#Stacks are always an Experience but this place. Hoo boy it's up there.

[mornyavie]

One of the libraries at my current university is terrifying.

Most people who've been in a big university library know of The Stacks: the giant never-ending maze of tens to hundreds of thousands of books, stored anywhere that the library can fit them.

You get half-floors, usually under 7' tall at most and forcing you to duck under the support beams.

The elevator will have a diagram in it to explain what the floor numbers mean, and you'll still get lost.

Amidst hundreds of metal bookcases and thousands upon thousands of books, wifi and cell service become distant dreams.

The general undergraduate library at my current institution adds several fun features to this template:

In order to save energy, the lights are on motion sensors. This is completely reasonable (see: print journals are not really how we learn things these days). Navigation is done in the dim half-light of the single bare bulb ten rows away functioning as an emergency light, until you can locate the sensor and wave at it.

Along the walls are student study spaces. Theoretically, you could rent one out to work in, keep books in, etc. In practice, there are a million better places to study on campus, so no one uses them any more.

This means that each wall is lined with empty metal cages, padlocked, a single desk and chair in each.

Is this where they keep the grad students?

(tbh it'd be an upgrade in office space for some of us)

But maybe that's better than rooms with solid walls and tiny glass windows; at least behind the chain fence someone might hear you if you yell.

There's a couple single-stall bathrooms on each floor.

The bathrooms are not large enough to contain a sink. Instead, spaced halfway between bathrooms, a tiny sink is wedged at approximately hip-level between the shelves.

I cannot stress enough how surreal it is, before you know this, to walk quarter-blind and partially crouching through the shelves and suddenly find a rusty sink sized for gnomes.

If you navigate this for long enough, winding down and down and down, through the half-darkness and diagrammed elevators and two-foot-wide spiral staircases, you may find: The Basement.

(you may be forgiven for thinking you had already been in the basement, but despite being underground, you were not)

The basement, unlike the rest of the building, was refurbished like 20 years ago for some reason.

You emerge, blinking, into the glare of the fluorescent lights, finding yourself suddenly in completely ADA-accessible corridors, wide and flat and bright, lined by modern moveable bookcases and adorned with helpful signage.

But you are still deep underground amongst periodicals published in the 50s and so there is No. One. There.

This place, unlike the rest of the stacks, looks regularly traveled. Nothing's dusty. There's even offices, uninhabited. It has the air that everyone got up and left right before you arrived. Where did they go?

Would anyone hear you scream?

(no)

honestly kinda unfortunate that the only spooky library aesthetic is the victorian fancy bookshelves dark academia one bcos like. ok here's some library stories.

while i was at the university the library was undergoing a major refurbishment so for a little while the print journals were being stored temporarily down in the basement.

basically nobody ever consulted the print journals bcos 99% of stuff undergrads would be looking up is online these days so every time i went down there it was dead fucking silent & empty. you had to walk through what felt like several miles of empty basement to reach the collection, which was in a room w a photocopier shoved in the corner and a bunch of these:

u turn the handles to move these around (saves space) and every time you had to go and check the aisles first on the offchance that someone was in there so they wouldn't get u know. Compacted.

many years ago i did a week's work experience with the National Library of Scotland. here it is:

but that's just the tip of the iceberg. it keeps going down the side of the bridge, like so:

i got a tour of the stacks while i was there. it's floor after floor of this:

the bookshelves are made of metal & i was treated to the 'fun fact' that the shelves are, bizarrely, load bearing. for this reason they have to be constantly vigilant about fire hazards because even a relatively small fire could cause a bookcase to buckle from the heat, which in turn could cause the whole building to collapse in on itself like a house of cards.

this has haunted me ever since!! thank you.

[ashtheshortstack]

Cold Brew

Rating: G Ship: Kristoff/Anna Entry for Frozen Monster Mash Zine @frozines! Check it out here!

Tags: Modern AU, Coffee Shop AU, Witch!Anna, Halloween Fluff Fic, Love Potion Shenanigans! 

Happy Halloween!

Read on AO3

Winters were harsh in the town of Arendelle. Anna was almost certain that was Elsa’s doing. Her sister loved to experiment with her ice spells. Elsa had even gotten so powerful that she didn’t even need a wand to cast them. But sometimes her elder sister’s exploration of her abilities went arie and sent Arendelle into another harsh cold snap without any warning. The citizens made jokes about it, often joshing about how you never really knew what the weather forecast would be in their town. But Anna knew the truth… 

Anna was quite the opposite of her sister. While Elsa liked to cast spells and conjure snow, Anna took the potions approach. She wasn’t sure what it was about finding the right ingredients to mix the perfect spell that excited her so much, but it did. That’s why Anna decided to take a job at the local coffee shop since she loved to mix together concoctions so much. 

Besides, she loved coffee. 

It was during the end of October that the chill set over the town. Often there’d be more and more patrons coming in for warm pumpkin spiced lattes or even skipping ahead a holiday to the peppermint mochas. Anna could understand--she was a sucker for any type of warm cinnamon flavors herself. 

And most of her coworkers--Ryder and Honeymaren--were in agreement with that. But Kristoff… that man’s taste in coffee was atrocious. He liked it black. Hardly any sugar. Despised when anyone put vanilla in his drink. 

Anna thought he couldn’t be human… and she wasn’t even one. 

While working at the coffee shop, she’d met a lot of valuable customers. She often had regulars who’d ask how her day was going but there was always one that stood out amongst the rest: Hans. 

The gingered haired man always flashed her a winning smile, complimented her appearance, and just made her weak at the knees. Anna had never had a boyfriend before. She’d always been more shy around boys. Besides, their parents had kept them pretty sheltered from people because of their abilities they’d inherited from their mother. When their parents died, Anna and Elsa had to make it on their own. So, she’d never really had a real chance at romance. 

Hans at a table, sipping at the coffee she’d made him. Anna hummed dreamily, leaning on her palms as she rested her elbows onto the counter. She couldn’t help but be entranced by him. 

The sound of someone clearing their throat made her jump. 

Anna looked up at Kristoff with a yelp. “What?” she hissed. 

The blond smirked. “You got a little drool…” he motioned to the corner of this mouth.

Humiliation flashed through her, only when she reached up to her own mouth, she found it dry. Ugh! Why was Kristoff like this!? Always joking and teasing her…

He barked a laugh at her reaction as she pouted up at him. “C’mon, Anna, if you’re going to thirst after customers I’m going to give you a hard time about it.” 

She scoffed. “But why?” 

Kristoff rolled his eyes at that. “Because you don’t even know him?” 

“Of course, I do!” 

Giving her a flat look, the blond leaned onto the counter. “What’s his last name?” 

“Uh.. it starts with a W.” 

“Eye color?” 

“Dreamy, obviously.” 

“Best friend’s name?” 

“Probably John.” 

Kristoff snorted. “Anna, seriously? How do you even know he likes you? How can you be so hung up on a guy who doesn’t even know your name?” 

“Sure, he does! I have a nametag!” 

“Bet he’ll pronounce it wrong.” 

Kristoff shook his head with a sigh. “Honestly, Anna, you’re a witch … don’t you think you could do better than that guy?” 

Hushing him, she glanced around. “Keep your voice down! Jeez!” 

Ever since Kristoff caught her doing magic and she had to explain to him that yes , she was a witch and they did exist, he’d agreed to keep her secret. But somehow… she thought it made him more protective of her ever since he’d found out. While she appreciated the sentiment, she didn’t get why he made such a big deal out of things. 

He patted her head. “I’m just trying to look after the most magical girl I know,” he said with a grin.

Anna groaned, pushing off the counter, ignoring the flush rising on her cheeks at his complement. “What are you? A love expert?” 

“Well, no. But I bet I know more about love than you do.” 

With a harumph, she crossed her arms and shot the blond a sour glance. “Fine. We’ll see about that.” 

  Anna intended to prove Kristoff wrong. She’d show him! When she arrived home from work, she pulled on her cloak and stomped down to the basement. Elsa appeared surprised to see her sister stomping over towards the caldron. 

“Anna?” 

She hadn’t been trying to ignore her sister. But she was just so hung up in her own thoughts. Anna couldn’t believe how negative Kristoff was being about her love life. She’d never heard of him talk about a girlfriend! Only his interest in fixing cars and his dog, Sven. Which Anna did find interesting, of course, because Kristoff was her friend despite it all. 

Anna quickly flipped through her spellbook, probably too aggressively, as she muttered to herself. All she wanted was for someone to love her… in a romantic way, that is. 

“Anna, what’re you doing?” 

She didn’t even look up when Elsa spoke, continuing to glance through the pages. “Looking for a love potion recipe… ah-ha! ‘Lover’s Brew’ that’s it!” 

Elsa sighed, pinching her brow. “Why are you looking for a love spell?” 

“So that I can prove to Kristoff that Hans likes me!” 

“By casting a spell? Isn’t that cheating?” 

Scoffing, Anna shook her head. “Of course not,” she replied with a wave of her hand. 

Elsa shook her head with a knowing smile. “Just… please be careful. Taking a love potion into work seems a bit risky.” 

Anna had already begun the process of scouring through their shelves to find the ingredients she needed. She stacked the bottles into her arms before laughing at her sister’s doubts. “Oh, please, Elsa… I’ll be completely careful--ooh!” she nearly dropped her essence of frog, but was able to regain her balance to catch it. That would’ve been a nasty mess to clean up. Essence of frog smelled awful. 

The grimace on her elder sister’s face spoke volumes, but Elsa was completely used to her sibling’s antics at this point. So, she just left Anna to it and crossed the room back to her own spells. But Anna noticed the occasional glance of Elsa checking on her. 

Anna followed the directions of the spell word for word. Pouring in each ingredient with precision, sprinkling the powders, and stirring with her wooden spoon. She winced when she had to yank out a strand of her hair so the potion would have a specific love interest. Usually with potions she was able to do a test run… but there wasn’t any way to test this love spell. So… she’d just have to hope for the best. Luckily, she’d check and there weren’t any that were detrimental. The spell would only last twelve hours unless made permanent with true love’s kiss. 

Perfect. 

  Anna smuggled the potion into work in her pocket. The day was normal… except for the anxiety egging at her chest knowing what her ill conceived plan was. This was a bad idea. She knew it was a bad idea to force someone to fall in love. Besides, she only had the next twelve hours to kiss Hans so he’d be permanently in love with her. And then they could get married and live happily ever after, right? 

