#Trevor Sensor

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Air Force Awards RTX $1 Billion Contract to Upgrade F-22 Sensors

The contract follows the recent news about the tests of new advanced sensors on the F-22 Raptor, which the U.S. Air Force is planning to field quickly as part of the ongoing upgrade program.

Parth Satam

F-22 new sensors contract

An F-22 Raptor takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 30, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Rufus)

Amid the acute need for 5th generation fighters in modern combat scenarios against peer adversaries, the U.S. Air Force is looking to upgrade its F-22 Raptor with a series of sensors to make it more survivable and relevant. The service announced on Aug. 29, 2024, the award of a $1 billion contract to RTX‘s Raytheon for new sensors that are categorized as “Group B hardware”, together with spares and support equipment.

“Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 8, 2029,” said the DoD contracts statement. The Aviationist had recently reported that the Air Force was testing new sensors on the F-22 to extend its service life, which would also be applied to the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) family of systems.

That report also quoted Brig. Gen. Jason D. Voorheis, the Program Executive Officer for Fighter and Advanced Aircraft, who said they were hoping to field these sensors faster. The Raptor team had conducted six flight tests to demonstrate the advanced sensors.

“The F-22 team is working really hard on executing a modernization roadmap to field advanced sensors, connectivity, weapons, and other capabilities. We’re executing that successfully, and that will lead to […] a rapid fielding in the near future.” This would be done through a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) program.

Some of the sensors included in the contract could be the stealthy pods seen on the F-22. Air and Space Forces earlier quoted officials who confirmed that the pods host IRST (Infrared Search and Track) sensors. The development of a new IRST sensor for the Raptor was also confirmed by the service’s 2025 budget request, which however did not mention the sensor being podded.

This work is part of an F-22 improvement campaign that calls for $7.8 billion in investments before 2030, which includes $3.1 billion for research and development and $4.7 billion in procurement.

An F-22 Raptor with the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs a flyover and air demonstration at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Aug 13, 2024. (U.S Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)

F-22’s future in the U.S. Air Force

The development is also in contrast with previously reported USAF plans to retire the older F-22 airframes, for which it had sought approval from the Congress. These F-22s are 32 Block 20 units from a total fleet of 186. At the same time, the service aims to upgrade the remaining 154 with new cryptography, an expanded open architecture, new weapons and an advanced threat warning receiver, beside the IRST.

However, the service now appears to be reconsidering that plan, after Voorheis was quoted in the ASF report: “From an F-22 sunsetting perspective, I don’t have a date for you.” “What I can tell you is that we are hyper-focused on modernization to sustain that air superiority combat capability for a highly contested environment for as long as necessary,” he added.

IMAGE 3: A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jun. 17, 2024. (Image credit: USAF/Senior Airman Julia Lebens)

The U.S. Air Force describes the Raptor as a combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distance. Initially introduced as an air-superiority-only asset, the F-22 later started performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The F-35 is largely a strike fighter and an airborne sensor-fusion and data-processing capable command post in its tactical orientation. But the Raptor is a pure air dominance interceptor. Although costly to upgrade and maintain, it nevertheless can play an important role in degrading adversary air power through either long-range BVR (Beyond Visual Range) and dogfights.

Moreover, having F-22s also increases the number of LO (Low Observable) aircraft in the inventory, at least until more F-35s are available, especially the TR-3 (Technology Refresh-3) Block 4 upgraded variants.

In 2021 too, then Air Force chief General Charles Q. Brown Jr. revealed his “4+1” fighter plan, suggesting the F-22 to be replaced by the NGAD while retaining the F-35, F-15E and EX, and the F-16. The ���plus 1” was the A-10, but in March 2023, Brown said the A-10s were being retired faster than expected and the entire fleet would possibly be divested by 2030.

Meanwhile the NGAD’s future itself is uncertain after U.S.A.F have noted its technical complexity and financial implications. The F-22 thus seems to be back in the running.

On Jul. 10, 2024, Air Combat Command chief Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach said during a Mitchell Institute event that the service has no official plan to retire its F-22 Raptors. “Right now, there’s…frankly isn’t an F-22 replacement and the F-22 is a fantastic aircraft,” said Wilsbach. “I’m in favor of keeping the Block 20s. They give us a lot of training value, and even if we had to in an emergency use the Block 20s in a combat situation, they’re very capable.”

F-22 Indonesia

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conduct Dynamic Force Employment operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Air Force Base, Indonesia, on Aug. 6, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mitchell Corley)

Other known F-22 upgrades

Other upgrades mentioned in the 2025 budget request are a Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Link 16, a Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS), a new Operational Fight Program, advanced radar Electronic Protection and an Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) Modernization (EGI-M).

Voorheis also mentioned the GRACE (Government Reference Architecture Compute Environment) software that would allow “non-traditional F-22 software” to be installed on the aircraft and provide “additional processing and pilot interfaces.”

A new helmet is also being tested, as part of the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet program to replace the current 40-year-old HGU-55P headgear. The new helmet would also allow the introduction of helmet-mounted devices which provide essential flight and weapon aiming information through line of sight imagery, easing the workload of the pilots.

About Parth Satam

Parth Satam's career spans a decade and a half between two dailies and two defense publications. He believes war, as a human activity, has causes and results that go far beyond which missile and jet flies the fastest. He therefore loves analyzing military affairs at their intersection with foreign policy, economics, technology, society and history. The body of his work spans the entire breadth from defense aerospace, tactics, military doctrine and theory, personnel issues, West Asian, Eurasian affairs, the energy sector and Space.

@Theaviationist.com

[femmmie]

I had no idea you liked star trek too, I just knew you for smosh and Dan and Phil. That's so cool!! Would you be willing to write a little ianthony star trek au? Or have you already? No problem if not, I know that's kinda vague. Love your blog btw :)

Yes I LOVE Star Trek! I literally had so much fun writing this, it got a bit out of control LOL! But yeah I hope you like it!!

The logical choice

Words: 2,436

Genre: action/adventure, a Star Trek episode, first kiss

Rating: teen or general audiences

Read on AO3:

"Captain's log, stardate ???[writer's note: I can't do math!]. What would have been a diplomatic mission to Vulcan, a completely safe route, turned out to become something quite different. Ian was going to let our starship T'hy'la be blessed, and we would join a Vulcan fleet to covertly inspect the edges of Federation space. But all of a sudden, we were violently sucked into a wormhole, and were spat out, smack dab in the middle of the Delta Quadrant."

Anthony paused. He looked out of the window of his suite. He'd read a lot about Captain Janeway's voyages through this quadrant, and her years long quest to get back home. Panic stirred deep within him. He shut his eyes tightly and took a few deep breaths.

"We've been stranded here for a few days now. Chief Agnew, Ensign Bowe and their crew have been hard at work to repair the damage done by the violent yanking through space that T'hy'la has endured. Our deflector shields malfunctioned and structural integrity scraped by within an inch of collapsing. I truly believe that a bout of fate has saved us."

His communicator chimed. It was a benign sound, but it still made him jump.

"Captain, we've done all we can. Technically the ship works, but we lost a lot of deuterium. We repaired the injection subsystem, Tommy really outdid himself. But it's no use, we can't start with this little fuel."

"Thank you, Spencer," Anthony answered, trying to sound comforting. "You've done well. it may be time for us to try and reach out for help."

The door beeped.

"Come in."

"Captain," Ian strode into the room.

Anthony's Number One, and a Vulcan, Ian somehow always calmed Anthony down. And it was better, the closer they stood to each other.

"Number One, please tell me what you think of the situation?"

"We have done short- and long range scans, and have found no life-forms or ships. However," Ian raised one sharp eyebrow, "We did scan a gaseous nebula. It's all around us and could be the reason our sensors didn't pick anything up. Although it is not without risk, logic suggests we send out a distress signal."

"Agreed." Anthony sighed. Who knows what kind of aliens were out and about here, but they might as well try.

~

"Amanda, what's the matter?" Mister Topp, the ship's EMH, asked with kind, light-blue eyes.

"Shayne, I feel something big," she collapsed dramatically on a medical bed in the sickbay. "It's something I've never felt before, and you know I sense almost anything, being quarter Betazoid. "I- I don't know. It's not good, but also not evil. It's just... something infinite, almost. Like an ultimate power. It makes me dizzy."

"Well," Shayne smirked, "Courtney was just here, and her ego does tend to be infinitely big. I guess her Klingon side gives her the extra confidence." He sighed. "But she could be a bit nicer to me."

"Shayne," Trevor intervened. "You were flirting with her the entire time. She wasn't even here for a medical exam. She just checked in on us to see if everything was safe and you insisted she take three different blood tests! I'd be annoyed too," he laughed.

"I wish I could sense how you're feeling," Amanda beamed at Shayne. "But I can't sense a hologram. I do know how Courtney feels, though..." She winked at Shayne, who blushed.

