesh. The glimpses grew more frequent, and more well defined as she got closer.

"Sorry, I—" Gino said. Alex ignored him, and finished cleaning, then rinsing his pubic bone. Her hand brushed against something intangible.

"I'm sorry, I should— That is, I'm— This—" Gino tried to speak, but couldn't.

"It's okay, Gino. I don't mind."

Gino sighed, a strange sound coming from a creature without lungs. "I'm sorry. This is very taboo among my people, but I find you very attractive, and— Sorry, I should go, I'll leave immediately, I shouldn't have said that, I—"

Gino tried to get up, but Alex pushed him back down with gentle pressure. Even sitting, he was taller than she was, but despite his protests he let himself get pushed back to the floor.

"I find you very attractive as well. I— I want to do more than just clean your bones."

Alex pulled her shirt off over her head, followed by her bra, and tossed them in the corner. She could feel Gino's eyes on her. He looked radiant, all the weathering and grime washed off, leaving him shining in the soft illumination of the garage.

"Do you like what you see?"

"Mm-hmm," Gino replied. Idly, Alex wondered how he could hum without lips.

"Do you want to touch me?"

"Very much." There was no hesitation, just a hint of anticipation in his voice.

She held out her hands, taking his and guiding them to herself. His hands were massive on her. She wasn't skinny by any definition. Most people would call her stocky, but each of his hands reached two thirds of the way around her. She could feel the restrained strength in them, sensing that he could've ripped his way out through any of the exterior walls of the Home Depot if he needed to.

He was so gentle with her though, the tips of his fingers brushing along her spine as his hands slid up her body. His thumbs pressed against the bottom of her breasts, caressing the soft flesh. He explored every inch of her exposed skin with careful fingers. He wasn't as cold as she'd thought he would be, his limbs well above ambient temperature but still colder than she was.

"Your skin is so hot," he whispered.

"Is it uncomfortable?"

He shook his head. She took one of his hands in both of hers, and brought it to her face. She sucked the tip of his thumb into her mouth, and played her tongue around it. The smooth digit felt amazing in her mouth, everything she could've dreamed it would be like and more.

Gino tilted his head back, but kept her gaze as she sucked on his thumb. A low, soft moan, so deep it was at the edge of hearing, rumbled out of him.

Alex could see the glow above his pelvic bone clearly now. There wasn't a defined edge as such, but there was something there. Her hand had brushed it earlier, but it seemed fully formed now. The green glow implied more than showed what promised to be an impressively large cock, even for someone his size.

He caught her looking at it, and she pulled his thumb out of her mouth.

"You like when I suck on your thumb?"

"Mm-hmm."

"I think I can see that." She grinned and nodded at his glowing member.

She sank to her knees between his thighs, ignoring the discomfort of kneeling on the hard concrete, and reached out. The sensation of touching Gino's glowing cock was odd, but pleasant. She was used to the velvet over steel feeling of an erect human penis, but this was different. There was something in her hand, she could feel something pressing back as she squeezed, but there was no friction, nothing sliding. The resistance felt like trying to push magnets together, slight at first but rising sharply the harder she squeezed.

Alex could feel his low moans deep in her chest, like the bass at a concert or the kickdrum of her drumkit. Clearly what she was doing felt good for him. She moved closer, still stroking up and down. Her fingers couldn't reach all the way around, not quite as thick around as a coke can, but definitely bigger than even her biggest toy. There was no hope she'd be able to fit him in her mouth, but maybe…

She licked the air above her hand, feeling an odd but pleasant tingling sensation on her tongue. The groan of pleasure he produced was gratifying. There was no discernable head, just a rounded area near the top of his spectral shaft. She focused her attention there.

"Oh yes, Alex, that feels so good."

"Am I doing this right?" she asked, before continuing her work.

"Yes, it's so good. Oh god, you're so warm and soft. I don't think I'll last long."

Having no idea what to expect, but incapable of stopping now, Alex sped up a little, squeezing a little harder, swirling her tongue. The tingling sensation grew a little more powerful, and the light of his cock pulsed in time with his moans.

"Alex yes, don't stop, oh yes."

With a mighty flash of light, Gino grunted his pleasure. Her tongue tingled, and she could even feel some static build on her hand. The green light pulsed in the garage, illuminating everything in lurid emerald flashes.

When the flashes subsided, he gently guided her away from him. Seems even skeleton men got overstimulated. Alex worked her tongue in her mouth. It felt a little numb, but she was regaining feeling quickly.

He stroked her back gently. "That was amazing, thank you."

"I'm glad you enjoyed," Alex said. She was preparing herself for the letdown, a lot of men just forgot about her needs as soon as they got off.

"I want to return the favor, if you'll let me," Gino said, his voice sincere, his gaze locked on her eyes. It was odd that she could tell what he was looking at, but she was convinced she could.

Without another word, she pulled her pants down, underwear and all, and tossed them into the laundry hamper sitting next to the washer. He guided her over to the washer, gently lifting her to set her on top. She leaned back, spreading her legs.

"I'm afraid I don't have a tongue, but maybe my fingers…"

Alex reached for his hand and guided his index finger to her cunt. He looked reverent as the tip hovered an inch away from her. She grabbed his finger, as thick around as an average man's cock, and slid the tip up and down, getting it wet with her juices. He gasped softly, then moaned along with her as she slid it inside.

The bone was hard inside her, unyielding, but not cold. She squeezed, wondering if he could feel the pressure, and saw in his eyes that he did.

"Start slow," she said.

