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tinynerdz360 · 7 months ago

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Above and Beyond Chapter 8: First Contact?

With a simple press of a button an image was released to the public; an image that would set the internet ablaze: an enigmatic alien boy with snow-white hair and piercing green eyes, standing with the Ares Crew. His build was of a scrawny teenager compared to the adult astronauts.

The questions came fast —Was this incontrovertible proof of extraterrestrial life? Had the government been harboring cosmic secrets all along?

The unknown employee smirked at his handy work. He felt pleased at what he had done, and not an ounce of shame or regret. This would set the necessary wheels into motion.

***

Hashtags and buzzwords spread like wildfire across social media as the leaked image of Dantom went viral. Theories abounded, ranging from measured skepticism to wild-eyed conspiracy.

"Alien Boy Among Astronauts – What Is NASA Hiding?"

"NASA discovers evidence of aliens on Mars #LittleGreenMen #WeAreNotAlone"

"Leaked photo reveals hidden extraterrestrial, are they walking among us? #Area51Revealed #TruthIsOutThere"

"Press conference DEMANDED - what is @NASA hiding from the American people? Full transparency now! #ReleaseTheAliens #NASACoverup"

Teddy Sanders scrolled through the endless stream of tweets, a scowl etched on his brow, fingers drumming an agitated rhythm on his mahogany desk. They had planned to let the public know, he was hoping to do this on his own terms. That they would be able to delay for a little bit longer. An alien discovery was one of those cases where NASA had wanted to give its own government a heads up and time to process this world-changing event.

But soon after getting the crew picture with Dantom, someone leaked it to the public.

With a heavy sigh, Teddy picked up the phone and dialed the president. This conversation wasn't going to be pleasant.

The call clicked through. "Mr. President, we have a situation." Teddy gripped the receiver with white knuckles. "An unauthorized image of the entity has been leaked. It's spreading rapidly online."

"God damnit, Mr. Sanders!" President Davis' voice boomed through the line, frustration palpable. "I thought I made it crystal clear - no leaks, period. You assured me NASA had this under control."

Teddy winced, feeling the sharp sting of failure. "Sir, I apologize. We're investigating the source of the breach. But right now, we need to get in front of this. The media sharks are circling, demanding answers. And I’d like to point out, that NASA did not have to tell you first. We are a public domain; the public would be told eventually. It’s just happening sooner than later."

Tense hung between them. "I see. I assume we’re on the same page?” Davis asked.

“The page being the emphasis of peaceful contact and diplomacy?” Teddy emphasized.

“Yes, yes, of course.” The President replied. Teddy could just imagine him waving his hand in the air in dismissal. The line clicked dead.

Teddy leaned back in his chair, rubbing his throbbing temples. This alien kid was proving to be more trouble than he ever imagined. As speculation raged out of control, time was of the essence. They needed to seize the narrative before it spiraled beyond their grasp.

With a deep breath, Teddy reached for his computer mouse and clicked open his saved draft of his speech.

***

The cameras flashed incessantly as Teddy Sanders stepped up to the podium, the NASA logo emblazoned on the wall behind him. He cleared his throat, his heart pounding against his ribs. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here today."

He glanced down at his carefully prepared notes. "As many of you are aware, an image has been circulating online depicting what appears to be an extraterrestrial being alongside our Ares crew on Mars." Murmurs rippled through the room, but Teddy pressed on.

"I can confirm that this image is authentic. During their mission, our astronauts encountered a juvenile alien life form, which we have come to learn is named 'Dantom.' This alien child was injured, and our crew has been assisting him and successfully making peaceful contact.

The room erupted into a frenzy of shouted questions and camera flashes. Teddy raised his hands, attempting to quiet the crowd. "Please, let me finish. We understand the monumental significance of this discovery and the delicate nature of the situation. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of Dantom and maintaining a peaceful relationship with any potential extraterrestrial civilizations."

He took a deep breath, his voice growing more solemn. "We face unprecedented challenges in navigating this uncharted territory. But I assure you, we are proceeding with the utmost caution and respect. NASA, in collaboration with the government, is committed to transparency and will provide regular updates as the situation unfolds. Thank you."

As Teddy stepped away from the podium, the room exploded with a barrage of questions.

***

President Alfred Davis stood tall behind the lecture podium, he had handsome dark skin, and a charming smile. His presence commanding the attention of the entire nation. The cameras zoomed in on his confident smile, capturing the historic moment. "My fellow Americans," he began, his deep voice resonating through the room, "today, we stand on the precipice of a new era for humanity."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "The discovery of an alien child, Dantom, on Mars is a testament to the boundless possibilities that await us in the vastness of space. This is not a moment for fear or apprehension, but one of hope and opportunity."

Davis leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "As your President, I am committed to fostering peaceful contact and maintaining good relations with Dantom's species."

"We must approach this situation with wisdom, compassion, and an open mind," he continued, his voice growing more impassioned. "I call upon all nations to join us in this endeavor, to set aside our differences and work together for the betterment of all sentient beings."

Behind the veneer of diplomatic ambition, those closest to him recognized the undercurrent of self-interest. To be the President who welcomed aliens to Earth, who brokered alliances among the stars—it was a legacy any leader would covet. And one that Alfred Davis craved more than anything else.

As the audience erupted in applause, Davis basked in the moment, his ego swelling with each camera flash. *This is my destiny,* he thought, his smile widening.

***

The scene shifts to a bustling newsroom where reporters from various international outlets scramble to cover the breaking story. On a large television screen, a stern-faced journalist from the BBC delivers a scathing report.

"While the discovery of an alien child is indeed a momentous occasion, many world leaders are expressing their disappointment and frustration with President Davis's decision to keep this information hidden from the international community."

The camera cuts to a press conference, where the UN Secretary addresses a room full of journalists. "Transparency is crucial in matters of global significance," she states, her voice laced with a mix of relief and irritation. "While we are thankful that first contact was handled peacefully, the lack of communication and cooperation from the United States government is deeply concerning."

Meanwhile, on the streets of New York, a reporter wove through the crowd, microphone in hand, capturing the pulse of public opinion.

A middle-aged man in a suit shakes his head, his face etched with concern. "I don't trust it," he says, his voice tinged with xenophobia. "For all we know, this could be the beginning of an invasion. We need to protect our own first."

Not far from him, a middle-aged woman shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm neutral about it. If they wanted to harm us, wouldn't they have done so already?"

Next, a young woman steps up to the microphone. "I think it's incredible!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm palpable. "Just imagine what we could learn from them. This could be the start of something truly amazing."

The reporter approaches an elderly couple walking hand in hand. The man shrugs, his expression neutral. "I've seen a lot in my life," he says, his voice gruff but not unkind. "Aliens? Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time. As long as they come in peace, I've got no problem with it."

Excitement bubbled up in the form of a group of people of various ages all clad in sci-fi merchandise, their eyes bright and voices animated.

"Can you imagine? Actual aliens!" one exclaimed. "This could be the dawn of a whole new era, like...like Star Trek coming to life!"

"Think of what we could learn from them!" another chimed in, practically bouncing on their toes.

As the interviews continue, the divided reactions of the public become increasingly apparent. Some express fear and mistrust, while others embrace the possibility of interstellar friendship. The reporter turns to the camera, her face a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

"One thing is clear," the reporter says, her voice steady. "The world will never be the same again. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, it is up to all of us to decide how we will navigate this uncharted territory and shape the future of human-alien relations."

***

In the flickering glow of the living room TV, the residents of Amity Park clustered together as the evening news shifted to a breaking story. Amidst the collective gasp that rose from the townspeople, there lay a thread of recognition that twisted their shock into bewildered concern and confusion.

"Isn't that... Inviso-BILL?" someone trailed off, lips quivering in disbelief.

"Can't be; I thought he was a ghost, not an alien," another murmured.

Dash Baxter dropped his plate of pizza as the camera zoomed in. “Danny Phantom! So that’s where he’s been. In Space! So COOL!

"Is that... Danny Phantom?" Paulina asks, her voice laced with disbelief. "What's he doing on Mars?"

"Oh, WOW! I guess he was an alien this whole time.” Star said.

“Does this mean we had first contact? Kinda sucks that NASA’s stealing credit,” Kwan remarked.

As the news spreads, the people of Amity Park find themselves grappling with a mix of emotions. Some express concern for their beloved hero, wondering if his presence on Mars means he's left them vulnerable to ghostly attacks. Others wonder if he was always an alien and not a ghost. Some wonder once again why The World never bothered with Amity Park's business.

---

Across town, in the privacy of Sam's bedroom, three figures huddled around her laptop. Sam, Tucker, and Jazz watched the same broadcast, but their reactions diverged sharply from the rest of Amity Park. As the image of Danny—no, Dantom—flashed across the screen, relief washed over their faces like the first rays of dawn after a long, harrowing night.

"He's alive," Jazz whispers, her voice trembling with relief. "He's alive, and he's on Mars."

Sam stops pacing and leans over their shoulders; her brow furrowed with worry. "But why is he pretending to be an alien? What happened to him?"

"You know, only Danny can make first contact happen by being the alien.” Tucker chuckled, though the sound was shaky, relief undercutting the humor. "Classic Danny."

Jazz took a deep breath in and out, calming her anxiety. Her hands clasped so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "This whole week...we thought the GIW finally got him." She let go of a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

Their search had been relentless, scouring every corner, confronting every specter with the same desperate question: Where is Danny? But each inquiry led only to dead ends and mounting despair. They had been in the middle of making plans to infiltrate the GIW to see if they had him and rescue Danny if they had to. Sam had been ready to take any means necessary to save her best friend.

Sam stands up, her eyes blazing with resolve. "We're going to D.C.," she declares, her voice unwavering. "If Danny needs us, we'll be there for him. No matter what."

“Wow! Wait, if he’s on Mars, it will take them months to return. And they haven’t even left Mars yet.” Jazz quickly pointed out.

“I know that I’m not stupid.” Sam glared. “But my gut tells me; we need to be the ones to inform NASA of the truth. Do you really think the government will sit by and play 'first contact tea party' with him? Do you really think that they won’t sic the GIW on him the first chance they have? I say we go, so we can be his backup. We can see what NASA knows and see if they can be allies. If not, WE get Danny out of there. Distract them, find a way to give him an opening. What if they greet him with ecto guns and shoot him down before he can run or poison him somehow? He might not be able to get out!” Sam ranted.