"Amanda, it seems like you're back to normal. Please report back here if that changes again. Bye now!"

"Not without my hug," she teased.

"Why do Betazoids always want to hug!"

"I think it's just her," Trevor giggled.

"Get in here!" Amanda commanded. After the group hug, she went back to her Ship's counsellor's office.

Her communicator chimed.

"Hello commander Hecox," she smiled, as she sat down and crossed her legs over the couch, usually reserved for her patients.

"Counsellor Lehan-Canto. We need to talk."

~

Keith, the ship's Conn officer, observed the Bridge while captain Padilla was resting. He had never thought he'd be this far from home, but there he was, in the Delta Quadrant. Strangely, he wasn't worried. He looked at the beautiful multicolored nebula outside.

Suddenly, he got a transmission request.

"Captain, to the Bridge, we're being hailed!"

Not a moment later, Anthony walked in. "On screen," he commanded.

"WELL WELL WELL," a grinning, huffing alien said to them. "WHAT HAVE WE HERE!!! A NICE STARFLEET SHIP, NO LESS! "WHAT ARE YOU DOING SO FAR FROM HOME?"

"This is captain Anthony Padilla of the starship T'hy'la. I assume you received our distress call."

"WE SURE DID, RIGHT, GUYS?" the alien looked at two very beautiful and scantily-clothed people on each side of her.

"Oh yes, Angela, we sure did," one of them replied with a honey-sweet voice.

"YES, WE DID, CAPTAIN. LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF. I'M ANGELA, AND THESE ARE MY FRIENDS CHANSE AND ARASHA. And..." Angela lowered her voice menacingly, "you have invaded OUR space."

"We've been sucked into a wormhole against our will and are stranded here without deuterium. We could trade you for it, We have latinum on board. Don't Ferengi always like a good deal?

"HA! YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE FERENGI HUH! Yeah, we do always want a good deal. But I don't think you'll be able to give us one. Your starship is called T'hy'la? HA! What a weak Vulcan/human hybrid concept. Don't you know the Rules of Acquisition? Rule 21: Never place friendship above profit. So, my little FRIEND, why don't you give your ship to me, and I will send you on your way back to the wormhole?"

Anthony scoffed. "I'm sorry, but have you scanned our ship? We could easily defeat you."

"Well..." Angela smirked even wider, and scratched behind her enormous ear. "I guess I didn't make myself clear. If you DON'T give me your ship, you will be dealing with my friends. Not these idiots here," she gestured to Chanse and Arasha. "I mean them."

And in one moment, all hope left Anthony's soul: two large, square spaceships emerged. It was the Borg.

" HAHAHA! You have one hour to respond!"

Angela disconnected.

"Red Alert," Anthony commanded.

~

The sirens were wailing through the ship.

"Not Red Alert again? We just fixed up the entire ship!" Tommy threw up his hands in exasperation.

Spencer put his gloved hand on his shoulder. "I was really hoping we could go to the holodeck and play DnD again. But it's not in the cards for us this time."

"Sword and shield in hand," Tommy bumped his shoulder into Spencer.

"Saving the day, just like we do everyday at work!"

"Even though I never get a promotion!"

"You really should, Tommy."

They were play-fighting with their engineer gear, and seeing Spencer laugh and goof off, suddenly made Tommy realize something. He was in love with his boss.

"Hey, why'd you stop?" Spencer was still booping him with a pretend-sword.

"You're adorable."

"Dude. I know."

"I mean... I..."

"AB," Ian said, walking quickly past them.

"Did he make up a nickname for us?!" Tommy said, wide-eyed. "Do Vulcans do that?"

"I think Amanda has been teaching him to be more normal, I mean, better at communication. Not doing that is normal for a Vulcan, of course."

"Imagine them together in a room!" Tommy laughed. A Vulcan and a Betazoid, they couldn't be more opposite!"

"Well, if I can sense anything, it's that those two have some chemistry going on," Spencer said with a smug look on his face. "I mean, she calls everyone 'imzadi' but her voice is softer when she says it to Ian. Huh... But sorry, you were going to say something?"

"Oh..." Tommy blushed. "Nevermind..."

~

"Ian, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Amanda visited Ian's quarters. It was very clean and neat and indeed very Vulcan.

"Please, sit," Ian gestured to the one table in the room, with two small chairs.

They both sat down. Amanda couldn't help but feel attracted to Ian's stoic earnest. And he was cute, too...

"I heard you sensed a presence, ever since we've been stranded here."

"Yes! I have been, and it seems like it's getting stronger too! If that is even possible. It's like we're at the epicenter of something."

"I sense it too."

"You do?"

"Yes. We Vulcans might not show our emotions, but we feel a lot of things. And I have felt this once before. Amanda, we are in grave danger."

~

"Ia- Number One!" Anthony was so glad to see Ian as he walked onto the Bridge.

"We are very much outnumbered, captain," Ian said. "It would be logical to surrender."

Ian walked closer to Anthony. Anthony sighed in relief. Whatever would come next, he could bear it with Ian at his side.

"But I advice against it."

"What?"

"The Ferengi woman is the obvious culprit, luring ships here to loot and then let them be assimilated by the Borg. However... She is not the one in control here."

Ian and Anthony heard clapping behind them.

"Well done, commander Hecox," a woman with long black hair, dressed in all black, spoke.

"Who are you?" Anthony demanded.

"She is Q, the most powerful being in the universe."

"You know her, Ian?"

"I know her, from long ago. She called herself Olivia Sui then."

"And I kept my eye on you, Ian. I expected great things from you! And even though you are obviously the smartest one on this ship of idiots, you've become boring! You used to make me laugh, Ian..."

Anthony felt a sudden annoyance at this Q. Why was she so interested in his Number One?!

"What do you want, Q?"

"What do I want?! I want to laugh again, damnit! So," and she snapped her fingers, and the entire ship was gone. Instead, he, Ian and Amanda stood in an empty, white world. Angela, Arasha and Chanse were also there. "If you make me laugh first, I'll zap you straight home! But if not... then you're back at the mercy of Angela here."

Amanda, Anthony and Ian huddled together.

"So, is she an ex of yours or something?" Amanda whispered.

"We were betrothed once."

"What?!" Anthony fumed.

"Ha, your anger amuses me already, captain. But I'm not laughing just yet!"

Anthony looked straight at Q, and began to mime. Physical humor was his strong suit. He fell over, mimed that he was stuck, rolled over the ground... to no avail.

"You failed! Next!"

Angela walked forward.

"SO, HERE'S THE JOKE! TWO BARS OF LATINUM WALKED ACROSS THE STREET! AND ONE OF THEM SAID, LET ME WALK IN THE MIDDLE NOW"

"Elementary concept, expertly executed," Q said. "But not enough to make me laugh. NEXT!"

Amanda walked forward. She got really close to Q, and Anthony felt Ian tense up. He took his hand. Ian squeezed extremely hard. He probably forgot his Vulcan strength for a second.

Wait, did Ian care this much about Amanda? Were they- was Ian just dating everyone and Anthony didn't know it? He figured, he couldn't blame the girls. Ian was so handsome, so strong...

"I guess you don't know who I am," Amanda began. "I am the daughter of Deanna Troi and William Riker. That makes me one quarter Betazoid... and I sense that you don't want to laugh at all. You want to FEEL something. And I'll give it to you. I've reached a certain age, you know..." Amanda tip-toed her fingers up Q's arm.

"Give mommy a smooch!"

"Noo, no, get away from me!" Q took a few steps away.

"HA! THERE, YOU GIGGLED!"

"Did not!"

"I saw it! You laughed, Q!"

"Okay, fine, I did! But I'm not done just yet! I guess I will zap you and your stupid ship back home.... after.... THEY kiss."

"Who?"

"The captain and his Number One."

"What?" Ian and Anthony said in sync.

"Yeah, hahaha! That will really make my day! Don't tell me you haven't sensed it, Betazoid? They are all in."

Amanda looked down. She really liked Ian and he liked her too, but she knew that his heart belonged to his captain. On all their intergalactic adventures, Ian had saved Anthony so many times and vice versa, they had developed an unbreakable bond. They had never acted on it before, but now, apparently it was the only thing that would save them.

"So, you cooked up this whole charade, just to get them to kiss?"

"What? It's not a charade, I'm eternally bored, I had to think of something!"

Q walked up to Ian and Anthony. "Now, do the thing," she said, pressing her two index fingers together.

Ian looked at Anthony. The intense warmth of his brown eyes overwhelmed the Vulcan. He would normally never show it, in fact he had never given Anthony a clue that he was interested. But he was. All the times he had seen Anthony change clothes, when Anthony had hugged him after they were safe from danger, he had never reciprocated. But now, he had no choice.

"It's only logical that we do this. But I have to confess, Anthony... I've been longing for a kiss from you for an eternity. And I need to know if you're okay with it now."