When Has approached the counter at his usual time, Anna felt her heart flutter. Today was the day. This man she’d been pining after for so long… she could finally have him. But Hans didn’t seem to be his usual self. He wore a frown and as he scrolled through his phone. 

“Hello, good morning,” Anna began in her practiced chipper tone. “Would you like your usual?” 

With a sigh of annoyance, Hans glanced up from his phone. “Not today. Just large, black with two sugars.” 

Huh. Interesting. That was Kristoff’s usual. She’d always called him plain and shamed him for it, but if Hans liked that too… maybe she’d been too hard on her coworker. 

“Yes sir, coming right up,” she chimed. 

Hans was looking down at his phone again only giving a hum in response before moving to the side to wait for his order. Anna went to work preparing the order. It wouldn’t take long to do such a simple drink. Or it shouldn’t have, at least. Anna sprinkled in the two sugars before glancing around to make sure no one was around. She took the vile out of her pocket and quickly poured it into Hans’ drink. 

“What’re you doing?” 

She yelped. “Jesus Christ, Kristoff! Will you stop doing that?” 

His scowl only remained as he crossed his arms. “What’d you just pour in there?” 

“J-Just some sweetener that I made.” 

Kristoff glared at her. “And you just happened to want to test it on that guy? To what? See if he likes it?” 

“W-Well, yeah! If he thinks this is the best coffee he’s ever tasted then maybe he’ll like me, right?” 

“Anna…” he pursed his lips looking between the drink and her face. “That’s a love potion, isn’t it?” 

Anna sputtered, rearing back. She hated how easily Kristoff could figure her out! How did he do that!? “Psht! What?? No! Of course not. That’d be entirely unethical and--” 

“Yoo hoo! Anna!” Oaken called from his office. “Can I speak to you for a moment?” 

Dread washed over her as she looked between her boss and the coffee. Kristoff seemed to reluctantly take the cup. “Go. I’ll give it to him.” 

Blinking, Anna stared up at him. “Really?” 

“Yeah. I’ll do it.” 

  After her meeting with Oaken (about maybe becoming assistant manager with Kristoff which was mind boggling!), Anna practically skipped out of the office. She looked over at Hans and noticed him sitting in his usual place. He would have to drink most of the cup for the potion to take effect, so she’d just have to wait until he threw the cup away. 

She looked around for Kristoff to check with him if he gave the drink to Hans, but she couldn’t find the blond anywhere. It worried her a bit… Had he not given him the cup? Surely, Kristoff wouldn’t lie to her. 

But she didn’t have time to think about it. When she saw Hans throw away his--hopefully empty--coffee cup, it was time for Anna to strike. It would take five minutes for the potion to take effect. So, she kept her eyes on the clock as Hans scrolled through his phone at the table. Anna stalked over there as soon as she could. Smiling sweetly at him as she walked up. 

“Uh, hi,” she said. 

Hans gave her a once over. “You made that first cup of coffee, right?” 

First cup…?

“U-Um, yes.” 

He glared up at her. “It was absolutely awful. I made your broody manager drink it to prove a point.” 

Blinking, Anna gaped. “You--You what? ” 

Hans scoffed. With each annoyed look that graced his features, Anna felt her heart chipping in her chest. 

“The coffee you made was bad. It had an awful after taste. I didn’t know it was possible to mess up black coffee, but you did.” 

Anna’s fists balled at her sides. “Are you this rude to everyone? ” 

Hans balked. “ Rude? Please, you’re the one who can’t make coffee correctly. It’s a shame really… and here I thought you were cute. But it’s true, pretty girls are always dim.” 

The slap rang out through the coffee shop. She hadn’t meant to… Hans seemed surprised, jaw ajar as he gaped. There was already a red mark on his cheek. Anna knew as soon as she got home… she was putting a curse on his ass. She couldn’t believe this was the guy she’d been fawning over for two months. 

Honeymaren and Ryder were there in an instant. Honeymaren grabbed Anna by the arm and started to tug her backwards away from the man. “Come with me, Anna,” she said quietly. 

Ryder assisted Hans out the door, where the ginger haired man shouted profanities and flailed wildly outside the door as her coworker did his best to defuse him. 

Anger fueled through her. Anna’s chest was tight as Honeymaren led her into the break room. Well, that’s where Kristoff had been hiding apparently. The blond seemed stunned to see her being dragged in by their coworker. 

Honeymaren sighed as she led Anna to the couch. “What happened?” 

“He called me dumb,” she blurted out. 

Pursing her lips, Honeymaren nodded. “Okay… I’ll start on damage control. We’ll talk in a bit. You two just--relax a bit.” 

Anna heard her grumble something about how weird this day was as she headed out the door. When Anna looked up, Kristoff’s cheeks were pink when he stared at her. 

“You drank it, huh?” she asked. 

“He made me.” 

She tilted her head. “What do you mean?” 

Letting out a sigh, he looked away from her. “He threatened to go to Oaken. Apparently, his father knows him. Told me he’d have you fired for making such a disgusting drink. I reminded him that you’ve made all of his drinks before and never had a problem, but he didn’t care. He told me if I drank the whole thing--because he had to taste it and someone else should to--that he’d let it go. Ugh, what an ass.” 

“I’m so sorry, Kristoff. I’m so dumb… This is entirely my fault. I-I’ll have to fix it.” 

“Fix it?” 

“Well, Oaken just offered me a promotion and then I went and slapped a customer. I guess a memory wiping spell would be best.” 

“Ah… I think Oaken would understand. If he knows Hans’ father, I’m sure he knows what kind of man he is.” 

Anna just smiled in response, unsure if she actually believed that. But the way Kristoff was staring at her made her heart leap into her throat. Fiddling with her thumbs, she glanced up at him shyly. “A-Are you okay?” 

“I drank a whole love potion that tasted like fish coffee… Not really. All I can think about is how much I want to kiss you--” he blurted before smacking a hand over his mouth. 

A blush spread across her cheeks. “Really?” 

Kristoff groaned, flopping his head onto the small table. “Yes. And how close I want to be with you. How much I want to hug you and touch you. How happy you make me--and how stupid you make me too. God, I love you.” 

An ‘eep’ left her lips. “Kristoff, I-I’m so sorry. It’ll wear off in twelve hours and you won’t feel this way anymore.” 

He scoffed in response. “Oh, please. I feel like this every day. It’s just amplified. Maybe, your love potion is more of a truth serum when the person already loves you.” 

“Wait, what?” 

Kristoff shook his head. “This is bad. I have to get back to work,” he murmured. The blond sat up, eyes making contact with her own. Suddenly, those honey-brown eyes glazed over. A pink hue spread along his cheeks. Locking eyes had apparently distracted him from his mission. She hadn’t meant for this to happen… 

He was entranced it seemed as he slowly meandered over towards her. Kristoff sat on the couch beside her. He was staring right at her. “I love you.” 

Anna plugged her ears. “Stop. No, you don’t. It’s just the spell.” 

Kristoff’s gentle fingers were pulling her hand away from her ear. “No… Anna, I’ve felt like this since I’ve met you. The stupid potion is just making me say it.” 

“You--You love me? Even though I’m a witch?” 

He snorted. “What difference does that make? You’re Anna. Being a witch doesn’t matter. If anything, it makes you even more special. I had feelings for you before I found out. It didn’t change anything.” 

“W-Why didn’t you say it before…?” she asked timidly. 

“Because…” he ruffled a hand through his shaggy, blond locks. “I could see how much you really liked that guy. I just knew you’d reject me.” His hand was suddenly on her thigh. Anna jumped at the contact. Kristoff grimaced as he yanked his hand away. “Crap, I’m sorry. This spell sucks.” 

She wanted to agree. But… she couldn’t. Had she been so focused on her stupid infactuation with Hans that she couldn’t see what was right there in front of her? Kristoff claimed that he had feelings for her before he drank the potion. What if that were true? Had she been friendzoning him? Quietly rejecting him without realizing it? 

There were so many wonderful things about Kristoff. She loved hearing about his life… about his big family and Sven. How much he loved fixing cars as a hobby--even offering to help her out for free any time she needed it, despite knowing she could easily afford it. He kept her secret when he found out she was a witch. Granted, he was really freaked out at first, but who wouldn’t be? 

Instead of avoiding her, Kristoff was curious and supportive. He asked questions regarding her magic. Wanted to know more about her… 

When she was down, Kristoff cheered her up with his jokes, his teasing, his smile…

Oh… She was an idiot. 

How had she not realized how much Kristoff meant to her? How his stupid grins made her chest ache. How he sent butterflies fluttering inside her? 

Anna chased after his hand, catching his much larger palm in her own. “No, it doesn’t. I’m the one who sucks. I’m so sorry, Kristoff. You’ve been here all this time, and I was too blind to see it. I had no idea of your feelings. And now, I’ve basically forced you to spill them out.” 

He gave her a dopey grin. “I’m pretty sure even if I wanted to agree that this is your fault, the spell won’t let me.” 

Snorting a laugh, she smiled at him. “Promise me… In twelve hours when this spell wears off, you’ll still say you love me.” 

“Only if you say it back.” 

She giggled at that before scooting closer. “I can arrange that.” 

Kristoff was leaning in, almost unconsciously it seemed. But he paused, leaning back and shaking his head. “Sorry. This is really hard to resist.” 

“Good thing I didn’t make the stronger one, huh?” 

“There’s a stronger one? ” 

Anna nodded. “Mhmm.” her lids drooped as she glanced at his lips and to his eyes. 

“I want to kiss you…” he muttered. “May we…?” 

“We may…” 

Cupping her cheek with his large palm, Kristoff tugged her in. Anna’s eyes fluttered closed as he kissed her. Her heart danced in her chest, pounding wildly against her ribcage. How could she have been a fool to deny this man? His lips were so gentle and soft against her own. His thumb brushed along her cheek. Anna couldn’t help but wind her arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer. 

Yeah… she could get used to this. 

When she pulled away, her lips barely left his. “We’re probably at about eleven hours, right?”

The breath from his short chuckle teased her skin. “I’d guess so.” 

“So, in eleven hours… you’ll tell me you love me and kiss me like this?” 

“I promise.” 

[grimmradiance]

The dreamers? 👀

Okay so here’s hoping there isn’t a secret character limit on ask responses because Hoo Boy, I Have Lost Control Of This Ask.