Jazz stared at the other teen. Her face turning from worry to determination. “You’re right. We don’t know what NASA knows. If they truly want to help, we might be the only ones that can give them the correct information. We can’t trust the government to play nice……I mean, they already keep Amity in the dark and out of the eye of the world.” Jazz crossed her arms; she hunched her shoulders up in concerned thought. “I’m honestly surprised they haven’t done worse to us. Especially with the anti-ecto policy. They could drag any of us off the streets.”

Tucker nods, his fingers already flying across the keyboard. "I'll start digging into NASA's servers, see if I can find any information about what they know and what their intentions are.”

"Right," Jazz agreed, already pulling out her phone to look up flights. "He might have kept his secret from NASA, but the GIW must know by now, which means the government knows. Which means…... Danny is on borrowed time.”

"We've got his back," Tucker finished, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by the steadfast resolve of a friend ready to wade into the unknown. "Just like he's always had ours."

***

Jack Fenton's fist slammed down onto the console in his lab, causing a small eruption of sparks from the machinery. "That darn Phantom!" he bellowed, glaring at the image on the computer screen that showed Danny Phantom, or 'Dantom' as the media had begun to call the figure, standing amongst the astronauts on Mars.

"Jack, calm down," Maddie pleaded, her voice strained with concern, her eyes not leaving the second monitor that displayed a map with their son Danny's last known locations—each point a dead end.

"Can't you see what he's doing, Maddie? Pretending to be an alien just to gain fame! It's infuriating!" Jack's face was red with anger, and his hands shook as he raked them through his hair.

"Jack, please," Maddie said, her own frustration barely contained. "We need to focus. Our son is still missing, and if Phantom is on Mars, then he couldn't have taken Danny." Her voice broke slightly on their son's name, revealing the depth of her fear.

"Then who did?" Jack's question hung heavy in the air, unanswered. Together, they returned to the task at hand, capturing and interrogating any spectral entity they could find, hoping one of them held the key to Danny's whereabouts. But it had already been a week. They both felt the cold tendrils of fear crawl into their hearts. The more time that passed without a lead to Danny, the odds of them never finding him increased. The police hadn’t been able to find anything either. Both Jack and Maddie were convinced that a ghost had done it, not the living.

Jack wraps his arms around his wife, pulling her close as he tries to hold back his own tears. "We'll find him, Maddie. We won't rest until we bring Danny home safe and sound. And if a ghost did take him, they'll have to answer to the Fentons."

***

Meanwhile, in his mansion, Vlad Masters paces back and forth, his eyes glued to the television screen. He watches as the news anchors gush over the incredible discovery of an alien child on Mars, his fists clenching tighter with each passing minute.

"Damn you, Daniel," he mutters under his breath, his voice dripping with venom. "Of all the attention-seeking stunts you could have pulled, you just had to go and become the world's most famous alien."

Vlad's mind races with possibilities, his anger warring with his ever-present concern of maintaining his own secret identity. "As long as that brat keeps his mouth shut about our true nature, I suppose I can let him bask in the limelight for now," he muses, a calculating glint in his eye.

“But be careful, little Badger, one slip up, and I’ll have you locked away for all eternity.” Vlad thought. He could live without making him his adopted son. After all, without that pesky brat getting in the way, he could kill Jack and take Maddie all for himself. He could always make more sons.

With a final glance at the television, Vlad settles into his armchair; his fingers steepled as he begins to plot his next move. He knows that patience is key, and he's more than willing to bide his time until the perfect moment arises to strike.

***

A cacophony of angry voices rebounded off the walls in the stark, sterile confines of the GIW’s operations center. Agents clad in their customary suits huddled around monitors that showed an endless loop of the image that had ignited worldwide speculation.

"Sir, the public's eating this up," a junior analyst said, tapping her tablet to bring up social media reactions. "Public opinions are mostly positive.”

Agent A glared in anger. “We can't let Phantom continue this masquerade. It's... it's a national security threat!"

Agent O nods in agreement, his jaw set in a grim line. "We need to get the President on our side. If we can convince him that Phantom is a danger to the country, he'll have no choice but to hand him over to us."

"And once we have Phantom in our custody, we'll make him pay for his deceit," Agent K adds, a cruel smirk twisting his features. "We'll expose him for the evil entity he truly is, and the world will finally see ghosts for the evil beings they are."

Agent A nodded, his expression unreadable behind dark glasses. "Move up the meeting with President Davis by force if necessary. He’ll understand once we explain," he ordered, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "It's time we exposed the truth about ghosts, starting with Danny Phantom."

They had been working with the mole in the White House to set up a meeting, but it was clear they needed to educate the higher government sooner rather than later. They would understand and forgive the need for secrecy. Agent A could just see the President agreeing that the GIW needed to take funds in secret.

Agent A paused a nagging thought clawed at the back of his mind. “Agent O, how about you take this mission? I want you to meet with the President. Can I trust you? To make the President understand by any means necessary?”

Agent O straightened, purpose igniting within him. "Yes, Director. I'll make sure the president understands the gravity of the situation. I’ll do whatever it takes; you can count on me!"

As agents scurried to carry out their orders, TVs nationwide aired President Davis' call for unity and cooperation with the alien species. The channel switched to an UN assembly where diplomats voiced their concerns and criticisms, the atmosphere fraught with tension.

***Back on Mars****

Commander Melissa Lewis glanced at the beds lining the wall, her gaze lingering on the one where Dantom lay curled up, seemingly asleep.

"Alright, let's keep it down," she murmured, her voice carrying the authority.

"Let's go over our tasks once more," Lewis began, her eyes scanning the expectant faces. "We need to find a way to get Dantom what he needs —"

"Commander," interrupted Johanssen, her brow furrowed. I think we need to address the elephant in the room first." She gestured subtly toward Danny, " like how he can speak English and how Vogal can speak this alien language.”

Lewis nodded slowly, acknowledging the point. "You're right, Beth. This situation with Dantom... it's complicated things."

"Complicated is an understatement," Rick Martinez chimed in, his skepticism a stark contrast to his usually jovial demeanor. "He lied to us about speaking English. What else isn't he telling us?"

"Exactly," Lewis agreed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "It concerns me deeply. Not just that he wasn't honest from the start but also that his interaction with humanity has obviously been negative. If someone on Earth hurt him... We need to be careful how we handle this."

"Whatever his reasons for hiding the truth," Lewis continued, her voice firm yet tinged with empathy, "we have to remember he's just a kid. And he's scared. Let's not forget that."

Alex Vogel cleared his throat, drawing the room's focus. He stood with an engineer's precision, his face somber yet earnest. "I spoke with Dantom," he glanced toward the slumbering figure. "And I believe I understand how we can communicate."

The others leaned in, curiosity piqued.

"Back in Germany, when I was a child, I nearly drowned in a lake during a family outing," Vogel began, his voice steady despite the personal nature of his story. "From what Dantom told me, experiences like that allow for one to understand and, in some circumstances, speak what he calls, ‘Soul Speak’.”

"Wait, you're saying because you almost died once, you can understand him?" Rick Martinez interjected, disbelief etching his features. "That sounds like something out of a fantasy."

"Perhaps it does," Vogel conceded with a nod. “But We don’t have much else to go on.”

“I can’t prove anything or disprove anything, for that matter. Nothing stands out in Vogel’s vitals, and nothing that stands out as odd from everyone else.” Beck said.

"Sure, but English? How does some near-death childhood experience explain him knowing our language?" Rick pressed, folding his arms across his chest as he scrutinized Vogel with a sharp gaze.

Vogel met Rick's skepticism with a calm resolve. "I do not claim to have all the answers, Rick. But our communication transcended mere words. It was as if we connected on a level beyond language—a shared understanding."

Rick's frown deepened, and he looked away. There was no protocol for otherworldly linguistics.

"Regardless of how it works," Vogel continued, addressing the group, "it's clear that Dantom has knowledge far exceeding our own in certain areas. We should consider the potential for learning from him."

Beth Johanssen leaned forward. “From what he said, he’s been on earth before, maybe he’s been there awhile…...but clearly someone hurt him….” Beth pointed out, trailing off with a hint of sadness in her tone.

Chris Beck shifted in his chair, the physician in him analyzing the boy's reactions from earlier interactions. "That would mean he's been among us—hiding in plain sight, or worse, a captive……someone hurt him, and it’s possible he learned English from his captors. And it would explain why he lied to us…...he was scared.”

Commander Lewis gave a heavy sigh. “We better hope it wasn’t the US government. THAT will complicate things.”

“Still doesn’t explain how he got here, and yes, I know he said by portal…...but a lot is missing from that story,” Mark commented.

“Maybe he found a way back to this ‘infinity realm’ as he escaped somehow. Maybe he got caught, then escaped, and then somehow ended up here?” Rick babbled on.

Vogel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We really don’t know how these ‘portals’ work and even how much of what the kid said was the truth.”

Beck crossed his arms in thought. “Either way, he needs this ecto-deposit. He’s weak. If we want to help him, we either find the deposit here or leave for earth.”

“I’ll contact command, I think our best bet is getting him back to earth.” Commander Lewis said. She turned to her computer screen to send off the message.

Mark Watney stepped up to Lewis’s side. He leaned over and whispered to her. “Maybe find a way to let command know that someone hurt him back on Earth.”

*sigh* “I plan to Watney.” Lewis replied.

“Yeah, but are you adding in the possibility it was us…. like the US government? Like this could be our fault, well, not OUR fault, but someone down there. What I’m trying to say is that we should come up with a backup plan to make sure he’s safe and we’re not handing him over to the wrong people.”

Lewis frowned. NASA would not like to hear this theory. But with NASA being a more public institution they might have a chance at protecting the kid or at least making him known to the public. “Keeping him in the public eye should help…...not just our public but the world.”

“Right! THAT way they can’t lock him away in area 51.” Mark replied.

Chapter 9

#danny phantom #danny in space #danny phantom au #danny fenton #mark watney #the martian #Crossover #fanfiction #my writing

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whiterock-research · 5 months ago

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Field study synopsis page

Title: A Field Study on Sentinel Ships

Abstract

This study examines the enigmatic Sentinel ships that patrol the stars. As an explorer and researcher, I have observed these vessels in various systems, documenting their behavior, technology, and potential origins. Whiterock aims to provide insight into their purpose and how their presence influences the galactic ecosystem.

Introduction

The Sentinels are an omnipresent force in the galaxy, serving as both protectors and enforcers of some mysterious universal order. Among their many manifestations, Sentinel ships represent a specialized fleet that enforces their strict protocols in space. While planetary Sentinels regulate activities on land, Sentinel ships respond aggressively to spacefaring violations, including unauthorized mining, piracy, or direct aggression. Understanding these entities is critical for survival and the development of diplomatic strategies.