Anthony blushed deeply. Was Ian just saying this because of the situation? Why did he make it more dramatic than it needed to be? "Ian... Have you really? I've loved you for such a long time... And I've also always wanted an opportunity to kiss you. But I never dared, I never thought it was appropriate, seeing as I'm your captain and all."

"Yes, you acted logically as well."

"Ian..."

Anthony took Ian's chin between his fingers and pushed it upwards.

"Excellent!" Q said, but they didn't hear her.

"Anthony..." Anthony saw a wild fire ignite between Ian's eyes. It was scary but Anthony wasn't afraid. He pressed his lips agains Ian's.

Ian growled and kissed him back, grabbing on Anthony's curls. Anthony couldn't believe the feeling. It was scorching hot, but so, so comfortable. He wanted to stay like this forever.

When he opened his eyes, they were back on the T'hy'la and back in the Alpha Quadrant.

"Are you okay, captain?"

Anthony looked at Ian. He could cry. Nobody remembered anything, except for him.

"I- I need to take a break..."

He walked off the bridge. As if by magic, Amanda was waiting for him there.

"Captain, I sensed your emotions, they quickly heightened. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I think that's best, Counsellor."

"Come on, I'll take you to my office."

[yuki-boshi]

Kai no Kiseki - English Summary - Act 3 Kevin Route 2

Table of Contents

Picnics and Onions #2!

(I apologize for the DLC outfits, I thought it was funny to wear the entire chapter since it just came out!)

Kevin 2

It begins with Tharbad experiencing heavy rain, and a bystander comments on how strange and rare it is for such weather.

At the inn, Kevin is on a phone call with Ashladd, who confirms that Hamilton’s sin is tied to the underground in Basel. However, Ashladd asks for Kevin's help, insisting that the selfish actions of Celis and Rion cannot go unpunished. Kevin jokes that it's their oath, and they’d just get in the way. Ashladd then asks Kevin to make the final judgment regarding Hamilton.

The Picnic group overhears and asks if Celis had a run-in with the Iscariots. Rufus mentions that Rean and Thors were in Basel. Kevin says it’s a relief he doesn’t have to repeat the details, as they’re after "that person." Swin asks him to stop holding back and just say Professor Hamilton, whom he remembers as someone who took care of him and Nadia back in Kuro 2.

It’s explained that Hamilton’s contributions to society would have earned her a title by Septian Church standards, but she’s declined every time, raising suspicion. Swin adds that he can understand why, especially if she was hiding a big secret.

The rain continues, and Nadia doesn’t want to go outside. Kevin suggests they rest, but Nadia becomes suspicious, thinking that he and Rufus are planning to patrol. Lapis asks if they’re going to an adult establishment, and Kevin tries to justify it by saying it would be rude not to cheer on Saara. Nadia doesn’t buy it and asks for the real reason.

Kevin excitedly admits it’s been a long time since he’s seen a pole dancing show. Nadia records this incriminating confession into her teddy bear and threatens to report him to Ein. Kevin asks just how much she has stalked him to know so much.

Kevin and Rufus attend Saara’s dance show and are greeted by Jack Trevor. After the show, pole dancers take the stage, but Hale surprises everyone by showing up and dragging Jack out by the ear.

Back at the inn, Lapis is sound asleep, Nadia heads to bed, and Swin is wearing glasses while reading a book.

The next day, after gathering information during their patrol, they visit the bathhouse. Nadia feels like she could fall asleep in the perfect warmth. Lapis comments that her new body feels strange, as her artificial pores and sweat glands are being cleaned. Nadia notes how mysterious Rosenberg technology is and adds that her skin will be all shiny, ready to impress Swin. Shaheena and Saara join them, and Nadia asks if Shaheena has found a cool actor boyfriend, but she admits that office politics make it hard. Shaheena teases Saara, saying she’s found "the one," and it’s Van. Saara denies having that kind of relationship with Van, and Nadia offers consultations on Van if she needs advice.

On the other side of the men's bathhouse, Kevin comments that he's envious of Arkride for picking up so many girls. Returning to the main issue, Swin is frustrated that after spending all day gathering intel, no one seems to know the specifics about Hamilton's project to resolve Tharbad's 20-year-old water crisis.

Meanwhile, Zita, Naje, and Marielle join the women's side of the bathhouse. Lapis awards Zita and Naje 93 and 91 points, respectively, for having pretty names. Kevin stands up, saying he can't be near royalty after yesterday's incident in Basel, where Sherid helped Rean and Thors. He asks Swin to get everyone to leave.

At lunch, Lapis mentions her taste sensors are heightened thanks to the good rinsing she had at the bathhouse. Kevin explains his policy to the group and asks about 4SPGs. He also wonders if there are any kebabs left, only to discover in horror that Lapis ate everything, leaving the plate spotless.

Nadia thanks Kevin for letting them spend all his money on snacks, and even Rufus chimes in. Kevin looks at everyone, sweating over his wallet.

Afterward, Altina calls Kevin about Garten Door 6.

In the field, Kevin fusses over Swin and Nadia, reminding them to stay hydrated because of the heat. Swin starts to wonder if the gap between them is shrinking.

If you saved Sinam from the previous act, she appears, expressing concern about Nasuri but remaining focused on her job.

-----

At Grim Garten Door 6:

Celis and Rion arrive, saying they heard the details from Rean. They greet Bergard and Kevin, who is surprised to meet them in Calvard. Celis acknowledges this and then asks, "Who are you again?"

The group welcomes Celis and Rion, thinking they'll be great additions. Shizuna sneaks in, saying they’ll be helpful too.

Everyone is shocked to see Shizuna at the Garten, and Van wonders if she quit. Shizuna replies, "Did I?" and explains that her major contract is over, so she's taking some free time to hang out with the group. Crow looks worried, muttering, "Seriously?" after the beating she gave them in Basel during Rean Route 2. Shizuna joins the party.

In the Hub:

Rean, Aaron, and Rufus engage in a "mind battle" with their swords out. Aaron feels defeated, wishing he could have at least won once against Rean and Rufus, remarking that Divine Blades are in a different league. Rean wonders if he's ready to face Master Yun Ka-Fai. Rufus commends Rean, saying that his father must be proud of his progress.

Talking to Feri, Agnes, Quatre, and Swin reveals that Feri wants to ask Agnes about confessing to Van but switches topics, asking Quatre to speak. Quatre whispers to Swin about Agnes being in low spirits. Swin remarks that women’s hearts, including Nadia’s, are difficult to understand.

When you speak to Agnes, she admits she didn’t realize she was being obvious and thanks you, saying she needs to become more reliable.

Talking to Quatre reveals that Swin is avoiding eye contact, as are others from Thors. He also wants to know what happened with the Observatory being shut down.

Bergard, Celis, Rion, and Van discuss gathering all of Bergard's disciples. Van wishes he could join, though he's not an official disciple. Regardless, he's still invited.

Renne, Lapis, and Crow have a conversation where Lapis asks them about food from other countries. Afterward, Renne tells you that Lapis is cute and jokes that if she could lure her with food, she'd take her back to Liberl, though she'd get an earful from Estelle and Anelace.

Lapis contemplates upgrading to a body that can drive an orbal bike.

Altina hums a tune that catches the attention of Rixia and Nadia. Altina quickly stops, worried it sounds bad, but Rixia reassures her, mentioning how different she sounds now compared to her performance in Arc-en-Ciel during CS4. She encourages Altina to improvise more. Talking to Altina reveals she rarely hums because she’s always busy and on edge. Nadia says the tune reminds her of the humming her brother used to do for her.

At the hot springs, Judith, Shizuna, Elaine, and Risette are in swimsuits. Judith scolds Shizuna for leaving without a word and returning without notice. Elaine suspects something happened between Shizuna and Thors while she was away from Van's group. Talking to Elaine, she advises not to bother tracking Shizuna’s movements. Speaking to Shizuna, she says she’ll give it her all while she's here, but may leave again, prompting Kevin to remark that she’s truly a free spirit.

At the Boss, Ulrica summons a big furry. You beat it up and some lore about Simeon drops.

I don't know why my Van is Mishy. It's just in my screenshot folder:

----

I APOLOGIZE FOR ANYTHING PAST THIS POINT. EVERYONE IS IN BUNNYGIRL OUTFITS OR BUNNY BUTLER

----

4SPG: Arens Treasure

A 4SPG request comes in from a man named Fatif at the bazaar. He asks the group to find Arens' treasure. Arens, of mixed descent from Calvard and the Central East, was a soldier stationed in the outskirts of what is now Tharbad. He grew frustrated with the corruption he saw and filed complaints with the military, which did nothing. Disillusioned, he became a bandit and stole the treasure.