Monomon

A. realistic

Monomon is super hyperempathetic--that’s part of the reason the Foggy Canyon is the way it is.  She’s surrounded by other creatures that prefer to simply exist, who are fine with being left alone, but also don’t mind if she or that odd heavy bug she adopted gives them a little pat on the way past.  That’s also the reason Quirrel is so good with a nail--Monomon could channel the powers of lightning and/or explosions that other jelly creatures seem to have, but emotionally? imagine the toll.

B. not realistic but hilarious

She has NO sense of scale whatsoever. None.  Most bugs in Hallownest measure things against their height, since a bug’s shell is rigid and generally about the same length all the time, but since Monomon is 70% jelly by volume, she tends to measure herself like a cat or a mouse would, by the amount of space she needs to fit into places.  This makes Quirrel’s life...unusual, to say the least.  She gets stuck places sometimes.

C. heart-wrenching

If she’s hyperempathetic, imagine how she fucking feels about Quirrel and the Hollow Knight. I can’t even go off on a three paragraph rant on this one it just makes me HURT.  Quirrel being sent to the Howling Cliffs for No Thoughts Crystalline Memories Empty treatment was probably her best attempt at mercy.  God. I’m never gonna be over these sad fucking bugs.

D. it’s my canon and I choose what parts of it matter

Monomon is a very, very clever conversationalist.  She knows how to talk in just such a way that you feel like you’re being heard and understood, until you suddenly realized you’ve said something aloud you really shouldn’t, and Monomon says “don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.”

And then, of course, she tells Quirrel, because what is knowledge for if not to be shared?  The two of them could totally take down the structure of the White Palace if they were on the same page about how to go about it.

Herrah

A. realistic

This is more about Deepnest in general, but the Weavers prefer to be left to their own devices, and leave other groups of insects to theirs. I mean, look at the Weaverlings from the Weaver’s Song charm.  They’re the only companion charm that doesn’t actively target enemy bugs, they just sort of...wibble around.  And they’re a relic of the Weavers as they moved towards the heart of Deepnest.  The dangerous, heavily-trapped and hypervigilant Deepnest we see is a product of outside interference, presumably the Pale King being salty that the Weavers didn’t accept his rule.

B. not realistic but hilarious

Herrah didn’t just teach Hornet to be a persnickety little anarchist terror in the White Palace, oh no.  She tried to teach Quirrel to be a feral little gremlin too.  I mean, most of it didn’t stick, but she tried.

C. heart-wrenching

You know that one Tumblr post that’s basically “sorry, all the nice queers are gone, you killed them, so now it’s just us pissed-off cockroach motherfuckers left”?  That’s what happened to Deepnest.  What kind of peaceful or uninvolved society would need anything fucking like the Midwife or the Devouts? Well, they’re perfectly good to have around if peace is no longer an option.  Every once in a while I just lose it thinking about all the culture the Weavers probably had preserved through their tapestries, and how much of it must have gotten destroyed along the way.

Also bonus round for Sad And/Or Horrifying Implications regarding Hornet: most spiders lay hundreds or thousands of eggs at a time.  I don’t have the time to even START unpacking Hornet’s distinct lack of siblings (as in specifically not half-siblings).

D. it’s my canon and I choose what parts of it matter

slaps my little hands on the table.  Even as everything was going to shit, Vespa and Herrah were still good friends, and sent letters to each other over the Stagways.  She got to know a number of Vespa’s subjects very well, including the Hive Knight. Silksong better give us more lore on them.

Lurien

A. realistic

The Pale King loved having Lurien around because Lurien was half of TPK’s charisma.  TPK very much seems the type to get wound up in his own thoughts and image, constantly micromanaging it to get the best response from specific people. (Unrelated, but I think only the Hollow Knight knows what TPK is really like, since if TPK really did believe Hollow had no mind and no voice, why would he bother? People make that exact assumption all the time with disabled people anyways, I am sick of my peers realizing I have a disability and changing the way they act around me send tweet  This is a whole other post, maybe I’ll write it another time.)  So who better is there to have around than someone whose hobby and greatest skill is watching a situation and analyzing it?  Once the Dreamers were sealed, TPK’s public image was fucked, no doubt about it.

B. not realistic but hilarious

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned Autistic Lurien before but he is in my head, so branching off of my own experiences: this guy is the KING of Relatable Lapses Of Insight.  This man has drunk paint water before on accident.  This man has tried to sit on a stack of tablets and knocked himself over.  This man will spend three minutes explaining how light reflection works to try and convey the word he’s forgetting. (The word he’s forgetting is “mirror.”)  I care him so much.

C. heart-wrenching

I cannot overexaggerate how fucking brilliant of a meta-narrative choice the existence of Lurien’s butler is. I *cannot.*  I am perpetually in awe of how good Hollow Knight is with environmental storytelling, and how much material it leaves for people who love to dig way too far into things. 

Why do I bring this up here?  Lurien’s butler is a parallel to Hornet and Quirrel, who are, to Herrah and Monomon, their only concrete link to the present that isn’t at least partially painted over in the Pale King’s propaganda.  And he’s been Light-ridden for gods only know how long.  The popular fanon about Lurien having it bad for the Pale King always gets me thinking about this, because we have Lurien’s journal as our only source on him. A scarce few lines: his sleep is in service to King and kingdom.

I can’t help but wonder if Lurien chose those words especially deliberately, knowing they would be his last. “Though my gaze falls no longer on this city, I will act forever in its protection,” in a journal carefully hidden in a private building of the City of Tears.  Why hide something like that with so much care, unless there was something to be gleaned from it?  Well, whatever information we need to know about Lurien to contextualize anything outside of context clues and the King’s image of him would have been with someone who was loyal and trustworthy enough to watch over him. Someone who was loyal and trustworthy enough that that would be all that remained in their mind, even under the Light’s influence.

Basically, what I’m getting at here: I know for a fact there is something we don’t know about Lurien, and whatever that secret is, it died with his butler.

D. it’s my canon and I choose what parts of it matter

Lurien travels!  He is very good at making up academic or political excuses for it, but we all know why he’s really leaving the city: to paint.  He isn’t quite as skilled with natural features as the regular shapes you see in a city, but he enjoys himself so that’s what matters.

[creaturedom]

Miscalculation (Part 3)

I’m hoooome! This has been so fun, I’m not sure how many parts this will end up being, but I hope you’ll enjoy it while it lasts! Thank you to everyone whose been sending such sweet messages and for your support so far. And reminder: please don’t share outside of sneeze/whump blogs, thank you!

[Part One] [Part Two]

This didn’t feel like a compromise. A compromise would be offering to take the hellhound for the day, give Aziraphale the chance to remember what breathing felt like, maybe reconvene for brunch the next day so he could take the final shift. Or perhaps offering to come over to take Dog on his daily walks and feed him outside to help a little. This, however, was not any of that. Crowley’s idea of compromise was apparently the three of them rushing back to his flat in the middle of the afternoon, no lunch or thought as to what to bring for the pet to stay the night, and hide out until this blew over. Which the angel had to admit was better than offering to whisk the two of them away to a quiet galaxy, but this didn’t change the fact he was still trapped with the one thing he could hardly look at without a sniffle. Speaking of which...

“HiihTSchh-!” Aziraphale dipped forward into his bandana once more, his face lingering in it as a soft moan escaped his lips. “Oooh, my head...” There was a throbbing in his sinuses that was starting to spread. The bandana only lowered so he could rub his temple, wincing a bit at the pressure. The day had taken quite a toll on Aziraphale, but Dog looked oblivious as ever as he skipped and barked around Aziraphale’s feet.

“Get down already, get down!” He shoved the hellhound aside with his foot, meeting the others growl with his own, which helped quiet Dog down some. “Now first thing’s first you’re going to take a shower- I repeat, a shower- you know it heats up quick, so don’t blast it. Scrub off all this nonsense, reconvene in my room, and we’ll have this problem solved!” Aziraphale still looked quite miserable, but a small smile painted his lips as he wiggled a bit in place “So a shower and not a wonderfully soothing, top of the notch bubble bath in that nice big tub of yours..?”

There was a pause between the two, Aziraphale wearing his goofy little grin while Crowley stared back with the usual scowl. It did curl up into a smile though, just like his pointer finger did as it came up and poked the tip of the angel’s red nose. Aziraphale’s nose scrunched, a new wave of irritation tumbling through, and he barely had enough time to bring the bandana up as a familiar gasp escaped.

“Hih’ptschh- hihtschh- hah’TSCHHhoo!” He opened his eyes blearily to find Crowley smirking down at him “I think you just gave yourself the answer. Steam’ll help clear you up faster anyway, so hop to it.” Despite every miserable moment Aziraphale found himself pouting as he went to the bathroom. Crowley, on the other hand, was a bit busy keeping something out of the way. He managed to hold Dog by the collar as the angel made his way inside, though the little hellhound whipped its body and growled in frustration as Aziraphale left his sight. “Ooho, no no, you’re not getting any closer to that angel. Understand?” There was a familiar snarl to his tone, the plants in the next room began to quiver in response. Dog, however, seemed unfazed. So much so that when Crowley let the damn thing go he bounded to the closed door to sit and stare intently.

“Ugh, come on, do you have to follow Adam to a T? Leave him be in there, you can sit near him when he comes out!” He came over to snatch Dog, only to be met with a surprise. Dog’s head snapped back like an owl, eyes flashing bright red as a low growl emerged from his muzzle. The hiss of the shower was about the only sound exchanged at this point, and after a moment Crowley stepped back and Dog’s head snapped forward again, tail wagging as if nothing had changed. “... I’m drawing the line at jumping on my fucking furniture, but carry on.”

Aziraphale groaned softly as the warm water soaked his hair and face, washing away lingering irritants from Dog. He hated to admit it, but Crowley was right on the money as usual, and the shower truly was making him feel better. Helped a bit too that when looking through the soaps it seemed another smaller soap rack seemed to be ready for him, quite conveniently stacked with the brands Aziraphale often used. He happily scrubbed himself down, with the exception of a couple sneezes, and emerged about twenty minutes later from the bathroom, dried and wrapped in a spare bathrobe he kept there. Now that Heaven and Hell seemed to back off, it was easier to leave a few things here and there for their own convenience..

But, the first face he saw was in fact not Crowley’s, but Dog’s. He was looking up with those irresistibly round eyes and wagging his scruffy little tail, it was almost enough to make Aziraphale forget everything that had happened prior “Ooh, you’ve been waiting a while, haven’t you? Such a loyal pup...” He glanced around for Crowley, but it didn’t look like he was out of his room just yet. In fact, things were a bit quieter than he was used to in the flat. Dog spun in a circle and looked up expectantly at the angel, and Aziraphale found his heart aching.