Methods of Observation

Data for this study was collected through firsthand encounters with Sentinel ships. Observations were conducted from the cockpit of a heavily modified explorer class starship equipped with advanced scanners. Encounters ranged from non-hostile patrols to direct combat engagements in various star systems. I also analyzed debris from downed Sentinel ships to gain insights into their technology.

Findings

1. Appearance and Design

Sentinel ships are sleek and angular, often resembling predatory creatures. Their designs suggest a focus on both intimidation and aerodynamic efficiency. Each ship is equipped with glowing energy cores, which appear to serve as both power sources and weak points during combat.

2. Behavior and Tactics

Sentinel ships are not inherently hostile but become aggressive when they detect violations of their protocols. They often arrive in escalating waves, beginning with small interceptor craft and escalating to heavily armed frigates if resistance continues. Their tactics are highly coordinated, suggesting either centralized control or advanced AI algorithms governing their actions.

3. Technology and Composition

The debris of Sentinel ships reveals a blend of organic and mechanical components. Their technology seems to rely on a unique material known as Pugneum, which exhibits self-repairing properties. Advanced weapon systems, including pulse lasers and plasma cannons, make them formidable adversaries. Their materials suggest a level of technological sophistication far beyond most known species in the galaxy.

4. Purpose and Origins

The exact purpose of the Sentinel fleet remains speculative. Theories range from their role as enforcers of an ancient ecological balance to tools of a hidden creator species. Their presence in every system and their reaction to resource exploitation suggest a primary directive of maintaining order and preventing excessive disruption to galactic ecosystems.

Discussion

The Sentinels' spaceborne manifestations highlight a complex and potentially ancient system of governance within the galaxy. Their advanced technology and unyielding vigilance suggest they are not merely reactive but part of a broader, more purposeful network. Whether their goals align with the preservation of life or the suppression of unchecked expansion remains unclear.

Survival in their presence requires careful planning, from evasion strategies to targeted combat tactics. However, the possibility of deeper communication or diplomacy with the Sentinels could unlock secrets about the galaxy's true history and its hidden power structures.

Conclusion

The Sentinel ships are an enduring mystery, embodying the duality of order and destruction. While they are a source of peril for explorers, they also offer an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the universe's interconnected systems. Future research should focus on deciphering the origins of the Sentinels and uncovering their ultimate purpose in the galaxy.

Notes on Further Research

Continued studies on planetary Sentinels and Sentinel archives may provide additional context for their behaviors and objectives. Moreover, engaging with other explorers to compare encounters and findings could illuminate patterns in their deployment and actions across different regions of space.

*Researcher: [Name Redacted for Security Reasons]*

*Location: [Classified Star System]*

#exploration #galaxies #nms #no mans sky #odyalutai #research #science #space #spaceships #Sentinel #WhiteRock Research Facility

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madisontaylor84 · 4 days ago

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Shaping the Seas: The Dynamics of Navy Current Affairs in 2025

As we progress further into the 2020s, the naval forces around the world are increasingly seen as critical players in maintaining international security, protecting national interests, and securing vital global trade routes. Navy current affairs in 2025 reflect a significant shift toward advanced technologies, strategic military alliances, and a growing recognition of the naval role in non-traditional security challenges. From cyber warfare and artificial intelligence to environmental changes and maritime diplomacy, the modern navy has evolved into a multifaceted force.

The Role of Cybersecurity in Naval Defense

In 2025, one of the most pressing challenges facing global naval forces is cybersecurity. As more ships, submarines, and aircraft become interconnected through digital systems, the risks associated with cyberattacks grow exponentially. Cybersecurity has shifted from being a secondary concern to a top priority for naval commanders and national defense leaders.

Navies today are employing a combination of sophisticated encryption systems, intrusion detection mechanisms, and AI-driven defense technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure. With the vulnerability of naval systems exposed by cyberattacks in recent years, it has become imperative for navies to develop a robust cyber defense strategy. This includes the hardening of shipboard communication systems, establishing isolated networks that prevent unauthorized access, and constantly monitoring for potential breaches. The integration of AI also plays a key role, with algorithms capable of detecting cyber threats in real-time, ensuring swift responses to potential attacks.

As more advanced systems like autonomous vessels and unmanned drones are deployed in naval operations, ensuring their cybersecurity becomes even more crucial. These systems rely heavily on secure communication channels and protection against electronic warfare tactics like jamming and spoofing. In this context, naval forces are increasingly prioritizing partnerships with private cybersecurity firms to bolster their defense capabilities and keep pace with rapidly evolving threats.

The Emergence of Autonomous Naval Forces

2025 marks a turning point for the integration of autonomous technologies into naval operations. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), and underwater drones have begun to complement traditional naval assets, offering unprecedented flexibility, speed, and scalability in naval operations. These unmanned systems are proving essential for reconnaissance, surveillance, and even offensive operations in high-risk areas.

The use of autonomous vessels is particularly impactful in regions where traditional naval ships face high levels of threat or where human life may be at risk. These vessels can be used to gather intelligence, patrol strategic areas, and even conduct strikes in contested zones, without putting human personnel in harm’s way. The increasing reliance on autonomous systems is forcing navies to rethink operational strategies and invest heavily in training personnel to manage and coordinate these technologies.

However, the shift to automation also introduces new challenges. Ensuring the reliability and security of these systems is paramount, as they could be susceptible to cyberattacks, malfunctions, or interference. Moreover, ethical considerations around the use of AI in combat, especially in autonomous weaponry, continue to spark global debates.

Naval Power in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

The navy current affairs of 2025 are also shaped by a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. As global power dynamics shift, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, navies are playing a crucial role in safeguarding national interests and asserting influence in contested waters. Strategic maritime choke points like the South China Sea and the Strait of Hormuz remain areas of intense focus for naval forces.

China’s growing presence in the South China Sea has prompted other regional powers, including the United States and its allies, to assert their rights to freedom of navigation through these vital international waters. The U.S. Navy, for example, has increased its patrols in the region, conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) to challenge China’s claims to sovereignty over disputed islands. These operations, while focused on ensuring open access to vital sea lanes, are also a demonstration of naval power and a symbol of support for international law.

At the same time, Russia is strengthening its naval presence in the Arctic, as the melting of ice opens new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources. The U.S. Navy, alongside European nations, is increasing its presence in the region, particularly in response to Russian military expansion in this strategic area. Arctic naval operations require specialized ships and personnel trained for extreme cold-weather environments, making this an area of investment and training for modern navies.

The Push for Maritime Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

While military readiness remains the cornerstone of naval operations, the navy current affairs of 2025 also reflect a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. As the world faces the impacts of climate change, naval forces are becoming increasingly involved in environmental protection efforts, including tackling pollution, protecting marine life, and responding to natural disasters.

Navies have long been involved in humanitarian missions, particularly after natural disasters like tsunamis or hurricanes. However, the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events have led to a more proactive stance on environmental security. Ships are now being equipped with capabilities to respond to oil spills, assist in wildlife rescue operations, and support environmental research.

Moreover, navies are working to reduce their own environmental impact by adopting cleaner technologies. This includes the development of hybrid and electric-powered vessels, the use of alternative fuels, and the reduction of carbon emissions. Some countries are even integrating environmental goals into their naval defense strategies, highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern security policy.

Strengthening Alliances and Multilateral Cooperation

In 2025, navies are also increasingly engaged in cooperative efforts with other nations. Maritime security is a global concern, and the need for multilateral cooperation is more pronounced than ever. Joint exercises, shared intelligence, and cooperative missions allow nations to pool resources and expertise, enhancing collective defense capabilities.

Naval alliances, such as NATO, continue to play a key role in promoting international security, while emerging partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including the Quad (United States, Japan, India, and Australia), signal a shift towards broader collaboration in strategic maritime regions. These partnerships are designed to counter common threats, promote freedom of navigation, and ensure the stability of key sea lanes that are essential for global trade.

Conclusion

The navy current affairs of 2025 reflect the ongoing transformation of naval forces worldwide. From technological advancements to geopolitical challenges, the naval domain is evolving at a rapid pace, requiring greater adaptability and innovation. As navies embrace new technologies, strengthen alliances, and tackle non-traditional security challenges, the strategic importance of maritime forces will only continue to grow. The Veza remains committed to reporting on these developments and providing insights into the forces that are shaping the future of naval power.

#navy news

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oracleint · 27 days ago

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EARTH-1402.KRAKOA

Field Report.

FILE NO. EARTH-1402.KRAKOA

Status: Sovereign. ANIMA-BOUND TERRITORY

Classification: RESTRICTED ZONE. LIMBO-ALIGNED BIOSPHERE

Access Level: Echo-Class with Arcane Protocol Clearance

INFORMATION

Earth-1402.KRAKOA is a sentient island-nation birthed from the convergence of mutantkind, arcane forces, and dimensional bleed. Unlike its prime counterparts, this Krakoa did not remain a haven, it evolved into a liminal biome straddling Earth and Limbo. The mutant nation fused with hellspace following a magical incursion known as The Wyrmhole Event and Illyana Rasputin a.k.a Magik took command as its War-Sovereign.

Now a breathing hybrid of natural mutation and infernal design, Krakoa exists as both sanctuary and fortress. Portals shimmer with glyphs rather than genetics. Nature sings in demonic tongues. This is not the Krakoa of hope, it is a battleground ruled by the soul-forged.

VISUAL PROFILE

Lush black-lichen forests pulse under blood-colored skies. Fungal towers carved with ancient runes grow in twisting formations, whispering old mutant dialects. Rivers run silver with memory-ink, and the trees bleed sap when cut. The ground shifts to accommodate emotion. Pentagrams bloom in moss. Limbo-wolves patrol alongside steel-feathered phoenixes. Magic is alive here. So is wrath. At its core: the Throne Spire, where Magik sits with the Soulblade driven into stone.

HISTORICAL NOTES

The Wyrmhole Event tore open Krakoa’s natural boundaries, allowing Limbo’s terrain to slip into its biology. Rather than seal the breach, Illyana merged them, stabilizing both realms under her authority. Many mutants left. Others transformed. Some were born again, bound to Krakoa’s new logic: magic, mutation, and memory intertwined.

The Council of Thorned Crowns, composed of arcanists, witches, and former X-Men, keeps balance through ritualized governance. All diplomacy is conducted in symbolic duel form. Soul to soul, not speech. Krakoa no longer speaks.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Climate: Warped. Hell-humid with arcane storms; mutation-responsive ecosystems.

Inhabitants: Mutants, spellbound entities, spectral familiars, biome-linked arcane fauna.