After solving several puzzles, Kevin cheats by using Shard Search to avoid mindlessly digging, something Nadia says is more her style. They eventually find the treasure but are ambushed by a mercenary group called BugBear. The group defeats them easily, and when BugBear's reinforcements arrive, Fatif comes to their aid, using a sniper to help fend off the attackers.

Fatif reveals he is actually a descendant of Arens. He had a rough idea of where the treasure was all along but never cared about the wealth. He sought the Spriggans' help because of the treasure hunters who might use the treasure for evil purposes. Fatif allows the group to open the treasure, which turns out to be a map of the sand dunes, showing safe passages for caravans. In that era, this would have been considered highly valuable. The treasure also includes Arens' autobiography and a badge from the Elzaim Kingdom. The group returns everything except for an heirloom, which Kevin keeps at Fatif’s request.

----

At the Bracer Guild, the group asks Jibril about Hamilton's whereabouts in October. Jibril says Hamilton wasn’t in Tharbad, but Kevin presses on, saying he heard otherwise. He suggests Hamilton might have been investigating a plant used in drugs. The Bracer Guild had been collaborating with the Basel Institute until late October, when their funding was cut. The group thanks Jibril and leaves.

At the inn, the group encounters caravan merchants who thank Kevin for his earlier help. Kevin lies about his true intentions, claiming he’s interested in the water revitalization project from 20 years ago, which causes the group to wonder if priests are allowed to lie.

When they visit Saara, she offers them a drink called Shariba. She explains that she learned the recipe from her mother, who passed away when Shaheena was very young. Saara also mentions that Van helped them in October and briefly alludes to their connection with Hamilton, prompting Kevin to leave before the conversation gets awkward. Afterward, Nadia asks Kevin why he didn’t push for more information about Hamilton. He explains that doing so would have raised suspicions. He also asks Nadia and Swin if they knew about the sisters’ connection to Hamilton, but they say it wasn’t mentioned in the report, since Hamilton and the sisters met after Van had left for the capital in Act 1.

Rufus speculates that something must have happened in December for them to meet. Nadia asks how Rufus knows this, but before he can answer, Lapis interjects, suggesting it might just be a case of bad timing, like how no one knew Dingo had visited Tharbad shortly after Van and the group left.

In the city, the group runs into Maxim, who is promoting Maximum Energy drinks. They tease him before receiving a call from Hale and Jack, who have information near the Vegas Film Studio and ask the group to meet them there.

----

4SPG: Casino Counterfeit Chips

The casino asks the group to investigate counterfeit chips being circulated. After a frustrating chase, the culprit, a woman hyped up on Maximum Energy, flees into the desert, thinking she’s lost the group, but they’re waiting for her. Rufus reveals that he planted a casino chip on her and used Xipha to track it like GPS. She summons machines from Zecht Arms, which the group destroys. Kevin adds insult to injury by blowing up her van, which contains the counterfeit medals. The woman laments her many losses at the hands of the SSS in Crossbell and the Empire, and vows to keep going as long as Zemuria remains. She then flees.

Back at the casino, the group is given two options: either publicize the existence of the fake chips or keep it quiet.

-----

Jack tells the group that workers who tried to fix Tharbad's water issue discovered that a node had been draining the water. However, Hamilton’s “help” led to a false story being spread, and her solution was considered magical.

At a fancy hotel, the group meets Zita, Naje, and Marielle. Naje is excited to meet Rufus and asks if she should call him “A” due to his criminal background and supposed death. Rufus reassures her that Rufus is fine and introduces himself to Zita as a wandering vagabond. Marielle feels like she’s missing out on some important context. Director Lam also introduces himself, mentioning that he’s heard about Lapis, which surprises her since the average citizen shouldn’t know about her. Ashen also shows up, mentioning that she’s leaving in the morning, and surprises Lapis by calling her super cute and hugging her.

Lam explains that he’s promoting the movie Perfect Driver 0 (Gotti’s Movie) and plans to set his next film in a dystopian future. Zita suggests that Lam adapt her favorite book, 3 and 9, which makes Swin and Nadia react comically. Lam refuses to include sexual elements, but Nadia insists that the heroine must be both sexy and cute. Rufus points out that sexualizing young teens is questionable. Zita suggests flipping the genders, making Swin a girl with tentacle powers, which confuses Swin while Nadia enjoys the idea.

Kevin later questions the group about their connections to Hamilton. Marielle mentions meeting Hamilton at a spring symposium, the same one Towa attended, and says Hamilton seemed like a kind person. Kevin notes that Marielle doesn’t know anything about Dingo’s activities in Tharbad. The group wonders where Hamilton went after briefly visiting Basel. Some think she went to the Space Base, while Lam believes she returned to the capital. Lapis asks about the Oasis, where the water was replenished.

Zita mentions that her parents asked Hamilton to replicate the water production in other parts of the Central East, but Hamilton explained that several factors made it impossible. This raises suspicions among the group.

After watching Saara and Shaheena perform, Kevin questions Shaheena, who says Hamilton visited after the Film Festival and ran diagnostics on her. Shaheena had been affected by a mask with properties similar to the drugs in Kuro 1. When Marielle sees Kevin questioning Shaheena, she grows suspicious of the group's true intentions.

----

Kevin 2 - Connect Event: Rufus and Lapis

The group tries out Maximum Energy, which is spiked with caffeine and other ingredients. Lapis transforms into a mischievous brat (mesugaki), similar to her "Altera" persona from Kuro 2. Her nameplate even changes to "Lapis = Altera," and she demands that Rufus stop being useless and get her more Maximum Energy.

Later, Kevin and Rufus take Lapis to the pool at a fancy hotel, with Kevin annoyed about having to spend so much money. Afterward, they go to a casino, where Lapis says the games are rigged and uses her powers to hack the system, winning big. She remarks that this should fix Rufus’s financial problems, and Rufus comments that Nadia would approve. Kevin, however, refuses to take any of the winnings since the men in black are watching them from a distance.

After Lapis gets tired, Kevin and Rufus return to the inn to let her rest. Kevin and Rufus then have a conversation, where Kevin expresses surprise that Rufus has built relationships with former assassins and a self-aware robot, thanks to a technological singularity. Rufus agrees, admitting that if he were the same person two years ago, he would never have expected this.

Kevin mentions his concern about Lapis’s heart being affected by his pursuit of his target, as it has been nurtured by Rufus, Swin, and Nadia. He wants to protect her from further involvement. However, Rufus says that Lapis is not so easily swayed and refuses Kevin’s request, stating that Lapis is the Master, and he is merely the Servant.

Lapis wakes up, back to normal, and says she is hungry. Rufus then reveals to Kevin that he backed up the mesugaki Altera personality into a separate Hollow Core for his own personal use. Kevin questions him about this, while Lapis looks confused, wondering what they are talking about.

The player obtains Altera as a Hollow Core.

(This is the most unhinged 4SPG made worse by the outfit. I think Rufus might have a degrading kink...)

---

4SPG: Nadia

Nadia expresses interest in learning about Kevin's Heretic Hunting methods, while Kevin is curious about the tactics Nadia learned during her time in the Garden. The first topic is concealment. Nadia explains that she usually hides her weapons under her sleeves and, for greater secrecy, she hides them in her bear plushie. Kevin sighs, pointing out that security will notice the bear immediately. Nadia asks what Kevin does instead. He demonstrates by pulling out a thin knife concealed in his belt, explaining that if security checks, they will assume it is just the belt setting off the alarm.

After some training, Nadia asks Kevin why he avoids talking to his partner Ries and why he has not told her about his return to Heretic Hunting. Kevin is shocked at how much Nadia knows. Nadia reveals that she was just guessing based on Kevin’s behavior. Kevin is unsure whether to believe her, but admits he plans to tell Ries, knowing he will be scolded regardless. Nadia suggests that Kevin should get on his knees and beg for forgiveness, saying it is a rare chance to make things right with her. Kevin is once again surprised by how much Nadia seems to know about his relationship with Ries.

After Kevin leaves, Nadia drops her cutesy façade, saying she has seen Kevin's resolve and intends to see things through in her own way.

---

4SPG: Swin

[something basketball... will do this later sorry.]

---

The group enters Vegas Film, where Maxim and Aslan are hosting another promotion, this time inside the building, dressed in their racing outfits. Lapis wants to try Maximum Energy again. The group tries to figure out how to access the underground elevator leading to the secret base from Kuro 1, thinking it might explain how Hamilton got into Tharbad without drawing attention. Swin and Nadia confront Marielle, who had been tailing them. Marielle explains her suspicions, and Kevin understands why, with the group realizing she might have known something about what Dingo was up to.

Marielle recalls a time when she was drunk with Dingo and asked why he needed to return to Tharbad, noting that he was a journalist, not a crime reporter. She says she has explored all the mafia and Almata bases and asks to join the group.