“Perhaps... One treat is in order, for being so diligent.” With the snap of his fingers one of his robe pockets distended, and he reached in to retrieve a biscuit for the eager hellhound. Or, it started as one. When Dog received the first treat he started running in circles. The second treat he did a backflip, which who in their right mind couldn’t reward that? And rolling over, and holding his paw to shake, and those ever so beautifully begging eyes... Dog had quickly won the angel over again, and Aziraphale was now wrapped around his little paw. “Why are you such a good boy? Who loves you besides Adam, hm? It’s me, I love you~.” With a coo and two hands lovingly scratching Dog’s ears, Aziraphale had unknowingly sealed his fate once more.

“Ey, you bout finished?”

“Ah- yes, coming!”

Aziraphale offered one more ruffle of his fluffy face before scampering off into the bedroom. By now Crowley had already discarded his sunglasses, yellow eyes looking the angel over with a wide smirk. “I assume you made yourself at home?” Aziraphale merely smiled back, quick to slide in beside him and wrap an arm over his stomach. Crowley squirmed to get lower and he turned his attention to the tv hanging opposite of the bed, three familiar old ladies appearing “You’re just in time for the marathon, the girls are all fighting over the play director and they’re all convinced they’re gonna fuck him.”

“Hah, Crowley, I don’t think it counts as a marathon of they play it on the same block every single day..” The demon was already sucked in as he waved a hand with a quick shush and leaned back to enjoy the rest of episode, leaving Aziraphale to chuckle softly and nestle against him. Dog seemed to be getting the gist of the housing rules and settled on Aziraphale’s side of the bed, laying down with the most pitiful look on his face. The angel, however, was too wrapped in the moment with Crowley to pay attention for the time being. Absentmindedly Aziraphale pulled a hand up to rub at his nose, the dull ache still remaining from the previous sneezing. Something felt off again though.

It wasn’t just soreness, it was a prickle. Buzzing low in the back of his nose, it seemed. He rubbed it some more with a slight wince, but it seemed that it was only growing stronger the more he did so. “Angel..?” Aziraphale sniffs back, forcing a smile for the other “Ah- Sorry, I’m fine! Just a little tender is all...”

“Of course it’s tender, you’re rubbing it raw.” Crowley chuckled as he pulled the other closer “Just leave it be, it’ll pass with time.”

“Mm, I suppose you’re right..” But it wasn’t passing. It was starting to burn, and judging from past experience, he was starting to get a clue on why. He had only touched Dog for a second, could it really kick in so quickly once more? Damnit, Crowley was going to have a fit if he found out about this... Aziraphale did his best to focus on the program, but even his eyes were starting to water a bit as the tickle became stronger. He hid hitches as best he could by sniffing back, but he was teetering on the edge, and soon he found he couldn’t take it. He had to sneeze, but... At the perfect moment.

He watched Crowley closely as he watched the episode, as usual the demon’s body would shake with his laugh. He always found it so endearing how big a laugh four old ladies managed to coax out of Crowley, but in this case he was waiting for the consistency. The laugh track would go off, he would start laughing, and it gave Aziraphale a good seven seconds to get this right. When he felt he had it right he waited, squinting at Crowley through tears eyes until he saw the smile split his face, quick to pinch his nose shut and curl into Crowley’s side.

“Ht'kshhx- Nn’gshx- Ip’tSHxx-!” His body rocked in rhythm with the demon’s and he let out a shaken sigh of relief, which Crowley responded to by rubbing his shoulder “That’s the spirit, let the biddies cure ya of all your woes!” He smiled at Crowley, who was already looking ahead again, grateful as the laugh track sounded once more “HhPTxx—tschh—tshhx, tSChhh-!” So far so good, but it wasn’t enough to end the terrible tickle. It was only building the longer he prolonged it, and soon he was finding himself rather lightheaded. Just a little longer, he would convince himself, just a little longer through the next joke, but horror struck as the screen faded to a car commercial. It’s as if all concentration faulted as soon as he saw it speeding around the corner, and just as Crowley looked down to ask something, Aziraphale’s trembling hands came around his nose, and disaster finally struck.

“Ehh..! Hehh-k'tshIEW!! Hehh'kSHEW!! Hihh.... Hah—hehh'kshHEWW—Ktt'schh, kihh'tschh, K'hihtsHH-!!” His chest heaved with sharp gasps, he could feel the other jump and put his arms more securely around Aziraphale “Hah'ktSHHhh! I’b s-sorrRTSCHhhoo! S-So sorry— Gihh'TSCHhhoo! Hah— hah—!” It felt like a nightmare that just wouldn’t end, sneezing his head off while the room just spun around him, Crowley’s grasp seeming to be the only thing that could keep him still.

A few more sneezes escaped before he finally went limp in defeat, face red once more and hands still clasped tight over his now dripping nose. His ears were ringing, but he knew Crowley was hissing some sort of profanity... What he didn’t expect was the other moving his hands away and wiping both those and his face with a soft cloth. Aziraphale couldn’t help but wince as the tender skin was brushed, but he also moaned softly, allowing Crowley to finish with such feather light touches.

“Couldn’t resist the fucking hellhound for two fucking minutes...” He heard the demon mutter with a light chuckle “Zira, what the fuck am I going to do with you?” With a light cough he looked blearily up at Crowley, still tucked against him, but still wearing that goofy smile from before “Is a bath... Still tempting..?” He rasped with a thick sniffle and moved to rub his eyes, though Crowley was quick to stop him “Don’t touch your face Angel, you’re gonna swell up faster than a pufferfish. Not that you aren’t already, but you won’t help matters.” That coaxed a chuckle out of the angel and soon Crowley was helping him out of bed to at least wash his face and hands in the bathroom.

At least Crowley had been down this allergy road long enough to know things like mortal medicines wouldn’t work and washing off the irritant would help, but it didn’t change the fact that none could really be prepared for it. It was just something that would have to run its course and hopefully leave with time, no matter how badly they may have each wanted to miracle this problem away. Which, “conveniently,” they couldn’t.

As he sat Aziraphale, and consequently Dog, by an open window in the plant room, a rather pressing question came to mind. If he was already this bad off, how were they going to make it through the weekend? Or even the rest of the day, considering it wasn’t even lunch time yet.

[Part 4]

[fleeting-phantasm-blog]

(Dadster Fic) “R&D: Research and Dad-velopment” Ch. 1

(A second version of the post, without the gift recipient tagged / my obnoxious yammering—for a cleaner reblogging experience :3c.)

Rating: G, All Audiences Chapters: 1/? Genre: Family, Fluff Warnings: N/A AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9535625/chapters/21561716

Summary:

(A gift for “thegeminisage” as part of Tumblr’s Undertale Secret Santa Exchange!)

Upon returning from his unexpected sojourn into the depths of oblivion, Dr. Gaster finds the Underground to be a vastly different place from the one he left behind—most notably, in regards to his eldest son. Oh, lamentations! His junior scientist, his bundle of insatiable curiosity … now a lazy, lethargic, layabout! What’s a father to do?

Enter Flowey. As a favor for King Asgore, Gaster agrees to babysit this baleful buttercup while the royal family pays a diplomatic visit to the Surface. Talk about the perfect opportunity! Not only will it put the former Royal Scientist within inches of the Underground’s greatest enigma, playing house to this little yellow mystery is sure to put some pep back into Sans’s lifeless steps. Perhaps, it will help him remember the way he used to be? However, when the son’s reactions contradict the fathers’ notes and observations, the greatest mind in monsterkind realizes that, when it comes to parenting, he may have a few lessons left to learn.

1

In the beginning, there was darkness. Or, no, that would be more towards the middle, he supposed. Yes, in the middle, there was darkness. In the beginning, however, there was light. Two sources of it, in fact: The first, his oldest son, who inherited his thirst for knowledge and never ending stream of questions, whose pupils shone with thoughts of all the possibilities he hadn’t yet discovered—but always knew he would; the second—his youngest son—whose brilliance radiated in his smile, in his undaunted spirit, and in the way he could draw anyone, even his sibling, out of their shell. Perfect complements, they were.

Then came the darkness. Suddenly. A cacophony of noise, and then a blink, and then nothing. He was alone. He couldn’t say how it happened. Couldn’t say what had happened, either. Words like that lost all meaning, there. Where? Everywhere! Nowhere! Why? What did it matter? He was there, then, now! Everywhen and nowhen!

So, he did the only thing he could do: He stopped looking for something amidst all the nothing and, instead, thought only of the light.

It was accident: So went the explanation given him by tearfully overjoyed, if now considerably older, colleagues. During a momentary lapse of attention, he slipped and fell into one of his creations. Just … poof! Down he went!

Oh, of all the—

But embarrassing as it was, he was back. And not just back, but alive—and still marginally sane, he thought.

“It was the human,” his colleagues buzzed. “They got you out. Don’t know how they did, but they did.” And, apparently, that wasn’t all they did. They surpassed their species’ history and biases and spread joy throughout the Underground, crafting powerful bonds with every monster they met—“Your sons, included.”; they saved the deceased Crown Prince as well as his former vessel; then, they broke the barrier and became the driving force behind the burgeoning relationship between man and monsterkind.

What a world he had returned to! Monsters of science spouting miracles! His mind raced. He needed to get home, to see his sons, to talk with them and laugh with them and rediscover every inch of this new and exciting existence.

And he told himself right then and there: It had been his light which kept him together when even logic fell apart; he would not lose his light again.

* * *

For the umpteenth time in fifteen minutes, Dr. Wingding Gaster glanced at his watch, sighed, and contemplated dragging Sans down by the hood of his sweatshirt.

“He knows what day it is. I reminded him yesterday; you reminded him twice this morning. We give him plenty of time to do whatever it is he needs to do, and yet, every single week he…” Gaster’s mutterings faded as he felt the sympathetic glove of his youngest son pat him twice on the shoulder.

What was a father to do?

It wasn’t long after the good doctor had returned to the here-and-now did he realize that, beneath the world’s fresh coat of positivity, something terrible had taken place on the home front. Ah, there it was! (Finally.) He could hear the telltale signs approaching now: The familiar creaking of an oft-used bedroom door; fuzzy footfalls pausing every other step, turning a simple flight of stairs into a laborious excursion; a succession of sharp snaps as a slackened spine straightened into an impossible stretch, followed by the crackling of a jaw into an uproarious yawn; then, five phalanges grating against an ilium that always itched at the most inappropriate moments… Each and every sound a symptom of the malevolent malady that had invaded his home in his absence, sunk its tendrils into his eldest son, and transformed him into… into…

“Hey, you mind if I skip this one, G-Man? Happy Hour’s starting at Grillby’s, and I don’t wanna be late for being early.”