Temporal Drift: High. Time behaves cyclically; sunrise occurs only after emotional resonance rites.

Notable Features:

The Throne Spire, carved from Limbo’s bone-ash; location of Magik’s dominion

The Rootgate Forest, where passageways bleed into parallel mutant dimensions

The Howling Mire, a psionic marsh grown from collective trauma

Dimensional access locked behind Sigilmark Trials

Self-healing biostructures. Wounds vanish, memories stay

Hazard Level: ASCENSION-CLASS

High arcane interference. Technology malfunctions

Soul siphoning from unauthorized portal use

Memory reshaping through exposure to The Heartwood Hymn

Familiar-bonded defense networks (intelligent flora/fauna hybrids)

Echo corruption risk if emotional control falters

KNOWN ENTITY: MAGIK (ILLYANA RASPUTINA)

Designation: The Sovereign of Spires. Warden of Lim-Krakoa.

Notes: Former New Mutant and Hell-Lord, Illyana forged this new Krakoa with blood and spellwork. Her Soulblade maintains the dimensional seam’s stability. Illyana's control over teleportation, demonic forces, and eldritch combat makes her one of the most formidable Echo-Class entities under O.R.A.C.L.E. watch.

Other Known Entities:

The Council of Thorned Crowns: Mutant mystics including Exodus, Selene, and a soul-bound version of Storm (Ororo-Mnemosyne)

E.V.A. (Daemonwing Variant): War-familiar merged from techno-organic virus and angelic script

CURRENT STATUS

Stable but aggressive. Portal activity remains monitored. Magik has requested no outside interference unless summoned by sigil. Arcane resonance scans indicate Krakoa’s terrain is evolving again, possibly preparing for Chrono-Bloom, a temporal flowering ritual that may rewrite its history. Any Echoes bearing mutant lineage should report for immediate anchoring before fieldwork begins.

O.R.A.C.L.E. VERDICT

DIMENSIONAL KEYSTONE. Earth-1402.KRAKOA must be preserved. Despite its volatility, it prevents Limbo’s overrun across four timelines. Magik’s control is absolute, but fragile. Echo-Agents permitted only under emotional resonance lock and arcane counter-inscription. Avoid travel during the Red Eclipse.

---

i. Related File

THE WYRMPHOLE EVENT

Type: Dimensional Breach / Magical Convergence

Timeline: Precedes current Sovereign State of Earth-1402.KRAKOA

Severity: Reality-Twisting / Realm-Fusing

Description:

The Wyrmhole Event was a catastrophic rupture between Earth and Limbo triggered by an arcane miscalculation or possibly a deliberate act of summoning by eldritch insurgents seeking to weaponize Krakoa’s biosphere. The breach manifested as a spiraling void, resembling the spine of a colossal serpent twisting between realms, hence “Wyrmhole.”

Rather than repel the incursion, Illyana Rasputina (Magik) enacted a Soulbind Accord, tethering Limbo’s chaos to Krakoa’s sentience. The island's body and soul twisted, creating a new biome: Lim-Krakoa, a hellbound sanctuary born of spell, mutation, and sovereign will. It was the moment Krakoa stopped being a refuge and became a throne.

Consequences:

Dimensional hybridization of flora, fauna, and topography

Soulbound mutations across surviving inhabitants

Dissolution of previous governing structures

Rise of the Council of Thorned Crowns

Stabilization via the Soulblade, bound to the Throne Spire

---

ii. Related File

THE RED ECLIPSE

Type: Temporal-Aetheric Alignment

Frequency: Irregular, triggered by emotional, magical, and atmospheric saturation

Threat Level: ASCENSION-CLASS (Temporal Hazard + Reality Distortion)

Description:

The Red Eclipse is an omen, a cosmic pulse through the veils separating realms. During this phenomenon, the sun is occluded not by a celestial body, but by a ribbon of helllight and ancestral psionic memory, a blood-soaked veil that turns the sky crimson and stills time.

Krakoa’s terrain responds violently:

Portals invert or collapse.

Echoes of the dead walk the Rootgates.

Spells gain sentience.

Emotional states physically alter the land.

The Heartwood Hymn is audible across the entire island, reconfiguring memory and soul.

Survivability Protocol

All O.R.A.C.L.E. agents are required to cease movement, initiate soul-shield protocols, and anchor to glyphic terrain. Echo-Class operatives may enter memory loops or undergo temporary aspect fragmentation.

Mythic Interpretation

Some Council members believe the Red Eclipse is Krakoa remembering its own death or dreaming its future. Others say it is Limbo’s attempt to reclaim the deal, to test Illyana’s sovereignty.

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locustheologicus · 5 months ago

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TRUMP’S AGENDA

Pushing people out

Imagine the population of Chicago. Then quadruple it. That’s about how many unauthorized immigrants Donald Trump hopes to remove from the country: 11 million people in all.

It won’t be easy. How will the government find all of these people? Where will they be held as officials process their cases? Will migrants’ home countries take them back? And will lawmakers approve all the funding required for this?

The Morning is running a series on the policies that Trump and his congressional allies will try to implement next year. Today’s installment will look at his mass deportation goals.

A huge operation

We already know the broad contours of Trump’s plan. He wants to use the military and law enforcement to detain the millions of people who are in the United States illegally. The government will hold them in detention facilities while it inspects the facts of each case. Finally, it will fly undocumented migrants to their home countries or other places that agree to take them.

We know less about more specific details. Here are six lingering questions:

1. Who are the targets? Trump aides say they will prioritize migrants with criminal records and previous removal orders, who number in the hundreds of thousands. The federal government already knows where to find most of these people, thanks to their previous contact with law enforcement, and can quickly deport many.

The question is who comes next. Trump also wants to deport undocumented migrants with clean records (aside from the blemish of breaking the law to enter the United States). And he has said he’ll go after people with Temporary Protected Status, a program that allows some migrants from specific countries to stay in the United States legally. These migrants could be harder to find and detain, especially in cities and states that call themselves sanctuaries for the undocumented. Those places have refused to cooperate with most federal deportation efforts.

2. Will courts sign off? Undocumented migrants have due process rights, so their cases typically have to work through the courts. But immigration courts have yearslong backlogs. Trump officials want to use arcane laws, like the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, to bypass this process. That will likely lead to lawsuits — similar to those that stifled Trump’s first-term immigration policies.

Trump has two advantages. The courts, especially the Supreme Court, are friendlier to conservatives than they were in his first term. The Supreme Court has also ruled that the president has broad powers over immigration.

3. Where will migrants be held? Right now, officials don’t have anywhere to put tens of thousands more migrants, let alone hundreds of thousands. The government will have to build, buy or lease more detention centers.

4. Will other nations cooperate? Some countries, such as Venezuela, don’t take deportation flights from the United States. Others might resist taking in a sudden surge of migrants, especially those with criminal records. The administration could persuade nations to cooperate with a mix of favors and threats — trade deals and tariffs — but that would require careful diplomacy.

5. Will Congress pay up? Trump’s plan will cost $88 billion a year, the American Immigration Council estimates. That’s nearly twice the budget of the National Institutes of Health and four times NASA’s budget. Trump has suggested he’ll declare an emergency to use military funds for deportations. But the plan is expensive enough that Congress will likely have to approve more spending for it, and a bill might require Democratic support to pass the Senate.

6. Will immigrants self-deport? A goal of mass deportations is to create a climate of fear among migrants, leading some to leave America on their own. We don’t know how many people will do this.

Given these hurdles, Trump might not sustain the millions of deportations a year he wants. Still, he’ll almost certainly succeed in deporting more people than President Biden did. After all, the country has done it before, as this chart by my colleague Ashley Wu shows:

A chart shows deportations from the U.S. per year. During the Bush and Obama administrations, an average of about 300,000 people were deported per year. During the first three years of the Biden administration, an average of 105,000 people were deported per year.

Source: Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University | By The New York Times

The Bush and Obama administrations managed to remove 400,000 people a year at their peaks. Biden has deported fewer than 200,000 most years.

The consequences

Trump and his allies say that their plan will revitalize the economy and prioritize the rule of law. American workers “will now be offered higher wages with better benefits to fill these jobs,” Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s top immigration advisers, told The Times last year.

Critics say that mass deportations will cause chaos in Latino communities, as well as labor shortages in industries like agriculture, food processing and construction, leading to higher prices. They also question if the cost of mass deportations is worth it. For the same price as deporting every undocumented migrant, the American Immigration Council estimated, the United States could build almost three million homes.

For more

New York City officials are considering closing a Brooklyn shelter that houses 2,000 asylum seekers. They fear Trump may cancel the lease for the shelter, which is on federal land.

Trump mentions Mexican migrant caravans to bolster his claims about the border. These groups rarely make it near the U.S.

#immigration #politics

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eton75 · 6 months ago

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Why Elon Musk’s Meeting with Iranian Officials Could Be Controversial

Recent reports indicate that Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, to discuss easing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. While Musk’s intentions may have been diplomatic, the meeting has raised questions about its legality under U.S. law.

1. The Logan Act

The Logan Act, a rarely enforced federal law, prohibits unauthorized U.S. citizens from negotiating with foreign governments involved in disputes with the U.S. Without official authorization, Musk’s meeting could potentially fall under this statute.

2. Unofficial Diplomacy Risks

While Musk is not a government official, his prominent status in business and technology could blur the lines of his influence. Engaging in diplomacy without federal clearance can undermine official U.S. foreign policy efforts.

3. Political and Legal Implications

Given Musk’s advisory roles and high-profile connections, critics argue that such a meeting could set a dangerous precedent. However, legal experts note that the Logan Act has rarely been enforced, and Musk’s motives may shield him from prosecution.

4. The Broader Context

Musk’s meeting comes at a time of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. His involvement in such discussions reflects the expanding role of billionaires in international affairs but also raises questions about accountability and oversight.

As investigations into this meeting unfold, the debate around the legality and ethics of private citizens engaging in foreign diplomacy continues.

#ElonMusk #Iran #Diplomacy #LoganAct #USLaw #InternationalRelations #Geopolitics #Controversy #TechAndPolitics

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originalleftist · 7 months ago

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To be fair, I have not yet found confirmation of this from another source. So until then, treat it with whatever skepticism you feel is due. If anyone has corroboration, please share.

However, if this is true (and I have not generally known Snell to be a fringe conspiratorial source), then every single death from the war between now and then, Palestinian, Israeli, or other, must be considered a potential homicide by both Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump as a result of Trump's illegal violation of the Logan Act, by engaging in unauthorized diplomacy with a foreign government for his own political gain.