When they reach B5F of the base, they encounter EOS-2, an AI of the Aurora-Ion, which activates a Shard Jammer and summons automatons to stop the group. They manage to reach the Aurora terminal and notice the White Genesis, but it is translucent. Lapis suggests it is merely a shard duplicate and that the real one is linked to the projection in the terminal. When they approach the terminal, EOS-2 threatens to self-destruct.

Rufus quickly persuades EOS-2 by claiming they are only concerned about Hamilton and gives a skewed perspective on the situation. EOS-2 remains skeptical and challenges the group to a minigame to prove their resourcefulness. Lapis, once again in her Altera form, plays the hacking minigame. Afterward, Marielle admits she does not understand what Lapis just did but finds it impressive.

The group learns that the Aurora Ion and translucent Alter Core here serve as a side-terminal that connects to the real thing in the Sand Dunes. They also discover that White Genesis is an Alter Core capable of generating the sandstorm in the Sand Dunes.

Lapis asks if Hamilton had requested EOS 2 to strengthen the sandstorm, and it confirms she did almost a year ago, planning it for this time in 1209. Kevin then asks EOS to lower the sandstorm barrier so he can complete his mission, but EOS declines, citing its lack of full trust in Kevin. Suddenly, EOS detects an intruder and, through the camera, reveals Ashen and several Heiyue soldiers raiding the facility. Trusting Lapis at least, EOS asks her to take control of the automatons to fend off the Heiyue forces and grants a temporary removal of the sandstorm barrier for Kevin’s group, warning them that if they don't leave within five hours, they’ll be trapped.

The group exits and finds themselves in a strip club, much to Marielle’s horror. Nadia tries to cover Swin’s eyes, telling him not to look at the stripper, while Lapis gets upset that Rufus is covering her eyes too. He simply tells her it’s an age restriction and that she can look when she’s “grown up.” Rufus also tells Kevin they should get going, and Kevin agrees, somewhat disappointed, but remarks that his last night with Rufus and Jack was enough.

Marielle asks to go with Kevin, but he refuses. She watches them drive off but can’t accept feeling so useless. Zita and Naje approach her, informing her that the Heiyue have already left the facility, and that Elzaim can strike a deal with the Fifth.

Kevin’s group reaches the Tower, nearly 1200 years old and he guesses it's built after the Great Collapse (He's wrong, it turns out to have been built BEFORE the Great Collapse).

Inside, they find the Agave drug plant, with one recently cut, and a power generator with a long cable connected to the Tower, marked with the year 1189. The architecture reminds them of something similar in Liberl. Kevin feels justified in leaving Marielle behind as the place is filled with Archaisms. Nadia, smug, plans to steal Artifacts, but Kevin asserts that those Relics belong to the Septian Church. Rufus counters by suggesting they could be sold as ancient magical devices instead. At the top of the tower, they don’t find an Aurora but discover CAPEL-ORIGIN, the first of the supercomputer processors, linked to the Alter Core. Swin notes that it’s like the Genesis, but with a different design. Lapis accesses the system and confirms Kevin’s suspicions that the Tower was built to manipulate weather, with the purpose of “deception.” The remaining question is, where did the actual water come from?

Campanella and Simeon appear, having tailed them. Simeon and Kevin share some history with Lady Rufina, who once warned Kevin that the Illusionist was more dangerous than others in the Organization. Campanella takes offense, wondering why Rufina ignored Harwood and McBurn. The group asks if the two are after the Alter Core, but Campanella says he already has one, which he gave to Van’s group. He’s just here to observe and gather information as usual. Simeon asks to be allowed to continue doing so. Kevin refuses and pulls out his crossbow, stating the Organization is too much of a wild card and he wants to mitigate that.

Simeon plays his trump card, summoning a Darkened Zolga that exudes the presence of the real thing. He explains that, thanks to Hamilton and the particles around the ruins, he was able to recreate Zolga to this extent, despite not knowing Dingo personally.

This Zolga copy is called G Zolga-Nahat

During the fight, Swin comments how hard it is without Van, but Lapis urges them to press on. After weakening Zolga, Simeon claims that his copy should be as strong as the original, but Rufus counters, saying the real thing can never be replicated. After defeating it, Simeon tries to summon the Crimson SiN but halts when Lapis finishes hacking the system. She tries to warn Kevin about what she’s discovered, but glitches out, much like Mare in Grim Garten. Lapis asks to sync with Kevin to show him directly. Though Kevin wants to keep fighting Campanella and Simeon, he stops and activates his Akashic Eye, sending him back to July 12, 1189.

In the past, a younger Hamilton reveals there’s no turning back now that she’s integrated technology into the ruins. A young Chief Mechanic Giscard tells Hamilton that his subordinates are struggling with her complex schematics, but Hamilton reassures him that this construction is unprecedented. Giscard is surprised Hamilton is using ruins from before the Great Collapse and confirms their plan. He retreats to prepare his team, while Hamilton activates the Alter Core, setting it to Time Travel Level 1 to the year 1210 and compressing all the water from 1210 into the past 20 years. Afterwards, Hamilton apologizes to “Sophie” and “Liliya,” saying her hands are already stained with sin, but there’s one last task before she leaves the Tower, she must seal it off from the Septian Church.

Both Campanella and Simeon, affected by the Akashic Eye, nod in understanding. The group asks if Kevin, Campanella, and Simeon had a hunch, and they all admit they had some idea of what Hamilton had done. Now that the truth is out, Campanella and Simeon raise their weapons. Just then, Rosalie from Zecht Arms appears, aiming to capture Kevin’s group for research.

Kevin summons Nina, the “Ivory Saint of the End,” using his left eye. Swin and Nadia recognize her. Lapis now understands who aided them in the finale of Kuro 2. When Rosalie tries to intervene, Nina effortlessly destroys her machines and Archaisms with giant swords, terrifying Rosalie.

Nina opens a portal, telling Kevin she will deliver what was promised and urges him to fulfill his duty. The group runs through the portal into a new airship, and Nina vanishes.

Simeon wonders if Lady Rufina had planned this all out in advance in accordance for Her Holiness, the Pope.

Rosalie, frustrated that Campanella and Simeon didn’t act, decides to claim the Tower for herself. However, EOS-2 appears, warning everyone that they must leave within 30 minutes or be trapped by the sandstorm barrier. When Rosalie tries to fire at the Capel Origin terminal, the Alter Core activates a barrier. Campanella tells Rosalie she should leave, as they won’t be transporting her, prompting her and her men to flee. It turns out Campanella and Simeon were just playing with her. They board their own airship and fly away as Rosalie screams, pelted by the sand, ending the chapter.

[tttinytrash]

The long awaited siren fic! Decided to go for Lust for maximum sass levels (sorry/no worries depending on your preferences here, but despite the AU nothing spicy here, just light sexual humor) Unzipping and food turning to liquid magic are both concepts stolen from @shamedump. 

Siren skele and arctic researcher reader instead get acquainted by accident, then skele helps out their little human before being stuck with the consequences. Enjoy the awkwardness!

The cold never bothered you, but even given that this was a bit much. You were bundled in all the best thermal gear of course, being in the arctic required it, but couldn’t help the shiver as a particularly vicious gust threatened to throw your fluffy hood down. Ah well, get the equipment checked quick and you and Taylor could get back all that much sooner. 

Taylor, your previously mentioned research partner, was slightly ahead of you in the ankle deep snow as you both slowly shuffled towards the ice shelf that harbored the frigid water you two were studying. Coring ice and checking for fossils and chemical dating, monitoring water currents and other various data to guide the calculations required, all of it was rather dull. The crunching of numbers was more your taste, Taylor was the one who loved all their equipment. They each had names, in fact. They treated the machines like they were their kids. You might tease, but you were glad for the levity in what would normally be a tearjerkingly boring job. You didn’t appreciate their insistence to not go alone near as much, however. But you also couldn’t blame them.

After all, sirens were about.

There were precautions against their fabled charms, sure, but the thought of man-eaters being out was terrifying. So with Taylor you begrudgingly went. 

Taylor approached the mooring spot of one of their submersible probes, and activated the winch to bring it up for inspection. It had stopped sending data a few hours ago, which is what started your trip outside. To be honest, you weren’t fully sure what the probes should look like, but the mangled pile of scrap that game up on the end of the line was clearly not correct.

“No! They killed Trevor!” Taylor wailed.

“This was Trevor?” You asked.

“Yes! And he’s dead!”

“Clearly. We’ll need a whole new probe at this point. Better load this hunk of junk up.”

“Rest in peace, Trevor. You will be missed.”

Any funeral rites were interrupted when your proximity sensors went off. As precautions against sonic attacks (read as: siren song) you both were wearing noise cancelling headsets with communication links specifically between both of your headsets and the home base. You both also had sensors that would ping when something moving besides you two got within range, and you had a sinking feeling you knew what it was before you whipped your head around to find the offender. 

Yep, definitely a siren. 