Oh, heavens above, just look at him! There Sans was, in all his mustard-stained glory, stopping on the very bottom step and addressing his patiently waiting family by slouching over the railing like some sort of dozy cat.

Dog grant me patience. With an exasperated exhale, Gaster folded his hands atop the overflowing Notebook of Family Observations™ balanced in his lap and fixed the shorter of his two prides and joys with a pointed look. “You know the rules, son. These are mandatory.”

So, with a laugh and a “Roger dodger”, Sans slinked his way down the final step and flopped onto the couch next to his father, who promptly hissed at him to get his feet off the table. All was as it should have been.

Who was he kidding? Of course it wasn’t!

“Now that everyone is here, I will call our Family Meeting to order.” Ignoring the dispassionate ‘Woo hoo’ uttered from his right, Dr. Gaster opened his patented Notebook and flipped through a few dozen pages coated in his cryptic shorthand before settling on a stack of loose sheets jam-packed in the middle. “Do you boys mind if I go first this week?” There was no opposition. “Very well. Papyrus, there is something I would discuss with you.”

“Yes, sir, Dad, sir?” came the dutiful response from his left.

“For a few days now, I’ve noticed a slight lean permeating your walk.” Gaster adjusted his glasses and, squinting, held one of the loose sheets of paper close to his face. “Specifically, two degrees to the right on Monday, one degree on Tuesday, and then three degrees on Thursday. You haven’t injured yourself, have you?”

Papyrus looked askance. “Um, no, not that I can think of. That’s just my usual cool stride.”

Nonsense. I recognize a favored leg when I see one. Considering his son over the rim of his glasses, Gaster tucked his page of notes back into the depths of the spiral-bound. The rest of the loose sheets, however, he promptly deposited right in Papyrus’s lap. “Well, just in case, I did a little research and prepared some exercise regimens for you—complete with diagrams. Do these every morning, and your, er, ‘cool stride’ will quickly become a radical one.”

Sans stifled a cough in his sleeve.

“T-thank you, sir Dad. You … didn’t have to do this.” Papyrus lifted the top sheet, his eye sockets graced with a series of skeleton illustrations doing everything from headstands to the splits. “Really. You didn’t have to.”

Ah, always so grateful. Gaster chuckled. “It was no trouble at all. Make sure you thank Undyne as well. Her advice was absolutely indispensible!” He heard a noise of pure, unbridled agreement squeak out from behind Papyrus’s tightly clenched smile. He also heard Sans stifle another cough. Was he coming down with a cold? He made a mental note to pick up tissues from the store.

“Now that I’ve said my part,” Gaster continued. “Is there anything you boys would like to bring up? Questions? Concerns? Grievances? Remember, this is a safe and open forum, so we can talk about anything. No judgment. No hurt feelings.” He looked to his right; Sans, staring up at the ceiling, simply shrugged. He looked to his left; Papyrus briefly glanced back down at the papers in his lap before shaking his head. “Nothing? Really?”

Another short meeting… That couldn’t be all, could it? Well, who was he to complain? Another seven days without incident meant another seven days of two happy sons!

“Very well.” Gaster closed his Notebook and leaned back against the couch. “Then, before we go back to enjoying our weekend, I have one last announcement to make.” Papyrus’s attention remained undivided; Sans’s remained ceiling-ward, now with a finger drifting dangerously close to his nasal cavity. The good doctor’s smile turned sly. Rest assured, son, that sharp mind of yours is still in there somewhere. I know it. And I’m about to bring it back. He clapped his hollow hands together. “Starting Monday, Prince Flowey will be staying with us.”

Instantly, the energy in the room changed.

“Flowery is?! Really?!” Papyrus leapt up from his seat, causing his carefully constructed fitness plan to tumble to the floor in a loose leaf whirlwind. “Yes!” he proclaimed. “We’re going to have so much fun! We’re gonna stay up late and watch terrible sci-fi movies, and maybe we’ll go treasure hunting in the Waterfall dump and—”

“—How long?”

Gaster felt a sudden thrill when he heard Sans speak up. For the first time since their meeting began, his oldest son was staring directly at him.

Aha!

“Oh, just a week,” the good doctor said. “The royal family has some important business to attend to on the Surface.”

“And… they’re not taking Flowey with them? Weird. Don’t they all usually go together?”

Gaster could scarcely contain his excitement! More questions from Sans! They were good ones, too. They made even Papyrus calm down slightly as the oddity of the situation set in. Ah, but for this to work, Gaster knew he would have to word his explanation carefully. The doctor straightened up, set Papyrus’s reassembled exercise regimen on the table, and adopted the most secretive expression his skull could muster.

“Well, I’m technically not supposed say anything, so promise me you’ll keep this under wraps?” Both brothers nodded and leaned in close to their father. “Apparently, Flowey doesn’t like the Surface. In fact, I’d hazard to say he hates it. And he’s not afraid to show it in the midst of polite company, either. So, given the important diplomatic nature of this visit, King Asgore feels that leaving Flowey Underground will be the best course of action—for everyone.”

Sans huffed.

“And he settled on us, G-Man? They don’t have nannies at the castle?”

Papyrus cut in before Gaster could respond. “Because he wants Flowey to have fun, clearly! Nannies aren’t going to let him watch movies until 2am and eat candy until his… petals rot like Papyruses would!”

Gaster laughed. “Fun is okay, but do be careful with him. The King is putting his utmost faith in us, so I’d like to return his son in the same condition he arrived in, alright?”

“Yes, sir, Dad, sir!”

Shortly thereafter, the skeletons’ weekly mandatory Family Meeting officially concluded. Papyrus—his papers stashed firmly under the crook of his arm; (Gaster made sure of that)—dashed off to get his room set up in advance for “maximum sleepover potential.” Sans, on the other hand, did the lazy man’s version of a beeline toward the front door. He was able to get his hand to the doorknob before his father called out to him.

“Son, a word before you go?” Gaster hadn’t moved from the couch. He watched his son with a playful smile—the picture of a man who spent most of his life dedicated to careful observation, and a man who loved every minute of it. “You do realize the opportunity we’ve been given, yes? The Underground’s first and only Golden Flower Monster—and the three of us are about to have the immense privilege of caring for him. I know you prefer to… drift, for lack of a better term, but I can trust you to assist in the coming days, can’t I?”

Sans was quiet for a moment. Then, he turned back to his father and winked. “Yeah. You got it, G-Man. I’ll help keep an eyesocket on him.”

* * *

((Translation because Tumblr doesn’t like the ol’ Dings: “OBSERVATION: WHAT AN AMAZING DAY THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE! THAT WAS THE MOST INTEREST SANS HAS SHOWN TOWARDS SOMETHING OTHER THAN EATING AND SLEEPING IN MONTHS! I KNEW MY LITTLE SCIENTIST WAS STILL AROUND, HIDING BENEATH ALL THAT INFURIATING IDLENESS. I THINK I'’LL SEE EVEN MORE OF HIM ONCE OUR MYSTERIOUS LITTLE GUEST ARRIVES. FLOWEY… THE SOLE MEMBER OF HIS SPECIES. HOW FASCINATING! SANS WILL THINK SO, TOO. HE MUST! STILL, FURTHER STUDY WILL BE NEEDED TO DETERMINE THE STRENGTH OF MY HYPOTHESIS.

ALSO, NOTE TO SELF: MAKE EXTRA COPIES OF THE EXERCISE DIAGRAMS. I SAW PAPYRUS SHUCK HIS UNDER SANS’'S BEDROOM DOOR. I THINK HE WANTS THIS TO BE A FAMILY INITIATIVE. TRULY, AN EXCELLENT IDEA!”))

[theamazingstories]

(Note:  voting closes in a bit more than ten days from now on 7/21/19.  Membership sales (required for voting rights in most cases) also close soon.  Visit the Dublin in 2019 website for more information.)

This being a Monday, and Mondays being slow, I figured it was about time to share my 2019 Hugo Awards Finalist Ballot, which ballot will be used to help tally the vote for the 2019 Hugo Awards, which will be presented – for the first time ever – in my ancestral lands of Ireland.

(Start at 30 seconds in; the important part comes at 54 seconds)

Sadly, I will not be in attendance, but I am a supporting member and therefore, get to vote.

Below are screen captures of the individual categories and my placements (the Hugo Awards use a preferential voting system where you rank your picks).

The Retro Hugo Awards follow the contemporary Hugo Awards.

Some general comments:  I don’t vote for works I’m not personally familiar with, which happens for one reason and another;  I also don’t consider reading an excerpt from a longer work to be sufficient exposure to judge it properly.

This also means that I don’t necessarily rank everything in a category.

There are a handful of categories I didn’t vote in or opted to select No Award for – excercising my Ghu-given right to “vote” by not selecting anyone or picking No Award to indicate that I disagree with the inclusion of the category in the awards.

This is not pique over disagreeing with a categorie’s inclusion when I campaigned against its inclusion but lost the vote.  It’s actually three reactions:  1. I really don’t think that it should be an award category, find it problematic for various reasons and see it as more (eventual) trouble than it is worth – which gets a “No Award”;  2.  I disagree with the category but don’t care enough – or think it harmful enough – to bother with it and 3.  I’ve no interest in the category and therefore can’t vote because I really don’t engage with it.  Let those who do decide who should win without interference from me.

Note:  the screencaps are a bit difficult to read, so the email summary of my ballot is included after them.  I’m showing the screen caps first because the summary only includes those Finalists that I actually voted for.

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This category, over time I think, is going to cause problems, what with the possibility that a “series” can find itself up for the award in multiple years; not to mention some possible entrants getting short shrift because of availability & etc.

Hoo boy. I completely disagree with the Administrators on the eligibility of Archive of Our Own – not because it showcases “fan fic”, but because it is not a “new” work and has not been updated sufficiently broadly enough to be eligible. Making a website that updated some back-end capabilities eligible is like making The Moon is a Harsh Mistress eligibile again because they changed the type font in a new edition. Further, I am deeply concerned about A: AO3’s members deliberately misconstruing their individual status AND B. even more concerned about large internet “tribes” being able to sway the vote and using their numbers and reach to possibly negate the regular membership’s vote*. And, finally, this category needs to be refined in future to refocus it on academic and critical work within the field.