Also, to every single person who says they won't vote, will "protest vote" or even vote Trump to punish Democrats over not stopping the war in Gaza, who holds assisting a Trump victory up as the "pro-Palestinian" or "anti-genocide" position- you are an imbecile and a scoundrel and a tool, you do not care about Palestinian lives, you are yourself a collaborator in war crimes with Netanyahu and Trump, and fuck you.

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ahmuseme · 9 months ago

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open verse: historical/fantasy

The tension was palpable as the two forces converged on a backwood cliff path leading out of their host nation's land. The once-promising diplomacy negotiations were now on the brink of disaster, and her lord had ordered the discrete withdrawal of his wife and consorts from their no longer potential allies' lands to prevent them from becoming hostages. It was clear that the unauthorized action was not well-received, as Khulan took note of the weapons carried by the other patrol. She focused her gaze on the leader, unsurprised that her party had been discovered despite her best efforts to leave unnoticed. Their reputation had preceded them long before their nations began considering an alliance. "My lord has charged me with the safe return of his ladies," she restated firmly, her voice and gaze unwavering, before she unsheathed her saber. "Let us pass."

#indie rp #open starter #indie smut rp #c: khulan

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dannyphantom1234 · 9 months ago

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I didn’t know if I was allowed to add to this but I had been through this hyper fixation and still currently attached to it longer than planned— but here are more of your interested in any of these? I love these authors and try to support them.

DC x DP recommendations;

Remember, Remember(to think before you jump)

By Assassination_Midoriya

(Danny is a failed clone from the Court of Owls, and was sent away and miraculously(lol) got adopted by the Fentons. But when something with the portal accident knocks the old memories loose, what will Danny do once he discovers Dick Grayson’s secret? And, through connection and memories, the rest of the Bat’s secret identities?)

Alternate Ways to Live and Die

Katlover98

(Basically Danny is an alternate version of Jason. One-shot).

Safehouse

Elizabehta_Beilschmidt

(When she is offered help from a random dude in the streets of Gotham, Dani accepts it even though he might be secretly a creep, because who could turn down a warm shower and free food?

Although this dude, Jason, may be an okay guy to talk to after all. But why does he smell like death?)(one shot)

Son of the Hood

By Shynnohwen

https://archiveofourown.org/users/Shynnohwen/pseuds/Shynnohwen

(Danny was gone. The GIW had wrecked his core and Jazz was left grieving with her family and friends, all devastated. They hunted the monsters that destroyed her brother, hunted them all the way to the Himalayas and destroyed the Guys in White but Jazz felt like it was a hollowed out victory. Grieving and anguished she stole Vlad's booze and wander off, runs into a guy hiding a body and deciding to spend a weekend running amok with "Jason" (a nice jerk that left without even saying goodbye and who she really should not have developed feelings for). Then she discovered she was pregnant, and Clockwork told her he had placed Danny's ruined core in her so he could be reborn. Skip nearly seven years later and Jazz is the mother of a rambunctious six (and a half!) year old boy who is the reincarnate of her brother and she just moved to Gotham with her family to go to school. Jason meanwhile runs into a kid that tries to steal his wheel and pay for it with coco, a duck candle and a literal piggy bank... and then reunites with a blast from his past... and she has a tinier version of him attached to her hip.)

Protector

Chromatographic (Lia)

(Danny's been learning how to protect what's his with diplomacy as well as sheer power. So when someone mistakes him as an easily targeted civilian? Well. They can't hurt him, but if he doesn't do anything they might target his people.

Being a ghost makes it so much easier to scare off a threat.)

Family introductions

Half-dead Ham (Grima101)

(Danny and Tim have been dating for about a year now, figuring out their relationship between Tim’s vigilante duties and Danny’s Ghost King responsibilities. Danny is taking a small (unauthorized) break from his paperwork to find his bf flat on his ass sick trying to go on patrol. The only way to stop him was to take his place, and Danny was lucky they're the same size.)

Yes, He's the King of the Infinite Realms of the Dead, But He's Also an Introvert

bongo_balderdash

(When Duke mentions a boyfriend none of the family have heard of before out of the blue one day, there's a mad scramble to find out more. He likes space, he's known Duke for years- and apparently, he's shy. But surely, it's only a matter of time until they finally meet him.

In hindsight, maybe they should've asked if this mysterious boyfriend was human first.)

(One shot)

Contretemps

Olive_of_Vanders

(Prompt: Time/Dimension Travel

Danny enters a natural portal by accident – it's really not his fault it opened up in front of him! What is this "Got-ham" place anyway?)

(One shot)

Blood on the Crown

SkylarkSky

(She leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his brow, a covenant between them, a secret promise that she would tear the world asunder if it meant keeping him safe.

“Close your eyes, have no fear. The monster’s gone, he’s on the run.” She turned to the whimpering man before her. “And your mommy’s here.”  She didn’t hesitate this time. “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy.”  The knife glinted in red as the man choked on his blood. “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy."

AKA: The fic where I accidentally make surprise single teenage mother Jazz, an overprotective serial killer. (She's cool with it)

Jason is definitely swooning, cause that shit is hot.)(has a lot of chapters and still updating I think?)

Rooftop Express

EmeraldsAndAmethyst

(Danny Fenton just wants to help his big sister be comfortable in Gotham. But he is getting so done with not being able to fly around freely. Danny tries to do things on the up and up but just progressively accidentally starts looking more and more like a new rogue trying to get set up. His parents must be retired super villains, which might not mean anything. But the rest of the evidence isn't very promising.

And then he finds a half-ghost no one knew anything about. Befriending him in the suit instead of out isn't helping his 'definitely not a super villain' case in the slightest.)

(Probably still updating, but it caught my attention).

A Second Life

Die_Erlkonigin6083

(He wakes up with no memories. He knows things, but he doesn’t know why. Who is he? And how did he get here?)

(Danny reborn into the dc universe with sis and friends/future significant others. Lots of chapters and a very good read. Think it’s finished updating?)

That Feeling When You (Accidentally) Seduce Your Landlord to Avoid Eviction

halfagone (milkywxy)

(Jason finds out the building his favorite safehouse is located in has been recently bought out. He could easily move, but he doesn't do easy. He'll just have to find a way to stick around, even if that means growing closer and catching feelings for his impromptu landlord.

Meanwhile, Danny is pretty sure he hit the jackpot for surprise tenants.)

(One shot)

Eldritch Toddler

halfagone (milkywxy)

(Bruce is not prepared for when John Constantine hands over a young boy who has been de-aged. While Constantine goes off in search of the one responsible, Bruce and his family are left to care for the child. Danny is a sweet kid, he isn't fussy either! This should be fine. They quickly learn to take Constantine's warnings seriously.

Day 3/November 16th: Eldritch Identities | The worst person to put in charge of teens is another teenager)

(One shot)

Prodigal of Lazarus

sherashalala

https://archiveofourown.org/users/sherashalala/pseuds/sherashalala

(The al Ghul heir died, which is how Damian al Ghul inherits the title of heir. By technicality, he gets to keep that title even if the eldest son is revived two years later.

Some things happens, and eventually Danny is tasked to escort his younger brother, the heir, to their father. They didn't... exactly tell him he's also to be delivered to Bruce Wayne.

To be fair, they could really work with their method of communication!)(idk if it’s still updating? But it’s an interesting concept).

!New Hyperfixation!

I've been binge-watching Danny Phantom for a day and I'm obsessed. It is literally soo good and it has started to mix with my DC hyper fixation so now I'm scrolling through the DC x DP hashtag and have been for the past hours scrolling on AO3 for Fanfics

So here are the fanfics I'm currently reading <3 includes Ships!!

'When We're Older' by haleswallows [Relevant tags: Jason Todd/Danny Fenton, Slowburn, 5+1 Things]

Blobs! In Space! by BooBean (NinaBeena) [Relevant tags: Ghost King Danny Fenton, Mild cannibalism (?), Haunted Watchtower, John Constantine, Batman ensemble, Tears in reality]

Red is Hood's Favorite Color by mango_sushi98 for TheRandomSith [Relevant tags: Jason Todd/Jazz Fenton, Ecto-Contaminated | Liminal Jason Todd (Danny Phantom), Ghost Cores (Danny Phantom), Ghost King Danny Fenton, Protective Jazz Fenton, Good Sibling Jazz Fenton, Batfamily Members (DCU) & Jazz Fenton, Batfamily Members (DCU) & Danny Fenton]

Cow Love by SIRDUCK__o7 [Relevant tags: Halfa | Half-Ghost Damian Wayne (Danny Phantom), Halfa | Half-Ghost Danny Fenton, Ghost Prince Danny Fenton, Obsessive Batfamily Members, Ecto-Contaminated | Liminal Batfamily Members (Danny Phantom and DCU), Bad Parent Maddie Fenton, Good Parent Jack Fenton (Danny Phantom)]

Send by: The Traveler

Addressed to: You my dear reader

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countessofbiscuit · 3 years ago

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The One-Day War

During the Clone Wars, Pantora attempted to petition the Galactic Senate to recognize its sovereignty over its parent planet, Orto Plutonia. However, the Jedi who investigated the matter discovered the Talz who claimed to have been there for generations. The Chairman of the Assembly declared war on the Talz, but died in the ensuing slaughter. After receiving emergency powers, Senator Riyo Chuchi negotiated a treaty between the two peoples.

To many Pantorans, this One-Day War represents both the dangers of political power and the triumph of diplomacy and democracy. It also represents Pantora’s eager, naive, and potent desire to be recognized as a global power and participant in galactic politics. No world or people felt a greater psychic blow than the Pantorans when the Galactic Empire dissolved the Senate.

New tensions are arising now between the Talz on Orto Plutonia and the Pantorans. Since the collapse of the Republic, Pantora has been cut off from the galaxy. It is desperate to secure resources, including the natural resources on Orto Plutonia. The Talz, however, have no interest in allowing industry on their planet. Some Pantorans want to reaffirm Riyo Chuchi’s treaty out of respect for the Talz and the Republic. Others want to educate the Talz and integrate them into Pantoran society and political debates. Still other Pantorans think the treaty only refers to the Talz’s geographic location and that the rest of the planet is fair game. The Talz themselves sense something amiss, as they have reported unauthorized starships landing on Orto Plutonia. Who is piloting them and for what end, however, they do not know.

- Star Wars: Force And Destiny: Endless Vigil. Fantasy Flight Games, 2016. pg. 22.

How delightful it is, to find Riyo Chuchi given the credit she’s due in a sourcebook! And to have an official name for the skirmish seen in S01E15 “Trespass”.