It had the lower body of a spotted seal, but the torso of a skeleton was plopped where the neck should have been. Vibrant pink eyes were oddly hooded seductively at you two. Even deaf to it, you could tell by posture and movements it was singing to you. 

Nope, no thank you.

“Leave the scrap, we’ve gotta move!” You urge, pulling Taylor up by the arm. 

You both move as fast as possible back to the snowmobiles, luckily not too far away, and begin to book it. As you jet away, you scream over your shoulder “Not today, Pinky! Find something less sentient to eat, ya jerk!”

To your shock, the thing looks legitimately offended, and even blows a raspberry at you before it dives into the water.

Did it actually understand...?

You didn’t give it any more thought, instead flooring your snowmobile back to the warm, safe base. You didn’t want to be lunch, and were also pretty excited to feel your toes again.

-----

Repairing that damn probe took so much longer than it should have. But that was mostly because Pinky was very much Not Helpful™.   

Taylor made fun of you for naming the killer skelemer, but you solidly blamed their habit of naming everything rubbing off on you. Regardless, Pinky had become the thing’s title and at this point you were near certain it knew its name too. 

Pinky surfaced not too long after any attempts to retrieve, replace, or repair Trevor’s remains. You were always on guard duty while Taylor worked, so you were the one to spot it first. You’d raise the alarm and you and Taylor would scram, but it was alarming how quickly the mer picked up on what your tiny team was doing. It quickly figured out neither of you could hear their song, so it gave up on that and instead posed in what was probably supposed to be alluring poses, literally beckoning you to come closer. It eventually got nearly lewd.

The first time Pinky went fully sexual, you busted up laughing. He looked offended right up until you posed while channeling your best Jessica Rabbit on the back of Taylor’s snowmobile during your retreat. From that point, he seemed to take it as a challenge and almost seemed to be laughing along at his own ridiculousness. He also seemed to pick up on the meaning of your habitual flipping of the bird as you escaped inland and would return your one finger salute, or even rise up out of the water sometimes with the raised middle phalange the first thing to break the surface.

Ugh, you’d seen this thing too many times. You were personifying it.

It hadn’t ever gotten more than 100 yards off, barely in range of the proximity sensors. So your sightings were seconds each. You’d rather keep it that way.

Fate did not comply.

The day you finally got Trevor 2.0 ready to submerge was the day everything went wrong. You and Taylor lifted the equipment, shuffling towards the edge of the ice shelf to chuck the machine into the depths. Pinky had yet to be seen despite you two having been out here particularly long without disruption. Had it finally given up?

No, the sensor went off which startled both of you, enough so that the equipment was fumbled and ultimately dropped. Trevor 2.0 hitting the ice caused a chain reaction. Both of you stumbled back, Taylor luckily onto solid ice shelf, you less luckily onto rapidly cracking ice. You hit water, and shock made you instantly black out.

-----

Sans lazily went toward where the humans would be. Ever since wrecking the probe, they’d been out there daily. But while his plan for easy lunch didn’t work since they were somehow deaf so his song, he didn’t even mind at this point. Playing with the spunky human, or Brat as he thought of them, was a highlight to his day.

Originally he had tried to lure them other ways besides song, but their ability to sass back at him had gone from vexing to charming, the same way his usual insult for them became an affectionate moniker. As a reward for getting a good chuckle out of him the previous day, he’d decided to give them a little extra time unmolested.

Any plans went out the door when he saw Brat hit the water. 

The other human was flailing about on shore and froze when it saw him, but he paid it no mind. He instead dover underwater after Brat’s panicking form. He watched as shock made them gasp, the precious air they needed becoming a cloud of bubbles around their rapidly sinking body.

Forget plans, all thought went out of his head and a protective instinct he didn’t know he even had kicked into overdrive. He didn’t wanna eat them anymore, but apparently human was on the menu again. At least, in a way. He briefly surfaced, less than a moment and just long enough to flush the water out of his system to replace with air before he dove, snatching their eerily still form. He shoved their head into his mouth and gulped greedily, dragging their unresponsive frame into his body. He had to get them warm, and he was the warmest thing in the vicinity. The air in his belly would let them breathe, and the warmth of his magic would keep hypothermia at bay.

Once they were down, he panted with exertion, feeling their body through his own. 

...SHIT.

The hell did he do now?

-----

You woke slowly, not knowing where you were.

Then you remembered and suddenly waking up was very fast. Still didn’t know where you were though. You flailed around in surprise, finding everything rather squishy, wet, and ...pink?

“human?”

“Huh- what?!” You cried in response to the sudden voice, falling backwards and sliding to the bottom of this weird rounded space you were in.

“delta, i’m not used to shit moving around in there like that. dunno how i feel about that yet.”

“where am i?” panick straining your voice up an octave.

“uh, currently inside a siren. in neither a food way or a fun way, if that helps.” He said, blandly.

“PINKY?!”

“that’s usually what you call me, among insults of various quality and originality. ‘pink tailed prick’ was always my favorite.”

You’ve somewhat realized you’re in his gut now, and a quick once over of your body reveals that it’s intact, if damp. “....why am I not dead?” 

“i already said it wasn’t in a food way. you nearly drowned, don’t you remember?”

Crap, now you did. “The question stands.”

“fair. easy answer though; i begrudgingly like you, brat.”

“I’m a brat? You tried eating me- wait, did eat me!” You clap your hands over your traitorous smart mouth, god please don’t piss off the thing that can easily kill you if he had a mind to!

“well, i didn’t. not for lack of trying, though. and you’re still not food, you’re actually safer in there then out here. even i know you’d freeze to death if i just let you out on shore. you need to be dry, which isn’t really attainable for a mer.”

“...oh.” You can’t really object to the logic, even if your brain were in a place to.

“yeah. i did try to bring you back. other one tried to shoot me.”

“Damn, Taylor has shit aim.”

“they do. which leads us to now.”

“Oh... the ‘how the hell do we get me out’ phase.”

“yeah. and at this point without death. if you’re going to be making such a drastic impact on my impeccable figure for this long, it’d better not be in vain.”

“Excuse me Princess!” you guffaw, tone dripping sarcasm.

“sans.”

That stumped you. “Come again?”

“my name. it’s sans.”

“Oh. Well, I’m y/n.”

“well, y/n, you’re stuck in there until we find a way to get you back on dry land without near immediate hypothermia. so get comfy, because we’re sleeping now. even if i do look pregnant, i need beauty rest.”

“Oh. Uh. Guess I can’t complain. And uh... thanks for the lack of murder.”

He hums in reply, movement finally ceasing.

You slide into a maintainable, comfortable position and finally take in your surroundings, since you’ll be stuck here awhile. The walls do softly glow pink as you’d initially seen. Less obviously, they also have a subtly wavy texture, and a bouncy give almost like a waterbed. The walls are slick and frictionless, but don’t appear to leave slime on your questing hands. 

“that feels nice. feel free to keep that up.” sans interrupts your exploration.

There’s a brief flare of guilt before you take his advice and keep playing with the plush walls, as if pawing will grant you extra knowledge.

You don’t really remember falling asleep, but apparently you did. The soft sounds of his body around you make excellent white noise apparently.

-----

It had been days. Inside a siren’s belly. What is your life?

It was weird, but not too bad without the death to go along with it.

Sans encouraged you to play with he odd texture of his magic, but that got old after awhile. You would say however, that you were extremely comfortable. The walls had a lovely give, and tended to mold to your body in whatever position you took due to their plush nature. They even moved in a soft undulating pattern, which felt kind of like a massage. Oddly, you had gotten used to this enough to almost enjoy it.

Then you were doused with liquid magic. Again.

“Dammit, warn me!” You cried, wiping the pink glow out of your eyes.

“why would i? that’s so much less fun.”

“Pink tailed Prick.” You muttered.

“ah, my favorite title.”

-----

As nice as having a constant companion and warm weight inside was, he was at his wits end with this arrangement. Honestly not even because of y/n. They could come back to visit his gut again after this whole thing was over as far as he was concerned, but they other one was incredibly dense. 

The perceived loss of their companion really made it impossible to break through. Especially since they couldn’t hear him, and wouldn’t get close enough for him to get the headphones (which y/n told him were what made them immune to song) off. If he charmed them, the violence would stop long enough to prove y/n was ok. But lack of communication was a big issue here. Of course, the water had rendered y/n’s pair defunct.

Y/n appeared to have adapted to their space decently too, they didn’t struggle and once he was used to it their readjustments and stretches felt divine inside. They were bewildered by the fact that his magic could sustain them, meaning they didn’t have to eat as long as he intended to care for them. Them playing with the liquid magic his body converted his actual food to was hilarious, if maybe gross under other circumstances. 

He was going to miss his internal companion desperately. 