He was gentle, careful not to hurt her. His finger felt good inside, the knobby shape giving an interesting feel to an otherwise entirely smooth sensation. He managed to get his finger inside of her just past the second knuckle, the distal and middle phalanx fully inside of her. She tilted her head back, and whispered "faster".

He complied, her pleasure building with his increased pace. Earlier today, she had almost lost hope that she'd ever even own a plastic copy of him, a fantasy forever left unfulfilled, and now he was making her cum in her own garage. Her wildest fantasies had never even managed to approach the amazing reality of her beautiful, alabaster lover. He was tender and eager, attentive to her needs, kind, intelligent, brave, and so incredibly strong.

She trembled as her orgasm approached, whispering "don't stop" over and over again until it became a mantra, until it meant more than just the now. She came hard, screaming his name as he whispered hers.

When she pushed him away, he took his finger to his mouth and tasted her, humming appreciatively. She'd seen the room light up green again, the glow of his cock returning with a vengeance as her own pleasure built. It pulsed proudly between his legs, clearly visible as she looked down through his rib cage.

"I want you inside of me. Come to the living room, I think you'll fit."

He helped her down, and she helped him crawl into the kitchen, then into the living room. At her direction, he picked up her heavy, solid wood coffee table and set it aside as if it weighed nothing. She put the couch pillows on the floor and laid down on her back, spreading her legs wide.

"I can't possibly fit—"

"Go slow. I need it."

She pulled him forward, grasping his cock and guiding it to her waiting cunt. The tingle she'd felt on her tongue was back, sending little shocks of pleasure through her even at the gentle touch. Positioning him at her entrance, she pulled at his hip. She felt herself slowly stretch to accommodate his size. She tried to relax. There was still no friction, just a pressure that built and built.

"Oh fuck, you're so big. Oh god."

When the tip slid in, she gasped. She felt incredibly full already, stretched wider than she thought possible. Holding him in place, she focused on taking deep breaths, then pulled him in deeper, ever so slowly. Gino towered over her, the bottom of his ribcage right in front of her face. She looked up at him and grinned.

"It feels so fucking good. That tingle…"

"You're so tight, Alex. Oh god, so hot, so soft."

Over the course of long minutes, Alex breathed as she took him deeper and deeper until he bottomed out inside of her, then stroked his ribs and hip bones as she adjusted to his size.

"Go slow. Very slow."

He pulled back, inch by delicious inch. The sensation was strange. The tingle felt incredibly good, like a soft, pleasant sensation of electricity. There was none of the friction she was so used to, no need for extra lubrication, just pressure inside of her, moving in and out. She fought to hold onto her sense of self, to stay in the moment with Gino. This was her longest standing fantasy, though the details of the act had never really been something she'd focused on. She'd always known this was impossible, but now it was happening, and she didn't want to miss a second of it.

She shuddered as Gino slid in and out of her, the pure pleasure of his touch overwhelming already. He kept his slow pace, until she told him it was okay to speed up.

Before long, she was in absolute ecstasy. She'd used big toys before, but the constant need for fresh lubrication took her out of the moment. Gino's non-corporeal cock didn't have that drawback, and at her urging, he had sped up, pounding her so good. She screamed his name as she came, clinging to any part of him she could reach. He had one hand next to her, and she wrapped hers around it, holding on for dear life.

She lost count of the number of times she came, her voice grew hoarse. Alex lost herself in his grunts and groans of pleasure, in the perfect moment she hadn't ever dared dream she could reach. Always, he was present with her, his towering alabaster form firm in her mind, solid under her touch.

As she came down off another mind bending orgasm, she felt the tingle build again, recognizing he was getting close.

"Cum for me, Gino, yes, cum for me, please, please, please," she begged him.

"Yes, Alex, yes! YES!" He bellowed his release, the glasses shaking in the cupboard with the sheer volume. Electric shocks spread through Alex, setting off another orgasm that almost caused her to black out. She clung to him, as he did to her, their pleasure mixing, building on each other, until finally it subsided.

After, they lay together, Alex panting, Gino stretched out next to her with his feet sticking out into the kitchen. Alex knew she could never let this go. A fantasy fulfilled sometimes lost its luster, but this— This had been too perfect, a fantasy for so long now made deliciously real. She wanted to know where this went.

Epilogue

The public outrage had almost brought Home Depot to bankruptcy. After returning to, ironically exactly like in her flash fantasy that fateful night, the foothills of the Canadian Rockies with Gino the week after their first night together, she'd slowly convinced him and his people that they needed to come forward.

Lots of people dismissed them as CGI at first, but when legitimate news agencies started showing interest, most of the world had to admit they were real. Religious debate raged for weeks about what this meant for humanity, souls, and the afterlife, but even that had died down now. A massive effort was undertaken to repatriate the remains of Gino's ancestors, many arrests were made based on quickly drafted legislation.

At first, Gino's neighbors had been skeptical, but slowly the two of them were breaking through the long held taboos of skeleton / human relationships.

Now, almost two years later, she'd been inducted into their religion, a process that included a number of ceremonies designed for someone twice her height. Luckily, the priest was accommodating, letting her perform her own version of some of the rites.

Moving here, she knew that when she died, she'd be buried in their soil. Something about this place would, over the course of a year, decompose her body, feeding the growth of her bones. She'd emerge from the soil a year to the day later, ready to spend another eternity with Gino. She was in no rush to die, she liked her body, liked her life here just as it was, but knowing she would be with her love for all eternity was such a comfort.

#krakentober #smut #home depot skeleton #shitpost smut #agalmatophilia #evil corporation #kinktober #original smut #original fiction

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