However, this is an interesting way of framing the events of the episode — that the Jedi are called to attest Pantora’s right to sovereignty of a planet that Pantora already considers a protectorate (in this version of events, has the Republic never formally recognized this claim?), not to investigate a mysterious massacre of Republic troops. Yes, the question of Orto Plutonia’s uninhabited status (a status the Jedi are uniquely qualified to determine) falls straight into the lap of this episode’s plot, but that seems in direct opposition to Chairman Cho’s wishes.

It was Cho who petitioned the Senate for the GAR listening post on Plutonia (either himself or through Senator Chuchi). And now he seeks proof of a Separatist incursion, not Republic permission to annex Plutonia — which he already regards as belonging to Pantora. Whether that’s just his opinion/desire/delusion, or a ruling in Pantoran law that he does not wish overturned, the Republic evidently considered Plutonia fair game for a military installation. Cho may have had genuine concerns for Pantora’s sovereignty, so friendless as they are in the Sujiimis sector, and so close to pockets of Separatist space. He may have been looking to bait the Separatists, giving Pantora the push he feels it needs to enter the conflict — where Cho, an aggressive personality and veteran of many conflicts (if his own claims are to be believed), might elevate his martial reputation*, perhaps even expanding the Pantoran executive power — or giving the Republic cause to send more troops to the sector, further safeguarding Pantora.

Besides Plutonia’s potential as useful operating base away from the populated, peaceful Pantora, where, despite strong pro-Republic feeling, garrisons of clone troops might be politically dicey, what other motives might Cho have for insisting so rabidly on Plutonia’s protectorate status? Why is this “wasteland”, as he describes it, so valuable to him? A matter of Pantoran pride? A historic claim that Cho won’t see invalidated in his term, in his lifetime? Possibly. Indeed, to put it down to anything other than jingoism, especially given Cho’s irrational actions at the crisis point of the episode, might be unnecessary. That seems all the show wants us to take away.

Personally, I find it interesting to entertain the possibility that Pantora was exploiting Plutonia for centuries, and the arrival of the Republic party threatened that. How could Pantoran scientific institutions be ignorant of any sentient lifeforms on its parent planet? Especially a population of people who, by Obi-Wan’s estimation, haven’t mastered space-travel? I refuse to credit that. A far more likely scenario than either the sourcebook or the show depict strikes me as follows:

Pantora has long maintained lucrative mining outposts on Plutonia’s unsettled hemisphere, purposefully giving the pockets of Talz a wide berth; never has Pantora declared their surveyors’ early discovery of the indigenous population to any Republic body. Besides the resource taxation they may avoid paying, Pantora also benefits from being the only ""civilized"" beings in the sector — it gives them a monopoly on representation in the Senate and funding from the Senate. Cho knows the dangers of requesting a Republic listening post on Plutonia — Senator Chuchi sweats as she reminds him of them — but the Talz migration patterns have not changed in living memory; if contact happens to be made, perhaps it will be overlooked; perhaps Republic troops will regard the Talz as Cho does: savages worthy of being eliminated, committing his dreamt-for genocide for him. Regardless, the need for an advanced warning of Separatist movement outweighs the risk of discovery. Republic bureaucracy is notoriously sluggish — who would suffer it to represent the rights of such a worthless and backwards species? Cho’s listening post is built and manned. Then the worst occurs: a CIS frigate lands undetected and the droids’ investigation of ‘the southern canyon’ in Talz territory aggravates the locals, who then mount an attack on the other invaders: the GAR garrison. (Don’t ask me to explain how the Talz achieved this. At some point logic must simply refuse to turn the corner and carry on, untroubled :p) Cho must now intervene with the Jedi officers and the young, foolish, bleeding-heart senator who appealed to them to investigate in person. They are a necessary evil: the only ones who can divert more Republic troops his way … the very ones to raise a stink about the natives.

Hence, Cho’s anger, his reactionary belligerence, and his strident insistence that this is an “internal matter”, perhaps hoping to cow his senator and the Jedi into retreating from this parochial dispute and back to their bigger problem … but not before Cho borrows their military assets for a bit of murder, thanks.

Declaring the situation an “internal matter” should prevent Cho’s use of Republic troops — Anakin and Obi-Wan have every right to let Cho and his two guards shake their fists at the Talz and be skewered. Why they don’t is baffling. Maybe they figure “JEDI ARREST EXALTED RULER OF REPUBLIC WORLD” or “‘PEACEKEEPING’ JEDI WATCH AS EXALTED RULER SPEARED TO DEATH” would be bad press. Maybe the Jedi just need to buy time for Senator Chuchi to secure means of legally detaining the Chairman, and sending Cho on a goosechase with Captain Rex is the best way to stall: Rex won’t engage the Talz except in self-defense (he might even see the Chairman … take himself out of the equation), and they can remain behind to bolster little Chuchi’s confidence as she embarks on a legislative coup with the Speaker of the Assembly, presumably urging him to call an emergency session that will see Cho declared “out of order” and executive authority temporarily devolve to her. (The clone escort with Cho is easier to swallow on a Watsonian level if one interprets the unit depicted to be a group of 501st penal troops; see: red triangles meta.)

Critics of Riyo Chuchi or stans of Obi-Wan cite the conversation in the LAAT/i as proof of that Chuchi is a corrupt bully herself, no different from any other politician. To be honest, I find that such a reductive and blind reading of the situation:

Obi-Wan: Senator, now that you have the authority, how do you plan on making peace with the Talz?

Chuchi: Actually, Master Jedi, since you’re far more experienced, I was hoping you could negotiate on Pantora’s behalf.

Obi-Wan: … I’m afraid that’s not possible, Senator.

Chuchi: But I don’t understand. The Jedi serve the Senate. I must order you to —

Obi-Wan: Senator, it is your people the Talz are at war with. If the violence is to stop, it is you who must represent your people.

Everything about how the scene is shot emphasizes Chuchi’s discomfort. She is feeling small and uncertain. She misunderstands Jedi jurisdiction and assumes, influenced by her own self-doubt, that the Jedi can take care of the negotiation for her. Are they not the Republic’s mediators? Is that not the role they have carved out for themselves — declared for themselves, time and again, before the holocams? “We are keepers of the peace”. That’s not to say Obi-Wan isn’t correct: as far as the Republic is concerned, their dispute with the Talz is settled, the deaths of the Republic troops forgiven. It is, indeed, now an internal matter, and Chuchi must represent Pantora for Pantorans. And she does so, with spine-stiff courage, little boots firm upon the powdered plain.

That Riyo Chuchi clearly goes down in Pantoran history as responsible for securing indigenous recognition of the Plutonian Talz is fantastic to see. A quick parlay with Chieftain Thi-Sen does not a formal treaty make; Chuchi must have pursued the matter in the Assembly, taking Obi-Wan’s advice to “make it [peace] last” to heart. Does she stand up for the rights of the Talz before her countrymen, arguing that Pantoran claims to the planet be rescinded? Does she lead a second delegation to Plutonia, to formalize Talz sovereignty? (I’ve long headcanoned that Chuchi’s peace is named “the Cold Spear Peace”.) Does she press for Republic recognition of the Talz, in the face of industrial scrutiny? Is that why she lost her seat to Chi Eekway, before war’s end, in spite of her subsequent actions against the Trade Federation blockade, too?

*Chairman Cho is addressed as “Your Majesty” and styles himself the “Supreme Chairman and Exalted Ruler of Pantora”; the sourcebook quoted has a section on Pantora and makes mention of holdovers from its ‘feudal’ past, which is born out by these titles and Baron Papanoida’s as well. (Though I headcanon that Papanoida is new money and his baronetcy is granted by the Assembly for services to Pantora’s media industry or something — he is George Lucas’s self-insert, after all!) As Papanoida is never addressed as “Your Majesty”, one of a few things are likely: a) Cho is from a quondam royal family, perhaps a royal dukedom, and Pantoran law still recognizes and protects the use of certain titles, though no other legal privileges are attached to them. Due to his status, and some footnote in the Pantoran statute books, he has the right to add the supreme prefix and assume the title of exalted ruler upon being elected to the chairmanship. b) Cho is noble and “Supreme Chairman and Exalted Ruler” is the chairman’s actual title (perhaps the powers of the chairman are curtailed in the wake of Cho’s mismanagement) c) Cho is noble, but styles the chairmanship very grandly without justification

#riyo chuchi #chi cho #pantora #the clone wars #senator chuchi

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rosheendubh · 4 years ago

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WIP...art-manipulation as visual inspiration for The Elegy of Dead Kingdoms...(crossover of StarWars/revamped Thrawn trilogy, FireFly/Serenity, and the Keltiad...also, spoof SpaceOpera-RockOpera featuring anyone from David Bowie, to LED Zepplin, NewOrder, U2, Ah-Ha...etc)...

~Background

~ At the impetus of River Tam, and the Operative, the Serenity’s renegade crew defies transit laws prohibiting unauthorized access to the wormhole connecting Terran space with the quadrant of the Republic Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Having only a fragmented record mentioning a lone survivor from a planetary massacre, the crew track rumors of a psionically gifted orphan said to have come from the Terran Fringe system of New Celtica, possessing the ability of manipulating the molecular structure of organic matter. An exile once in the service of Palpatine, whose skill of biokinesis Thrawn covets to stabilize the unpredictable violence of his cloned hybrids. A woman with adversaries on both sides of the wormhole, winning a Jedi to her cause, and determined to discover the key to a secret kept hidden for a thousand years. A buried legend of Old Terra, Earth That Was, that may be the last defense between the ancient darkness wakened by Thrawn‘s pursuit of absolute dominion, and the destruction of all life throughout the galaxy...(queue *cinematic drama music*)...

Somewhere between the battle of the Dark Force fleet, and Wayland, MonMontha offers a last ditch effort at negotiation with Thrawn. Imperial forces victorious in recent campaigns, have pushed back the RepublicAlliance to their InnerPlanetary systems. Rogue genetic scientists from the Terran quadrant, refusing to abandon their research after the PAX Hydrochlorate failure on Miranda, found a ready market amid trans-conduit Imperial war-profiteers, for their newest discovery. An archaic protogenome derived from dark-matter structures, endowing hybridized Reaver clones with real-time tissue regenerative capacity. These clones now render Thrawn’s army nearly indestructible. The scene above is merely my toying with a concept of the ethereal, and formidable River Tam crossing paths with the illustrious brilliance embodied in the GrandAdmiral Thrawn...