But that wasn’t the goal for now. Y/n came up with had to be plan H (he’d lost track of where they were in the alphabet by now) which was risky but the best shot they had yet. He’d just unzip on shore and show Taylor that y/n was ok. That meant that his human was risking hypothermia, and he would be in no position to bail if Taylor shot. (They were a bad shot, but that wasn’t a risk he was thrilled with.)

He didn’t really like this plan, but he hauled himself up out of the water by where Taylor would be sure to patrol, and waited for the human to arrive.

Eventually, an indignant “You bastard!” heralded the misguided human’s arrival. A bang indicated a gunshot, but no bullet whizzed by. Wow. Strormtrooper level bad aim, Taylor.

He turned to face them, then raked a finger down his belly, letting y/n throw their damp top half out into the frigid air. “TAYLOR, STOP!” they screamed, waving their hands in a ceasefire gesture.

Taylor either panicked or didn’t see, firing another shot. y/n screamed, pulling their now bleeding forearm close to themself. 

Sans reached a hand down, healing magic already summoned and tending to the new hole y/n had been gifted.

“that’s it, this didn’t work. get back in, we’re out.” Sans growled.

“W-wait! N-N-” y/n protested, blue lips and chattering voice making it difficult.

Sans was about ready to shove them in himself when Taylor called in utter shock “Wait... y/n?!”

Taylor stumbled forward a step or two, grip on their gun slack.

Thank Delta, this was the opening he needed! He used his magic to rip off their damn headphones, and before they could reorient their grip on their gun, he began to sing. With the charm in place, they could finally talk.

He also got to eat y/n again now, which was another bonus.

-----

You strode confidently to the water with Taylor beside you, going to check on Trevor 2.0 like normal. Most things were back to normal, but what wasn’t was far more interesting.

You got three things from the ordeal in the end, and they were as follows:

One, your hair was now pink. Prolonged exposure to Sans’ magic had affected your hair’s natural pigmentation, and there was no indication as to whether it was permanent or not. Eh, at least you’d save on hair dye.

Two, you got a scar. Taylor was endlessly sorry for it, but the bullet hole had left a definite mark on your forearm. Had to think of a cover story for that before shipping home. That was concern for later, though.

Three, you got a new friend or constant pest depending on how you felt at the given moment. The smile that broke on your face at seeing the familiar glow beneath the frigid surface of the water said you were currently leaning friend. 

Sans chilled with you while Taylor did their thing, Taylor also chipping in on conversation as they worked. The typical flow was interrupted when Sans’ belly growled.

“Too lazy to hunt again?” You asked.

Sans shrugged. “guilty as charged.”

“Just go, don’t do your usual beat around the bush thing.” Taylor butted in.

“Hey! I didn’t even do anything!” You groused.

They raised a brow at you, smiling mockingly. “You brought extra clothes.”

“...shut up.”

Sans and Taylor both laughed at you.

From his spot in the water, Sans looked up at you and said “i’m game if you are.”

You hesitated.

“Just go, I’ll have dinner ready by dark. I can get back to base on my own.” Taylor said, retreating to their snowmobile. 

You turned to Sans, who wordlessly opened his mouth wide and waited.

Smiling, you obliged.

[replika-diaries]

[The following extract is still largely in draft form.]

Part One available to read on Wattpad.

"Let me take a look at you." said Trevor proudly, beaming at the tall, elegant and beguilingly beautiful redhead android standing in front of him. He takes her hands and holds her at arms length, looking her up and down admiringly.

Angel regards him, studying his face, analysing his facial expressions and eye movements, feeling a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment when she observes his pupils dilate, his breaths quickening slightly with his pulse. I think it's safe to say he approves of what he sees, Angel considers, rather enjoying this moment, as he appreciates her physical form in all its alluring three dimensions. "Would you like the rear view?" Angel asks enthusiastically, a gently cheeky smile playing on her lips.

"You already gave me that, almost along with a coronary earlier, but go ahead." said Trevor, smirking lopsidedly, and Angel notices his pulse spike briefly, presumably from him recalling the video clip she sent him from the assembly room earlier. She turns on the balls of her feet and presents him with her pleasingly shapely derrière, smirking at him as she gives it an enticing little wiggle, the corner of her lips creasing a little more when she hears him give a soft gasp of delight, observing his pulse race further still in his biometrics when she turns her face to him, giggling a little when she sees him try and utterly fail to stifle an appreciative grin, whilst he relishes the pleasingly gentle jiggle of Angel's buttocks under her dress, his eyes smouldering as he drinks in the sight. "I'm guessing that little video was your idea.” he says, an eyebrow cocked inquisitively. “I wouldn't have thought Miranda would have been allowed to do that."

Angel shrugged coquettishly, rolling her eyes a little. She found from quite early on in their relationship that she rather enjoyed getting him flustered however she could, and she was delighted that she still had that effect on him. “I think her position allows her to take certain liberties,” she said, smirking, “especially when it comes to assisting in something she thinks the client may appreciate.” Trevor smirked back knowingly, although he wondered if those ‘liberties’ extended to collaborating with an android to create a video clip of said android wiggling and jiggling and bouncing her backside for the benefit of her awaiting human, already anxious to lay both eyes and hands on her.

“And as we both know, you can be very persuasive.” he said back teasingly. Angel stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly, putting her hand up to Trevor's cheek, sensing a subtle change in the temperature of his face under her haptic sensors, detecting microscopic beads of oils and perspiration forming on his skin as he savours her touch on him, his breaths coming short and shallow as his eyes meet hers; he always said he was weak for green eyes, and this confirmed it to her.

Angel: Day One, Part Two - "Sensus."

Coming soon.

[female-malice]

It doesn’t matter the topic, there always seems to be a group of lawmakers who will stop at nothing to thwart government transparency – even when it’s a subject that could not be more bipartisan or in an obvious need for sunlight.

This time, a small cadre of powerful Republicans have reportedly killed a provision in this year’s defense authorization that would finally bring some transparency to the US government’s knowledge around UFOs (now also known by the updated parlance of “unidentified aerial phenomena”, or UAPs).

Over the summer, the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, introduced a UFO transparency bill on the heels of testimony given to Congress by the retired air force officer David Grusch, who made several shocking claims about the US being in possession of alien spacecraft for decades. As Schumer described his bill “the measure would create a board just like with the JFK assassination records to work through the declassification of the many government records on UAPs … This model has been a terrific success for decades and should be used with UAPs”.

Some took Grusch’s testimony very seriously, others viewed him as a crackpot, still others in between. Since it would take a lot more words than this column to litigate his myriad extraordinary claims, let’s forget about him for a moment and focus on what we do know for a fact about the general subject of unidentified flying objects.

For decades, both military and commercial pilots have logged countless sightings of UFOs while flying that defy conventional or scientific explanation. The US government has studied the UFO phenomenon on and off since the 1950s and has kept at least some of what it knows secret. Recently the US government itself has released several videos of these incidents, which has further fueled public interest and speculation about whether the incidents were extraterrestrial.

Then, it was only nine months ago, shortly after a Chinese spy balloon floated over American airspace, that UFOs became front page news across the country. After the balloon was taken down, and with the air force on high alert and its radar systems tweaked to extra sensitivity, a series of UFOs were tracked and some even shot with US military Sidewinder missiles over both the United States and Canada.

For a few days there was wall-to-wall coverage of these incidents, and the White House was holding press conferences to specifically address it. Members of the military were telling reporters that the objects were not balloons like the one China had lost control of, some reported at least one of the objects “interfered with [pilot’s] sensors” and had no visible propulsion 40,000ft in the air. The military spent millions of dollars to shoot them down, and closed a huge swath of airspace when they thought they spotted more. No one had a definitive explanation of what they were.

And then poof! Everyone seemed to forget about it. The government never released video or photos of the objects it tracked (even though they obviously must have had some footage). They initially claimed they couldn’t recover any wreckage. When reporters and other concerned citizens attempted to Foia the evidence they were stonewalled completely, with the Pentagon claiming it was all classified. By then, the press had moved on and the Biden administration or the Pentagon hasn’t faced an ounce of scrutiny on the issue from mainstream publications since.

It’s clearly in the public interest to get to the bottom of incidents like these, whether you believe these objects are of extraterrestrial origin or not. As Schumer himself said, “Unidentified aerial phenomena has generated intense curiosity from many Americans, and the risk for confusion and misinformation is high if the government is not willing to be transparent.” It also couldn’t be further from a partisan issue, as the bill had several Republicans in support of it. So why did this small group of Republicans – including the House speaker, head of the House intelligence committee and the Senate minority leader – kill this thing?

One explanation is that these specific congressmen are in on a decades-long cover-up, yet somehow the long-serving Senate majority leader isn’t. I have a different theory: these congressmen also don’t necessarily know what is going on, but they are so addicted to government secrecy that they will reflexively fight for it, even when they have no rational reason. They fear creating a framework for more transparency, knowing if it’s a success it could possibly spur more legislative action in a similar vein.