As stated earlier, if I don’t engage, I don’t vote – but, while I have mild reservations about this category’s inclusion, they’re not strong enough to want to deny others their fun.

It’s really, really difficult to figure out who did what in this category. I believe that editorial work should be awarded, I just think we need a better way to do it. What that might be, I’ve no idea,. so, therefore, I stay mum.

Another category whose inclusion I heartily disagree with. I am PERSONALLY far better off because when I began reading science fiction, there were no distinctions made over what was or was not appropriate for me to read. I believe this is an artificial, marketing-based divide, is detrimental to young readers by suggesting limitations and that we should not be basing awards on marketing categories.

*I’ve been vocal on the AO3 “controversy”.  Early on I asked that they detail the “sufficient” changes made to the site that would make it eligible in a year in which it was not first produced.  (In fact, I think its TEN years AFTER it was first created that we are being asked to vote for it.  As if The Martian appeared on the ballot AFTER the film rolled out, in a year in which the novel itself was not first published in English.)

I am not objecting to “new voters”  coming into the fold here.  We absolutely want that.  What I am finding issue with is an internet community that does not normally engage with the awards doing so to get their “thing” a win.  Just like the gamer gaters that were recruited by the Sad and Rabid puppies.  (No, they are not pups;  some of their actions are ‘puppy-like’.)

If this kind of thing becomes common (and I suspect it may), the awards turn into a defacto “popularity” contest:  how many people who never heard of the Hugo Awards before can we get to vote because their “friends” are up for an award?

But putting that argument aside for a moment:  the public display on the part of AO3 members (yay, all of my fan fic works are now Hugo Nominees:  I’m a Hugo Finalist author – gonna put that right up on my website!) AFTER being informed that they are not entitled to such honors individually, is, to me, more than enough reason to not vote for it.

Prior coverage of this debate here 

Finalist Vote Summary:

Novel:

The Calculating Stars

Trail of Lightning

Space Opera

Novella:

Artificial Condition

The Tea Master and the Detective

Binti: The Night Masquerade

Novelette:

“The Thing About Ghost Stories”

The Only Harmless Great Thing

Short Story:

“The Tale of the Three Beautiful Raptor Sisters, and the Prince Who Was Made of Meat”

“The Court Magician”

“The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington”

Related Work:

Astounding: John W. Campbell, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, L. Ron Hubbard, and the Golden Age of Science Fiction

An Informal History of the Hugos: A Personal Look Back at the Hugo Awards

Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing

http://www.mexicanxinitiative.com: The Mexicanx Initiative Experience at Worldcon 76

The Hobbit Duology (documentary in three parts)

No award

Dramatic Long:

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Sorry to Bother You

Black Panther

Avengers: Infinity War

Annihilation

A Quiet Place

Dramatic Short:

The Good Place: “Janet(s)”

The Good Place: “Jeremy Bearimy”

Editor Short:

Gardner Dozois

Neil Clarke

Semiprozine:

Strange Horizons

FIYAH Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction

Fireside Magazine

Beneath Ceaseless Skies

Uncanny Magazine

Shimmer

Fanzine:

Rocket Stack Rank

Galactic Journey

Journey Planet

nerds of a feather, flock together

Fan Writer:

Foz Meadows

James Davis Nicoll

Alasdair Stuart

Fan Artist:

Spring Schoenhuth

Series:

No award

New Writer:

Jeannette Ng

Lodestar:

No award

The Retro Hugo Awards

(The older I get, the closer the Retros come to being THE Hugo Awards….)

Yes, seems that this year I have a ‘thing’ for Don Wollheim, Eric Frank Russell and C. L. Moore.

(Pretty sure I’ve always had a thing for them.)

Symbiotica (EF Russell) makes me laugh.  Every. Single. Time.  I think it takes the prize for most vomitous novelette in the history of the genre (though Sturgeon’s The Girl Had Guts comes a very close second).  And by vomitous, I don’t mean on the part of the reader.  I mean, more people vomit in that story than in any other.

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  Summary

Retro Novel:

Conjure Wife

Earth’s Last Citadel

The Weapon Makers

Gather, Darkness!

Perelandra

Retro Novella:

“Attitude”

“Clash by Night”

The Little Prince

“We Print the Truth”

Retro Novelette:

“Symbiotica”

“Mimsy Were the Borogoves”

“The Proud Robot”

“Citadel of Lost Ships”

“The Halfling”

Retro Short Story:

“Q.U.R.”

“Yours Truly – Jack the Ripper”

“Doorway into Time”

“King of the Gray Spaces” (“R is for Rocket”)

“Death Sentence”

Retro Graphic Story:

Flash Gordon: Fiery Desert of Mongo

Buck Rogers: Martians Invade Jupiter

Wonder Woman #5: Battle for Womanhood

Retro Dramatic Long:

Phantom of the Opera

Münchhausen

Heaven Can Wait

Batman

Retro Dramatic Short:

Super-Rabbit

Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman

The Ape Man

Der Fuehrer’s Face

Retro Editor Short:

Donald A. Wollheim

Mary Gnaedinger

Dorothy McIlwraith

John W. Campbell

Raymond A. Palmer

Retro Pro Artist:

Margaret Brundage

Hannes Bok

J. Allen St. John

Virgil Finlay

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

William Timmins

Retro Fanzine:

The Phantagraph

Le Zombie

Futurian War Digest

Guteto

Voice of the Imagi-Nation

Retro Fan Writer:

Jack Speer

Morojo (Myrtle Douglas)

Wilson “Bob” Tucker

Donald A. Wollheim

Forrest J. Ackerman

Art Widner

The 2019 Hugo Awards – Publisher’s Picks (Note:  voting closes in a bit more than ten days from now on 7/21/19.  Membership sales (required for voting rights in most cases) also close soon. 

[gulescamisade]

Virginia:  Day 3

TAKODA: -they're all fueled up again and he's back to driving, but he's found another place for them to stop while he tries to figure out the best route to minnesota. he's noticed that a lot of major highways are blocked off by the military, so... it's probably best to avoid those. even if the condesce wants to toy with them as she is, there's no way of predicting anyone else's behavior.-

DEREK: -meanwhile, he's hovering around his brother. takes a seat next to him wherever he's at.- Hey.

DAVENFORTH: -He's been sitting here, thinking too much. Help him. At least his brother is here.- Sup

DEREK: ... I dunno about you but Ive been thinkin a lot about the news.

DAVENFORTH: Nah i havent thought about it even once in fact id forgotten about it entirely

DEREK: Yeah ok. 

DEREK: So whats your plan? I know youve got one.

PENNY: -slides closer from like two seats away- what news?

DAVENFORTH: What do you mean are you really asking me if im a bad enough dude to assassinate the presidents

DAVENFORTH: Because thats not even on the table look at every card and lo and behold it aint there conveniently missing like the last piece of the puzzle

DEREK: ... 

DEREK: -looks at penny- Dual juggalo presidents.

PENNY: ... -snrk- 

PENNY: yall just found out that happened?

DAVENFORTH: Yeah

DEREK: Cant say Ive had much opportunity to keep on top of all the bullshit goin down here.

PENNY: hoo boy well. 

PENNY: welcome to the new United States of Whatever.

RILEY: -she was dead asleep, and suddenly, she wakes up. sleeping on a party bus is great. she stretches a little before noticing that penny is talking to Derek and davenforth, but it's hard to know if it's a step forward or backward. which is why she's conveniently pretending to not pay attention but in reality is intensely eavesdropping-

DAVENFORTH: This is my united states of whatever

PENNY: -she still hasn't quite figured out that Derek is her Boy. she's been avoiding looking at Riley a little too much.- 

PENNY: and then up comes Zafo and Im like yo Zafo whats up hes like nothin and Im like thats cool.

PENNY: ok but really.

PENNY: the whole things a joke and everybody knows it.

PENNY: but not even a good one.

DAVENFORTH: Pretty dangerous joke

DAVENFORTH: Your new buddy back there finds their very existence offensive

PENNY: yeah well Im more scared of what were doing right now than the clowns sitting in the White House.

PENNY: literal clowns.

DAVENFORTH: Those clowns are a lot more dangerous than you think

RILEY: -why does jodie love the clowns so much-

PENNY: Im a lot more dangerous than they think.

PENNY: theyre just human anyway.

DAVENFORTH: Ill let you fight em then

DEREK: Yeah but. Humans appointed by the queen bee bitch herself no doubt. DEREK: Clearly theyre influencin the populous into a compliant lifestyle under her rule.

DAVENFORTH: Anyway i think we should make a pit stop on the way to minnesota

DAVENFORTH: Let condy were coming

PENNY: oh sure. PENNY: Id love to punch a juggalo in the dick.

DAVENFORTH: Well

DAVENFORTH: Thats good to hear

TAKODA: -glances back at them- UM... NOT TO EAVESDROP, BUT 1 TH1NK WE M1GHT HAVE TO PASS THROUGH D.C. ANYWAY... MOST OF THE H1GHWAYS ARE BLOCKED... ER. THERE ARE TOLLS, BUT, 1'VE BEEN AFRA1D TO... SEE WHAT 1T 1S THEY'RE CHARG1NG... TAKODA: BUT WE ARE CLOSE TO THE CAP1TAL... 1 GUESS WE M1GHT AS WELL... STOP THERE... -doesn't seem keen on the idea though-

HIGHBLOOD: to eavesdrop, weren't like it wasn't gonna already get up and goin on, bein in the middle of that route makes shit easier =Dueces from the back=

PENNY: WOOOOOO!!!!

DAVENFORTH: Kill the figureheads and send the heart a message

DAVENFORTH: She can be touched

PENNY: fuck troll booths GO JOHN WILKES BOOTH.

RILEY: -done with eavesdropping apparently- are we assassins now?

MAYOR: -produces a burger King crown and stomps on it on the floor. NO MASTERS. NO KINGS.-

DEREK: Lil dude knows whats up.

PENNY: YEEAAHHH BOIII.

DEREK: -to be fair riley some of us here have always been assassins.-

DAVENFORTH: -Sweats-

RILEY: -WELL I HAVENT-

QIRIN: =she has almost been assassinated several dozen times. does that count as experience?=

RILEY: -aside from assassinating the abstract concepts of family-

PENNY: -YOU DID SUCCEED AT THAT-

QIRIN: =ladies=

PENNY: so whats the plan? how are we doing it?

RILEY: anarchy.