~scene~

On Coruscant, during Monmontha’s attempt at negotiating a peace, Rhyanon ferch Garowen (alluded to above) blatantly rejects Thrawn‘s coercive effort at bringing her to his side during a dinner banquet. B/c of this act of arrogance, Thrawn vows no mercy in the progression of his campaign, conquering and converting sector upon sector into a dark matter/anti-matter morass which becomes dubbed The Dimensional Rift, despite the valiant efforts of the Republic Alliance squadrons, directed by LukeSkywalker, and allies, to fend off the onslaught of Thrawn’s Dreadnaught fleet.

Before all that though, with the evening following the dinner still at hand, Thrawn abides by the Old Republic etiquette of host and guest, honoring civil diplomacy amongst enemies. A requisite social diversion-music or a dance-ensuing in the Palace reception hall holds no interest to him in Rhyanon’s absence. Preferring solitude, he meanders out to a balcony overlooking Coruscant’s expanse of lights, twinkling ladders of motion, reaching up to the lower atmosphere. And here, she follows after him minutes later, floating between shadows, a specter of innocence and dangerous beauty.

She pauses beneath a statue of some nameless goddess, a figure of Victory or Life, a pretension of lesser cultures. Weaker nations seeking hope in empty icons. The girl, young woman really, by the standards of human chronology, offers an entirely different contemplation.

From the sofa where he’s seated, viewing her from across the fountain, Thrawn appreciates the lithe symmetry of her form, a subtle disguise of strength and grace. Dangerous beauty. “You’re very like her, River Tam. A work of art, a living masterpiece,” he comments.

For as young as she is, not more than 20 years surely, she carries herself with a remarkable serenity. Stepping lightly around the other sofa, she leans her hip against the cushioned neck rest. Barely flickering an eyelid, she focuses luminous dark eyes on him, shining through the mottled patterns of light scattered between them.

Her voice resembles her figure, light and flowing. “A failed experiment, you mean, Mitth’raw’nuruodo.” Flawlessly, she speaks his name, though he knows they weren’t introduced at any point previous to this moment. ”I was supposed to be like them—the researchers were trying to make me like them. One of your chimeric hybrids.”

“Ah, the one who got away,“ he muses. Something at that stirs a flicker in her dark gaze. “Yes, little Albatross, I read the classified reports of your Core Parliament. About your brother, the escape. An elegant devising. And a lesson as to the deficiencies of private-contract security.“

Tension firms a line between her brows, hardens her expression as she glances away from him for a moment. “It wouldn’t have mattered.“

His derision comes out as a short, barking laugh. “Why? Because your escape resulted more from the incompetence of poorly trained guards than the alleged skill of your brigand crew mates?

Her attention swings back to him, conviction firm in her words. “No. Because my brother watches out for me. He protects me. And he loves me.”

Thrawn says nothing, stoic against her emotion, such a human flaw. Rubbing his thumb and middle finger together, of the hand draped eloquently off the arm-wrest, he continues sizing up this most intriguing amalgam of softness and mettle.

”Love is a weakness,” satisfaction grim in his tone, picking at a piece of this puzzle embodied by River Tam. Toying with it, testing how she’ll react. “It causes distraction from the warrior’s path. Makes them vulnerable to fear. And you, little Albatross, were foremost, molded as a weapon. A living masterpiece of perfection.”

Her lids slant, head tipped to the side slightly. “I dream about them still. The other test subjects. The Reavers. The dreams used to frighten me. They were worse when the scientists would be administering some new cocktail. They’re not as bad as they used to be, since Miranda. But their voices—I...hear them-“a frown ghosting over her features”-though I’ve learned to hush them.”

”I think you hear a lot more than that, River Tam.”

Challenge broods in a strange magnetism between them. ”So do you,” she says mildly, sending a wary shiver over his skin. How she knows about inoculating himself with the protogenome he can’t begin—

-of course he can. She’s a mind-reader, a telepath. What can’t she pick out of the whirl of thought composing humanoid psyches if she’s so determined?

His awareness smolders like embers in a breeze, open to the Shadow’s primordial sequences merged into his own cells. Enhancing perception, layers of reality peeled back when he channels this infernal heat coursing through his blood. Vision, smell, sound, his mind branching like light off a faceted diamond, reflecting images in a 1000 different plains. And Thrawn, glorying in the draught of fractured darkness.

River’s eyes glint in guarded scrutiny, attuned, perhaps to the whisper of power subsumed by Thrawn’s cultivated urbanity. Wandering over to where he’s seated, she lowers herself next to him on the couch. Her mind brushes against his like leaves floating upon a watery surface, remaining on the periphery without venturing into the depths.

“Chiis physiology-Stamina, strength, resilience against extremes of physical exposure. Superior reflexes and intellect inherent to your species, allowing adaptive advantages over the millennia. A robust psychology keeping you from succumbing to the deterioration of sensory assimilation, the way your clones eventually will. A perfect medium for channeling the Shadow.”

Thrawn wonders where she’s going with her exposition. She bears the full weight of his scorching gaze with nary a flinch. The fey-like curiosity alive across her youthful grace causes a rare unease, unused to be so unabashedly studied. He holds himself still, tensing at the light pressure of her hand taking his out of his lap, wrapping delicate fingers over a wrist corded by muscle.

”Everyone has a weakness,” she says. “Even you.”

Anger snarls beneath the surface of his poise, a broiling red froth that must have blazed up in his gaze. ”Whatever you think you see child, you take liberties of interpretation,” speaking in cold, controlled wrath before which she pales, breathing deep to collect herself. The pressure of her touch on his wrist, though, remains steady.

Her hand, slender fingers resting atop his own, no suggestion of anything other than gentleness. His own hand, larger, stronger, a grip that could crack her bones with minimal exertion. Strangle the air from her lungs, twist her fragile neck like silken twine. Tangling the rich brown waves of her hair in his grasp, forcing her head back till her spine might snap, plundering her mouth as he would plunder her body. Raze her mind till she was left a weeping pile of bruised limbs and torn clothes, cowering on the chill marble floor, her thighs bleeding like the rags of her mind.

Unperturbed, she shares every image coalesced in his thoughts. Each portrait of violence fading into the recess of darkness where the Shadow brews and twists like smoke above the infernal hells. As well, he’s viewed the record of her encounter with the Reavers after Miranda. Like Rhyanon, she would fight him with a skill capable of delaying the ultimate conquest. This wisp of a child, scarcely into womanhood, moving like sand and water, a song of death captured in every leap and twist. Every dive and slash as she wound a choreography of slaughter against an entire pack of beastial invaders. The outcome inevitably in his favor, if for no other reason than the greater strength of his sheer physicality would overwhelm, exhaust her eventually, compared to human anatomic inadequacy.

“A matter of minutes, to take you. An act of utility, really--to break you. Make you beg for a mercy that would never come.“

Her eyebrow crooks up, scolding or skepticism. “But you wouldn’t do that, any of those things.”

Her patient humoring isn’t what he anticipated. ”What makes you think so?” he asks out of mere speculation, momentarily forgetting the antagonizing subtlety guiding their conversation.

”Because you‘ve seen what I am. The weapon, not the woman. And,“ she says, sighing with an almost child-like assurance, looking out to the far horizon, “because seduction isn’t your weakness. She is.”

Damn the girl, for gut-punching through his composure with such guileless effort. His gaze follows hers, tracking the aerial traffic dotting Coruscant’s night skies in a flickering menagerie. He concentrates on keeping his breathing even, stilling his mind, as he considers his reply. The silhouettes of soaring towers outlined by shimmering lights blot out the sky, the glow which would normally be visible on a less metropolitan planet, of satellites in orbit, and stars far beyond.

”One word,” he says finally. “She could have changed the tide of this war for the Republic with one word.“

She turns, a searching intensity in her deep gaze. Seeing too much within him. “So could you, change the tide of this war for Republic,” she says softly, giving a gentle squeeze of his wrist.

Impatient and irritated with the poignancy in her tone, Thrawn shakes her hand off. “She has no idea, the fate to which she’s condemned the galaxy,” he tells her with a hard look, rising off the sofa. He looms over her, eyes burning across her face, so that for the first time, she shudders away from the brewing wrath. He marvels again, the steel disguised beneath the seeming delicacy of her body. Her sandeled feet tucked beneath her on the sofa, the fabric of her dress, simple design of polyfiber cotton, drapes fine curves of breast, hip, and thigh.

Despite her attention fastened upon the night horizon, nothing of intimidation colors her posture, but sadness tinges the turned-down line of her lips. He bows his head to her before heading back to the reception hall lying through a corridor adjoined to the balcony. A salute, a parting to conceal his remorse of the lost fate she chooses with her friends and allies.

“And you, little Albatross,“ he rasps in dire promise, the epithet snaring her surprised glance up at him. “You have no idea what’s coming. None of you do.”

A wasted masterpiece of living art, dangerous beauty.

—

Watching him stride away into the dim hall, the Grand Admiral’s disappointment aches like an overstrained joint. Bothersome, but eventually fading unless exacerbated. In his absence, the darkness hovers about her, the balcony esconsed, now, in transient quiet. Illusory peace.

Alive, so alive, the hum of myriad thoughts, voices, hopes, griefs—the gambit composing sentient life throughout the city. The planet. Her mind-reading truly can’t extend with any precision beyond the palace, but a general hum always persists in the background of her consciousness. The sound of living beings. A vibration silenced forever upon Miranda.

That silence had almost broken her sanity more than any experimentation. As scientists sought to harness innate hyper-sensory perception with neurochemical alterations, subjecting her to an intensive programming, molding her mind-body duplex into prime mental and physical conditioning. In the process, she was often torn, battered, abused, and tortured, her mind confused, shifting between lucidity and dissociation and nightmare. But never breaking.

The sound of death, of nothing. Emptiness like a vacuum, no thought, or feeling. Miranda had almost broken her. Miranda, it turned out, opened the road to a recovery of herself. What she is, what she’s meant to be? No one seems to know. At least not since Simon rescued her from the illicit lab which had been her prison. Hyper-awareness, sensory adepts, psychic traits expressed amongst humans were hardly uncommon through the Terran quadrant, both Core and Fringe systems. Posited by some scientists as a natural development of sentient consciousness, induced by interstellar travel over the centuries.

Among these foreign systems across the wormhole, peoples attributed such gifts to some metaphysical energy field. The Force. Light and Dark. The association, to River’s thinking, paradoxical for a property endemic to all beings, carrying no inherent morality until determined by the intent of the wielder. Perhaps she just didn’t quite grasp its intricacies as yet, conceding that nuances of intuition, emotion, passive reception, meditation still often eluded her. The Force embedded such concepts, rather than the more actualized focus of psychic traits held by the majority of systems native to the Terran quadrant.