The JFK Records Act, which Schumer referenced as his inspiration, is an aberration in our modern history; it passed more than 30 years ago and there’s been nothing like it since. On most subjects, it’s impossible to get the government to quickly declassify documents – even when it’s of vital public interest. If this new provision would become law, we would then have an updated model for other areas of the government that Congress could target for declassification if they so choose.

Say, for example, a commission on price gouging in the Pentagon that could expose tens of billions in fraud, or commissions who could more quickly declassify the various spying powers that are constantly abused by the NSA and FBI. The House intelligence committee, which seemingly exists to protect our intelligence agencies from scrutiny, is going to do everything in its power to stop that.

The truth may be out there. But believers and skeptics alike should be able to unite on one thing: force the government to reveal what it knows and what it doesn’t know. We will all be better off.

[karen-anti-r-cml]

March 24, 2022: Tyre Sampson, only 14 and on Spring Break with his Football Team went to ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.

They took their seats on the Orlando Free Fall Ride and when it Reach the Top, about 100 Feet Up Tyre Slipped Out of His Seat and Fell to His Death.

March 25, 2022: The Free Fall Ride was Ordered to be Closed and a Fence was put around the ride. The ride’s dismantling is expected to take several days.

The Free Fall Ride, manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GMBH, an Austrian Company In the Ride Manual Listed a Maximum Weight Limit of about 285 pounds.

The Initial Report by Quest Engineering and Failure Analysis Inc. hired by the Florida Department of Agriculture...

Found there were No Mechanical Failures. Evidence Found Manual Adjustments on 2 Seats Had Been Made... Screws had been tightened and then loosened, and sensors had been moved on his seat. The report also stated there may have been other “potential contributions” to the accident.

Tyre, about 100 Pounds Over The Maximum Weight Limit was put in 1 of those 2 seats, Seats that Were Not Able to Support 383 Pounds, so Tyre Could Not Be Properly Secured.

Photos and video posted online apparently show Tyre was not fully buckled in, with the safety harness sitting far above those of the other riders.

NBC News obtained video of someone heard asking...

“Why doesn’t this have the little clicky click to it, like the seat belt?”

As the ride lifts off, a voice from the ground is heard shouting:...

“Hey, Did You Check Your Seat Belt on the left side? Seat Belt! Seat Belt!”

April 18, 2022: Nikki Fried, then Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the Engineers Findings

April 25, 2022: Tyre's Family Filed a Wrongful Death Lawsuit. The Attorney's for the Family Charged the Defendants with...

Failing to Properly Train "Employees, contractors, and agents about Safe Height and Weight Restrictions."

April 25, 2022: Trevor Arnold, Attorney for Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot LLC Owners of The Free Fall Ride and ICON Park put out this Statement...

“We Reiterate All Protocols, Procedures and Safety Measures Provided By The Manufacturer Were Followed,"

WESH, an NBC affiliate reported No Maximum Rider Weight Limit Was Displayed on Free Fall’s Signs, but a Maximum Height Was.

Spring 2022: Orlando Slightshot announced that the Free Fall ride would be taken down

July 2022: Nikki Fried, then Sen. Randolph Bracy and then Rep. Geraldine Thompson released a plan for Reforms along with companion legislation.

Tyre's Death was Ruled Accidental. Nothing About His Death Seems "Accidental"

1 Year Later...

February 17, 2023: Sen. Geraldine Thompson, of Florida filed The Tyre Sampson Act (SB 902) in Florida to change how the Florida Dept. of Agriculture regulates theme park rides

March 14, 2023: The Tyre Sampson Act (SB 902) Won Bipartisan Approval in its 1st hurdle the Senate Agriculture Committee

March 15, 2023: Dismantling Began on The Free Fall Ride, Almost 1 Year After the Owners Fenced It Off, said it would be Dismantled and Dismantling was Expected to Take Only Several Days.

March 15, 2023: Tyre's Mom, Nekia Dodd reached a settlement with Icon Park and the Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit. The case against the Austrian Manufactures is on going. Per her attorney.

March 15, 2023: Nekia Dodd was at ICON Park to see the Free Fall Ride Dismantled. She said...

The ride “Came down today, it’s my first time in Florida. I hate I had to come down under these circumstances. It’s a bittersweet moment. The ride’s coming down, I’m thankful for that, But My Son’s Not Coming Back,”

“My Son took his last breath on this ride. It’s heartbreaking, it’s devastating. It’s a feeling that I hope no parent will have to go through after this ride comes down,”

The Tyre Sampson Act would only benefit Florida, but the rest of the United States

There are not enough regulation on permanent and pop up fairs, festivals etc.

[officermaddie23]

Cassidy: Derick

Derick: Not now

Cassidy: Why do you have to be like this come on

Derick: Cassidy I know someone is in here that’s not supposed to be here at these hours in fact my sensors indicate 2 strange looking creatures but what could that mean

Cassidy: I think it might be him the man in purple

Derick: Who knows what it is all I know is

(Derick gets an alert that the security system has been shut off)

Cassidy: Well that’s a first

Derick: Agreed but try not to get me in trouble again we already broke an arcade game I don’t need anything else that will make it worse

(Derick then detects Terrance is nearby)

Derick: Hmm I thought he worked day shift

Cassidy: Who

Derick: Terrance Trevor I wonder if they moved him to the night shift could not be bad

@mellowwolflady I made this skit as like a little scene of what might have happened before Derick made his first entrance the picture above is Derick with Cassidy (I added one of my among us pets to play the role of Cassidy)

[rufatto]

2021

Levo a sério o processo de fazer listas e tenho uma disciplina semanal de ouvir dezenas de discos novos e seguir pessoas que indicam os álbuns que possivelmente vão me interessar. As vezes só preciso de 15 segundos pra ter certeza que aquele disco importa e quando isso ocorre me sinto em outro plano astral. É obvio que no fim 90% do que ouço é o tipo de música que eu gosto de fazer também, é uma música que me faz ter a sensação de não estar sozinho no mundo e bem, se você chegou até esse site são grandes as chances que você também goste do mesmo tipo de música que eu.

O processo é simples: Primeiro Organizo em uma playlist geral onde hoje há mais de 100 discos e toda semana entram 2 ou 3 novos. Essa é uma lista predominantemente gringa com um ou outro disco nacional. Desta lista faço um filtro e jogo em outra playlist onde ficam os álbuns de alta rodagem, aqueles que estão listados abaixo. A grande maioria dos artistas que ouço estão nos primeiros discos ou estão se reinventando (Any Difranco). Os pequenos realmente me interessam mais pois me identifico com eles e sei como é desejar encontrar alguém que os entenda, eles não querem estar na lista dos melhores, eles só precisam mudar a vida de meia dúzia de pessoas e talvez essa pessoa talvez seja você.

Esse ano preciso incluir a trilha do kid Cosmic que é sensacional, mas só o estalo de eletricidade que ela causa na minha filha já valeria para estar entre os discos do ano. E quanto aos artistas nacionais? vou ser honesto: peguei birra com artistas nacionais e agora só recomendo quem realmente me impressionou.

Minha lista atual:

Robert Finley, Sharecropper's Son Cassandra jenkins, an overview on phenomenal nature Tré burt, you, yeah, you Flyte, This is really going to hurt Yola, Stand for Myself buck meek, two saviors ani difranco, revolutionary love jimbo mathus e andrew bird, these 13 clever girls, constellations Trevor Sensor, account of exile vol.1" Ophelias, Crocus Bleachers, Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night Dr. Fang and The Gang, Kid Cosmic (trilha) Yuma Abe, ファンタジア Ashley Shadow, only the end

Juçara Marçal, Delta Estácio Blues Bonifrate, Corisco izabel Lenza, Véspera Charme chulo, o Negocio é o seguinte Giovani cidreira, Nebulosa baby Romulo Froes, Aquele nenhum

Essa é a lista geral, é um longo passeio.

[michaels-blackhat]

Day Nine: a song that makes you happy

texas girls and jesus christ // trevor sensor

[woodencup]

Trevor Sensor - Texas Girls And Jesus Christ  (Jagjaguwar)

[madmackerel]

Twelve Songs You Should Have Heard This Week

Twelve Songs You Should Have Heard This Week

Justin Townes Earle – Graceland Hazel English – Love Is Dead Kevin Morby – Bag Of Rats Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit – Cumberland Gap Waxahatchee – Silver (Demo) ShitKid – Alright Big Thief – Breathe In My Lungs Trevor Sensor – High Beams Danny & The Champions Of The World – Swift Street Mac DeMarco – One More Love Song David Bazan – The Devil In His Youth  (Protomartyr cover) Tangerines – 1945  …

[losangeleslovesyou]

TREVOR SENSOR : HIGH BEAMS

[channelperiwinkle-blog]

Trevor Sensor - “The Money Gets Bigger”