HIGHBLOOD: you'll find the how's always changin sis HIGHBLOOD: best to do it, get it done cause ain't no event can be planned down

DAVENFORTH: Especially not with clowns in the mix

DAVENFORTH: Trust me we got this

PENNY: so were driving the party bus into the White House. got it.

TAKODA: (UHH...)

HIGHBLOOD: hell yeah

DAVENFORTH: Not quite but close

TAKODA: (OH... THAT'S A REL1EF... PROBABLY?)

RILEY: but still with a bang.

TAKODA: ST1LL... 1T WOULD PROBABLY BE ADV1SABLE, 1F WE HAD SOME K1ND OF PLAN, BEFORE WE ROLLED 1NTO THE CAP1TAL... -fidgets nervously-

RILEY: no plan. everyone for themselves. if our plans contradict each other's and we all die, oh well.

HIGHBLOOD: amen sis, everybody's gotta go sometime

RILEY: -oh my god he's being serious-

HIGHBLOOD: :o)

TAKODA: ...

RILEY: that is not actually what i think we should do.

RILEY: just putting that out there.

HIGHBLOOD: =Is he? Who knows= here i was under some mass assumption that the ones all up without alla that gumption and fight experience was gonna leap they asses into the fray wills n nills flung about

DEREK: -snickers. oops.-

RILEY: -unimpressed face at derek-

DEREK: -love u...-

RILEY: -UH HUH-

DEREK: -just winks-

RILEY: -acts like she's pushing her hair out of her face but she is only using her middle finger-

DAVENFORTH: I could probably get in easy enough by myself

DAVENFORTH: Doubt the security is much of anything

HIGHBLOOD: =sNRK, they really aren't much of anything he's sure=

RILEY: don't play the hero. -THIS AINT OVERWATCH AND YOU ARE NOT A BAD GENJI-

DAVENFORTH: Hardly playing hero

RILEY: then who's gonna be your backup?

DEREK: That would be me.

RILEY: then who's going to be YOUR back up?

DAVENFORTH: We got each others backs thats three sixty coverage

DAVENFORTH: We could take molly hes rowdy enough -That's you ghb-

HIGHBLOOD: i was already headed there but i could leave a trail for y'all :oP =eats nachos at=

PENNY: alright well I call dibs on the getaway bus.

RILEY: can we make sure my kid has a dad and an uncle and a...big clown guy by the time we leave D.C.? no stupid reckless shit.

DEREK: Baby please when have I ever been reckless?

PENNY: -side eyes-.........

PENNY: kid?

HIGHBLOOD: =eats these nachos and watches this=

RILEY: all the fucking time. -glances at penny- yeah. kid.

DEREK: --

DAVENFORTH: Pretty sure lif would kill me if i died

PENNY: -she's real quiet now, staring at the floor of the bus.-

RILEY: hilarious. -she notices penny's demeanor change and isn't quite sure why, but figuring out her sister now isn't as easy it was when sadness went away with hugs and singing made her happy-

PENNY: -She's working her jaw and tapping her foot as the seconds and the minutes go by, and then before long she hops up and rushes to the little bus bathroom, clanging the door shut behind her.-

DEREK: -watches her storm off- ... -looks back at riley-

RILEY: -also watches- well, shit.

DAVENFORTH: Damn

ROXANNE: -With the sound of the bus bathroom door shutting she starts to wake up from her nap in the back of the bus. Why people gotta be noisy.-

LIFERA: -probably snuggled up to Roxanne too. It's a cuddle nap party in the back of the bus.-

ROXANNE: -Sits up some more only to have the donuts GHB apparently stacked on her head while she was out topple onto her lap.- ........... -blinks at them.-

ROXANNE: -Also heck, fish queen is adorable, shes taking care not to wake her as she sits up and quietly stretches.-

HIGHBLOOD: =In which case Lifera has donuts on her horns=

ROXANNE: -That... is amusing.- ROXANNE: -Okay time to stretch her legs, she carefully gets up from the back of the bus snuggle pile and moves herself forward towards the rest of the awake people.- ROXANNE: -Sits and dusts donut crumbs off herself.- So. Miss anything interestin'?

DEREK: Only that were gonna storm the white house and assassinate the presidents.

ROXANNE: ....Are we bein' serious or not in saying that?

RILEY: -her mind's a little elsewhere and she keeps having to focus on not looking at the bathroom door.-

ROXANNE: -Maybe Riley needs a nap. Naps are pretty relaxing. Just look how calm Roxanne is right now.-

RILEY: -NOBODY ASKED YOU ROXANNE!!!!!!-

DEREK: I cant believe yall are accusing me left and right of taking such serious subjects lightly. Unbelievable.

ROXANNE: Thats not technically an answer.

ROXANNE: Just want to be clear on whatever plan people are makin' up when im snoozing.

RILEY: baseless accusations. -she's gonna move next to Derek because too many feelings about family right now.-

ROXANNE: -Props her feet up on the empty seat next to her.-

DEREK: -wraps an arm around riley. relax, babe.- For real though thats the plan. DEREK: Were right on the Capitals doorstep. In the middle of a war. The Condesce thinks she can do whatever the fuck she wants with any idiot working under her. DEREK: Might as well send her a message.

RILEY: -leans against him.- they wanna fuck shit up.

ROXANNE: -Mmmmm, she certainly feels conflict over this idea. On one hand, earth is her home and damn right shes all for getting rid of this clown presidency bullshit. However, her biggest priority is to find and get back to her loved ones asap...- 

ROXANNE: I get the sentiment.

ROXANNE: You make it sure sound easy though.

DAVENFORTH: Its just juggalos how hard could it be

ROXANNE:

President

juggalos. Even Trump had protection.

DEREK: Yeah but Derek and Davenforth Strider werent alive back then. -this cocky motherfucker-

ROXANNE: -He is the most cocky.- ROXANNE: Mmmhm.

DEREK: -more winking-

ROXANNE: -Manboy please.-

JODIE: -burps-

ROXANNE: -Side eyes Jodie at the burp.-

JODIE: scuzie.

HIGHBLOOD: blame it on the bubbly sis =he's probably shared faygo with her=

JODIE: i thought y'all would be more anxious to reunite with yer kid.

ROXANNE: I sure am.

ROXANNE: No offense to porrim but my skin has been crawlin' knowin russet is on the ship without at least one of us.

QIRIN: =has she been pacing? yup=

JODIE: sorry...kids.

DAVENFORTH: -Sighs-

RILEY: we are all very far apart i think so... i'm not sure this detour will take away much time at all.

JODIE: yeah. 'caus eoverthrowin the government is really just a pit stop.

ROXANNE: It's goin' to take more time them going straight there.

ROXANNE: Also there is the whole. 

ROXANNE: I dunno' chance of dying?

DAVENFORTH: Jinjin is in good hands besides what were doin is gonna help make a better place for them to grow up

JODIE: do you really think everythin is gonna work out exactly as you plan it to. -just staring flatly-

DEREK: Yep.

ROXANNE: -She's with you Jodie.-

JODIE: i mean you're the ninja's not me.

RILEY: ain't dave in alaska? and dirk is in the black hole of texas.

JODIE: 'sides it hought you all were apart of a crew but i don't see you askin permission.

DAVENFORTH: Im real bad at doing that

ROXANNE: Wow the confidence is unreal. -She's a little salty that Derek isn't more anxious to get back to his kids.-

DAVENFORTH: Ask my nephew

JODIE: sounds like arrogant, poorly planned bs.

JODIE: this is just a testosterone-fest.

JODIE: -snorts-

DAVENFORTH: No this is about sending a fucking message

JODIE: don't try to make it seem all noble. at lesat be honest. haha.

DEREK: -naturally he's anxious to see them, but he's with his brother here...-

RILEY: -watches jodie-

ROXANNE: -Stand up to your brother-

DEREK: -why would he stand up to him when he agrees with him??-

HIGHBLOOD: =Plays tense, appropriate music for the bickering humans. Tramatic muffled trumpet softly in the bg=

DAVENFORTH: This is about telling her that were not standing for this bullshit she knows were coming but shes gonna know were coming with a goddamn vengeance im not gonna let my daughter grow up in the grips of a galaxy that despises her fuckin existence and im damn sure not gonna let her live with the same bullshit ive gone through

JODIE: -sad trombone would be more fitting in her opinion-

DAVENFORTH: If youve got a problem youre welcome to walk

JODIE: i'm just sayin, you can't go around claiming this is the best plan for everyone. it's just the best plan for yer ego.

JODIE: i ain't going anywhere.

JODIE: i don't have any special powers. and i ain't got no leg to stand on when it comes to decision making. i'm barely a crew member.

ROXANNE: Im siding with Jodie on this. ROXANNE: Im really all for taking the ax to this new government, but we've got other issues to deal with first.

ROXANNE: We can meet up with everyone else and regroup an attack later.

DAVENFORTH: You can go too i dont give a shit

ROXANNE: Right now we are spread thin, with no back up, no intell. And like hell you two are doin' it on your own.

JODIE: -just snort laughs.-

JODIE: well, there wasn't no harm in trying. -JUST CHINHANDING.-

DAVENFORTH: Im not askin for backup and im not asking you to be alright with it ill go it alone if i goddamn have to but im not just gonna let this woman have her way with earth like she has every other planet

DAVENFORTH: Shes fucking playing us

DAVENFORTH: Weve lost too much we hold dear

DAVENFORTH: Its her fucking turn

ROXANNE: -Stares straight at Derek like "Can you believe this??"-

JODIE: -shrugalugs at riley and then just sprawls over the bus seat again.-

DEREK: -sorry ro...- We gotta pass through DC regardless so. 

DEREK: Maybe yall dont wanna go with us but aint nothin gonna stop me and him from trying.

QIRIN: | )

ROXANNE: -STARES HARDER.-

DAVENFORTH: Just drop us off fuck it

ROXANNE: Derek. You got one infant girl on a ship hundreds of miles away. ROXANNE: And another unborn baby sittin' right next to you.

ROXANNE: ...Are you actually bein' serious right now???

ROXANNE: You can be as confident as you want but you know going through with that plan means you might Die right?

DAVENFORTH: Third times the charm -Scoffs-

JODIE: if you can't convince em not to do it, you should try to minimize the damage.

QIRIN: >_> =what did u say=

DAVENFORTH: -YOU HEARD HIM-

RILEY: -she doesn't know exactly what to say here. she considers herself stuck either way. There's no winner here. Some of the most stubborn people she knows are in this bus. she sighs, rubbing her own neck-

DEREK: -stfu dave u ain't dying.-

JODIE: -looking at Roxanne- you're a smart lady arentcha. they'd have a better chance of survivin if you helped.