What she is. What she‘s meant to be—*a weapon, a work of art*. *No*, she answers her own query, the feeling of defiance liberating. *A failed experiment. The one who got away.*

”And you forget,“ she whispers to the attentive night. “I can still hear them in my head. All the time. Just like you do, Mitt’raw’nuruodo.”

Miranda is not what Thrawn has in mind, that sort of emptiness. He wants something more. Under Imperium’s auspices, subjugating and assimilating one star system after another, spreading this corruption of time and reality, bleeding the Dark Entity’s ravenous, primordial substance like an oil-slick settling into the sinkholes of what had been viable Star-systems. Seeding these tortured hybrids cloned of Reavers, and whatever other mutated derangements of horror will fuse and divide in an incubator. With his enhanced soldiers, their minds a racket of incessant savagery, submission to Thrawn throughout the galaxy seems inevitable. Especially now that Intel, and Republic specialists working with Rhyanon, recently confirmed the adaptive capacity of certain hybrids to infect other living creatures with their intracellular genetic material.

They’ll never be completely hushed, even in the deepest caverns of her own mind. Reavers. The chimeric hybrids. They howl, writhe, snarl, and scream in agony beyond their comprehension. But the havoc of their consciouses, keeping the hybrids contained as a utilizable resource requires increasing concentrations of sedatives, hyponotics, and psychogenic pharmaceuticals.

She can feel their echo within Thrawn, too. Not of the violence, but his craving the Shadow’s power. It’s why he covets Rhyanon-her abilities of biologic manipulation, transforming the very backbone molecules of life. Healing, rejuvenating, reconstructing, restoring from disease, infection, deterioration and decay. Thirsting for the surcease she could provide, balancing the Dark Entity’s immersion of his own constitution. A living masterpiece, the kind of gifted elegance Thrawn desired, Rhyanon, like River, was another one who’d gotten away. Another failed experiment. Another dangerous beauty.

Rhyanon loathes him. Holding her captive on his flagship under the influence of cortical inhibitors, and hallucinogens. Trying to force her into stabilizing the synaptic connections of higher brain function in his hybrids. Dampening their insanity as the cloned offspring reached maturity. Coercing her in other ways as well, while she resisted the influence of intoxicants deluging her system. That was why she rejected his play at truce earlier during the dinner, an offer to join him voluntarily. That. And the fact she and the Jedi were patently lovers. A circumstance exacerbating the already furious enmity between the Grand Admiral and Luke.

Rhyanon would use those same graces of biokinesis to tear him apart one atom at a time, despite the danger of inducing her own body’s destruction. The price of biopsionic talents, a check limiting the potential for abuse of that power over life and death. Unfortunate, in that Rhyanon’s ability, synergized with the particular strengths shared between their small group of Force-wielders and sensory adepts, offers the only potential counter against Thrawn’s growing influence.

Finding some way of battling this Dark Matter entity. This Abaddon, commanding elemental forces dating from the universe’s origins. A being capable of destroying multiple star-systems if they resist its Seeding. They’d all seen what happened on Namsonis 4 in the aftermath of losing the majority of Dreadnaughts. A desperate evacuation. A world wrenched apart like a ball of mud crushed in a fist. A solar system facing a monstrous dehiscence of time and space, heart of chaos, blowing a hole through the core of a sun, and incinerating the other 6 planets spared Namsonis’s fate. Hours later, a festering wound across the void of black, rocky debris and ionized gas discharges the last traces of a star system no longer existing between tomorrows.

Contrary to the stillness in which she sits, River’s thoughts spin countless strands in the spreading web of her mind, her fingers running absently along the ridge of her collarbone. Picturing simultaneous star-maps, envisioning parallel scenarios of navigation vectors, battle engagements, the stratified calculations worked in trans-dimensional matrices. Always hearing the Reavers seething in the recess of her soul.

Finally, arriving at some conclusion, she reveals to the passing night, ”I do know exactly what’s to come.” And maybe, maybe there’s a chance. One distant, improbable-verging on impossible-chance they have of subverting this menace before it reaches the Terran quadrant.

#Star Wars #firefly serenity #grand admiral thrawn #River Tam #Rhyanon ferch Garowen #Luke Skywalker #Lattice of Infinity

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originalleftist · 9 months ago

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The fact that Muskrat still has government contracts AND A SECURITY CLEARANCE while being more or less openly an agent of the Russian government (sabotaging Starlink, letting Russia use it, constantly platforming the most vile Russian propaganda, pitching a Ukraine "peace plan" which is basically helping Putin and is potentially a violation of the Logan Act by conducting unauthorized diplomacy, and probably more) is obscene.

Hopefully this is a step toward his losing all of them.

musk was under invegested for pac

so I heard, his PAC has been pretending to offer help registering people to vote, but if you say you're from a key swing state it doesn't send you to your states' Sec of State website to get registered, it asks a bunch of demographic follow up questions and then doesn't help you get registered, no doubt valuable data.

but all that is illegal.

he's also in trouble because Twitter's little AI troll, grunk or whatever the fuck its called, has been telling people misinformation about the election, telling people Kamala Harris missed ballot deadlines in a lot of states, she didn't, she will be on ALL 50 state ballots. So a number of Senators sent Musk an angry letter. Now having an AI bot be a liar isn't illegal, but when your life blood is federal contracts its not great to have Senators pissed at you.

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ollie-ollie-oxenfreee · 4 years ago

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Council of Venice File #1889: Regarding the “Mighty Nein”

( a secret world / critical role crossover because i can’t resist the allure of the au)

Unauthorized cabal operating outside the bounds of faction rule. Mercenary in nature, slaying monsters on commission and apparent personal whim.

Members include:

Fjord “Tusktooth” Stone

Age: 31

Affiliation: Phoenicians (past)

Status: Active

Skills: sailing, navigation, occultism (Lovecraftian), inside knowledge of emerging cult of Uk’atoa, combat (shortsword, falchion, manipulation of water and eldritch energy), interpersonal

Notes: Previously served as a member of the crew of the Tide’s Breath (shipping vessel #4682) before it ran aground along the coast of Solomon Island. Reported sole survivor. Cagey and mercurial in personality - seems to be using charisma as a shield.

Threat level: undetermined; further research required

[REDACTED] “just call me Jester” Lavorre

Age: 23

Affiliation: Dragon (current initiate)

Status: Active

Skills: field medicine, diplomacy, occultism (faerie), combat (chaos magic, battleaxe, illusion), physical strength, interpersonal

Notes: Described as “disarmingly, inescapably charming” - an accurate assessment. Bright, friendly, exuberant and intense in personality. Recruited by the Dragon for her connection to a chaotic entity known only as the Traveler, who she considers a personal friend. Adores cabal members and defends them at every turn. Will not stop sending messages to high - ranking Council members at all hours of the day and asking inappropriate personal questions.

Threat level: moderate to high; very unpredictable

Beauregard “Beau” Lionett

Age: claims to be 24; no birth date on record

Affiliation: Unaffiliated (working with offshoot organization)

Status: Active

Skills: research, archival, combat (hand to hand, bo staff), agility, physical strength, occultism (translation and interpretation of ancient texts)

Notes: Archivist and expositor for the Cobalt Soul (see file #7492). Documented animosity against the big three factions, particularly the Illuminati, who are actively hunting her for crimes including “embarrassingly obvious espionage,” “blatant theft and destruction of rare artifacts” and “unauthorized use of hexadecimal #0047ab - get your own fucking color.” Brash, argumentative, socially awkward and forceful in personality with a strong sense of justice. Fiercely protective of cabal members.

Threat level: moderate; could be put to good use with enough oversight, but defiance of authority is dangerous

[REDACTED] [REDACTED]

“Caleb Widogast”

Age: 33

Affiliation: Templar (past; dismissed from service for “personal reasons”)

Status: Active

Skills: research, archival, combat (pyromancy, wide range of support magics), interrogation, diplomacy, occultism (translation / utilization of spells, incantations, rituals, etc.), investigation

Notes: Unknown but reportedly “troubled” past. Anxious, deeply secretive and paranoid. Quite charming and capable in diplomatic / interrogative situations. Strong if occasionally tentative sense of loyalty toward cabal members - especially fond of Brenatto, Lavorre and Lionett. Shows signs of significant post - traumatic stress, particularly around fire.

Threat level: high; too many worrying unknowns coupled with extensive knowledge of dangerous magic

Yasha “Orphanmaker” Nydoorin

Age: 28

Affiliation: Unaffiliated; unsuccessfully sought after for recruitment by the Templar

Status: Active

Skills: incredible physical strength, combat (greatswords), occultism (fluent in celestial and abyssal languages, angelic mythology), inside knowledge of now - inactive Angel of Irons cult

Notes: Very intimidating figure, but surprisingly mild - mannered and quiet in personality. Connections to the nomadic Scandinavian Dolorav Tribe (see file #2197), though she shows marked discomfort with discussing them. Affectionate and gentle toward cabal members. Extensive documented history of violence. Reported connection with dangerous elemental entity known as the “Stormlord” - possibly associated with Kingsmouth crisis?

Threat level: high; needs little additional explanation

Veth “Nott the Brave” Brenatto

Age: 25

Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Status: Active

Skills: theft, agility, marksmanship (crossbow, handgun), chemistry, occultism (transformative magic), stealth, infiltration, investigation

Notes: An interesting individual. Managed to steal multiple minor trinkets from the office during her interview, including the interviewer’s spare shirt buttons, an entire drawer - full of pens and a gold paperweight. Past is not well - documented, but involved hostile goblin clans and unauthorized use of transformative magic. Eccentric, mischievous and chaotic in personality. Slow to trust but incredibly fond of cabal members - particularly Widogast and Lavorre.

Threat level: cautionary high; unpredictable, impulsive and resistant to tempering authority

Caduceus “Caddyshack” Clay Age: Unknown (approximately early twenties)

Affiliation: Unknown (member of the renowned Clay family of clerics and mystics)

Status: Active

Skills: field medicine, wilderness survival, occultism (nature sprites, elementals, undead, faerie), various fields of magic (ability to commune with plants and animals, banish spirits, summon swarms of insects, heal / spare the dying)

Notes: Interviewer’s favorite - expect bias in their conclusion. Reportedly offered them a cup of tea and answered questions genially (if often bemusedly). Still worthy of caution considering his mysterious past, family history of powerful magic and deep connection to an apparently Agarthic spirit (deity?) known as the “Wildmother.”

Threat level: undetermined; continue research and proceed with caution; attempt to contact family if possible

#critical role au #critical role #my writing #long post #swl #secret world legends #here there be monsters

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