QIRIN: Is the term not "three strikes, you are out"?

ROXANNE: -Side eyes Jodie even more.- Of course im helpin' if he goes through with this stupid plan.

JODIE: cool beans.

DEREK: -scoffs a little. incredible...- 

DEREK: Well yeah Im goin through with it.

ROXANNE: Maybe hopefully he'll realize how crazy this is if both of Russet's parents are at risk--

ROXANNE: -YOU ARE REALLY TESTING HER DEREK.-

RILEY: -while they're talking, she moves Derek's arm off of her and walks off where she sits in the back-

ROXANNE: -Her eyes follow Riley, shes pretty miffed she didn't say anything in this argument.-

JODIE: -she's also judging riley for this tbh-

JODIE: -but she's already accepted her fate. she's doing all she can to help, at least for jamie's sake.-

DAVENFORTH: -He's quiet. Thinking about his two daughters. How condy's reign would mean their literal deaths.-

QIRIN: =She's thinking utter subjugation and ruin of her people=

QIRIN: =though both are not pretty thoughts=

RILEY: -she thinking about history repeating itself and how truly fucked they'll all be this time-

DAVENFORTH: -But he's also thinking about Beforus, Europa, the people here on Earth. How much would it mean to end the figureheads of their subjugation. Would it spur them on to fight? Would Condy's grasp on Earth slip even a little bit?-

JODIE: -She's thinking about how aginst this James would be.-

JODIE: -Sorry charlie!-

JODIE: -If somebody stronger was here in her eplace.-

RILEY: -she wasn't thinking about the consequences much before. but where the hell is she going to have to wait around while all this happens?-

DAVENFORTH: I think everyone who doesnt want in should continue to minnesota

RILEY: -from the back, a little irritated- and wait?

JODIE: no. i'm gonna help. -SPITEFUL-

JODIE: -maybe you get to do this, but she's not going to let you HAVE this-

DAVENFORTH: Thats your choice

DAVENFORTH: You just gonna wait in dc riley

JODIE: -She's liking Davenforth less and less all the time. Stupid jerk.-

RILEY: i don't fucking know. i sure as hell ain't going out of state away from you three while you try to pull this off.

DAVENFORTH: -It's fine he's used to it-

RILEY: i don't want to leave anybody behind.

DAVENFORTH: I respect that

DAVENFORTH: I dont want yall in danger for somethin you didnt sign up for i aint forcin that on anyone but im doin this

ROXANNE: Do you honestly think you would be doing it alone. Not everyone on this bus is okay with letting some of us go on a possible suicide mission.

DAVENFORTH: You should know me by now ro

JODIE: -Snorts.- so charitable.

RILEY: look, if i didn't have a tiny person inside of me, then i'd jump in and help.

ROXANNE: Guess I thought I did. -She shrugs.- 

ROXANNE: Im doin' it with you two, but im not happy 'bout it. Actually Im pretty pissed. 

ROXANNE: We do live through this I'm kicking your asses myself after we get back to the ship.

QIRIN: =clears her throat after a very long time of being quiet= I would like to hear more of this plan of yours if you or...we are to go through with this.

DAVENFORTH: Everyones kicking my ass after this one probably

TAKODA: -all these bad vibes... he's just going to go back to driving since they uh... have a plan now, he guesses. he's mostly uneasy because he knows, as a part of the resistance, they should take an opportunity as it's presented to them...-

RILEY: -rubbing her forehead-

DEREK: -his guilt isn't obvious, but it's definitely there. he doesn't want to endanger anybody here, and it ain't as if he wants to orphan any of his kids, but... sometimes you gotta follow your gut. he's just keeping quiet for now.-

RILEY: -she puts her hood of the jacket she's wearing up and turns so that she's watching everything pass by, damn hormones and emotions making her eyes all watery-

JODIE: -drinks-

RILEY: -IF ONLY SHE COULD-

[allcheatscodes]

the sims 3 ps3

http://allcheatscodes.com/the-sims-3-ps3/

the sims 3 ps3

Sims 3 cheats & more for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Cheats

Unlockables

Hints

Easter Eggs

Glitches

Guides

Trophies

Get the updated and latest The Sims 3 cheats, unlockables, codes, hints, Easter eggs, glitches, tricks, tips, hacks, downloads, trophies, guides, FAQs, walkthroughs, and more for PlayStation 3 (PS3). AllCheatsCodes.com has all the codes you need to win every game you play!

Use the links above or scroll down to see all the PlayStation 3 cheats we have available for The Sims 3.

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Official Title: The Sims 3 Also Known As: Sims 3

Genre: Simulation, Life Development Sim Developer: SIMS Publisher: Electronic Arts ESRB Rating: Teen Release Date: October 26, 2010

Hints

Aging Button / Career Jumper/ Trait Changer

When your at home and want to boos your career, hold the L2 button (which makes the cruiser go faster) and go to the mailbox and hit x while you hold the L2 and there is all of these helpful things! Also to age faster you hold the L2 go to your sim and hit x and you’ll see an aging trigger button and a button to change your sim’s traits. Cool huh? !

Cheat Steps

Now look closely to the steps: Step #1 – Press the START button on your PS3 controller. Step #2 – Hold down the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons at the same time. Step #3 – A message will appear. Step #4 – Return to the game and press the SELECT button. Step #5 – After you have pressed SELECT, go to Build & Buy Mode and press X. Step #6 – Go to Buy and press X. Step #7 – Go down to Decor and press X. Step #8 – Go down to Miscellaneous Decor and press X. Step #9 – Go to Spoot the Magic Llama and press X. Now after you have did those steps, place your magic llama where you want and return to the game. Have fun with your llama!

Baby Hints

Want twins or even Triplets? Then watch the Kids channel on the TV or listen to the childrens music station on the stereo! Doing EITHER activity Slightly Increases the chance for twins or triplets! Doing BOTH at the SAME time really improves your chances of having Twins or Triplets! “Gender”. Want a boy or a girl? ! To have a boy. Eat THREE apples during the Pregnancy to increase the chance of having a baby boy! Now if you want a girl! Eat THREE watermelons during the Pregnancy to increase the chance of having a baby girl!

Cheats

All Cheats

Hold down L1, L2, R1, R2.

Cheats Video

All Cheats The Game Gives You

Press start while in game. Hold L1, L2, R1, R2 and a message will pop up. Please read the message before continuing.

Unlockables

Currently we have no unlockables for The Sims 3 yet. If you have any unlockables please feel free to submit. We will include them in the next post update and help the fellow gamers. Remeber to mention game name while submiting new codes.

Easter eggs

Currently we have no easter eggs for The Sims 3 yet. If you have any unlockables please feel free to submit. We will include them in the next post update and help the fellow gamers. Remeber to mention game name while submiting new codes.

Glitches

Currently we have no glitches for The Sims 3 yet. If you have any unlockables please feel free to submit. We will include them in the next post update and help the fellow gamers. Remeber to mention game name while submiting new codes.

Guides

Currently no guide available.

Currently no guide available.

Currently no guide available.

Currently no guide available.

Trophies

Achievement List

Baby Steps (Bronze) – Create a household. Graduated (Bronze) – Complete the in-game tutorial. How You Doin’? (Bronze) – Learn the Charisma Skill. Wishful Thinker (Bronze) – Complete 10 Wishes. What Goes Around (Bronze) – Use a Karma Power. BFF! (Bronze) – Make a best friend. Sim About Town (Bronze) – Attend a town event. It’s A Date (Bronze) – Go on a date. You Never Forget Your First (Bronze) – Have a first kiss. Woo Hoo! (Bronze) – Make Woo Hoo. Climbing the Ladder (Bronze) – Reach level 5 in a career. That New Car Smell (Bronze) – Buy a car. Not Twice, But 10 Times (Bronze) – Complete 10 Opportunities. This Is So Meta (Bronze) – Experience the Meta. I Double Dare Ya (Bronze) – Explore the catacombs after dark. Sim-Author (Bronze) – Write a book. Epic Party (Bronze) – Throw an awesome party. Partners in Crime (Bronze) – Become a partner of the Paragon Personal Private Charity Warehouse. Styler (Bronze) – Design and save 20 styles using Create a Style. Once A Parent, Always A Parent (Bronze) – Welcome a child into the family. Be Excellent to Each-Other (Bronze) – Reach the maximum potential Karma. Home is Where the Simoleons Are (Bronze) – Raise your household’s value to §35,000 or more. Not Dead Yet (Bronze) – Resurrect a Sim. Mad Skillz (Bronze) – Complete any 2 Skill Journal Milestones. But Its Inflammable! (Bronze) – Extinguish a Sim on fire. Epic Fail (Bronze) – Use the Epic Fail Karma Power on 13 unsuspecting sims not in your family. Matchmaker (Bronze) – Start 5 romantic relationships. Fit For A King (Brone) – Prepare a perfect meal. Owned! (Bronze) – Buy out a commercial property in town. Pyromaniac (Bronze) – Get an insurance check for over §15,000 after using the Firestorm Karma Power. Botanical Perfection (Bronze) – Grow a perfect plant. Trophy Fish (Bronze) – Catch a perfect fish. Happiness… It Stacks (Bronze) – Get 5 positive moodlets at the same time on one Sim. Challenging (Bronze) – Complete 50 Challenges. The Big Proposal (Silver) – Get engaged. Movin’ On Up (Silver) – Move into a new home. Expertise (Silver) – Reach level 10 in a Skill. Working Friends (Silver) – Become best friends with your boss and all of your co-workers. Dream Big (Silver) – Complete a Lifetime Wish. Power Overwhelming (Silver) – Unlcok every Good Karma Power by purchasing them with Challenge Points. Leet Skillz (Silver) – Complete any 10 Skill Journal Milestones. Genie (Silver) – Gain 150,000 Lifetime Happiness Points in one Sim. The Reviler (Silver) – Become a public menace. Master Architect (Silver) – Build a home of at least §350,000 property value on a large lot. Child Prodigy (Silver) – Complete Lifetime Wish before becoming a Young Adult. True Wealth (Silver) – Gain 250,000 Lifetime Happiness on one Sim. Very Challenging (Silver) – Complete 100 Challenges. Uberchallenging (Silver) – Complete 150 Challenges. Wish-Master (Silver) – Complete 100 Wishes. Miracle Worker (Gold) – Complete 1,000 Wishes. Master of Simology (Platinum) – Unlock all other Trophies.