#Weapon Mounts Industry

[amrutmnm]

Top Trends Shaping the Weapon Mounts Market

The Global Weapon Mounts Market is set for significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from $1.1 Billion in 2019 to $1.8 Billion by 2025. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% during the forecast period. This comprehensive market research analysis explores the key factors driving this growth, market statistics, market size, and emerging trends within the industry.

Market Overview

Weapon Mounts are essential components in military and defense applications, providing the necessary support and stability for various types of weaponry. These mounts are critical in ensuring the effective deployment of weapons on various platforms, including land, naval, and airborne systems. The market for weapon mounts is influenced by several factors, including military modernization programs, the procurement of advanced weapon systems, and geopolitical tensions that drive defense spending.

Market Size and Growth

Current Market Size

As of 2019, the weapon mounts market was valued at $1.1 billion. This market size reflects the substantial investment in defense infrastructure and the continuous need for advanced military equipment. The increasing demand for remote weapon stations, turrets for armored vehicles, and naval ships is a key driver of this market's growth.

Projected Market Size

The weapon mounts market is expected to grow to $1.8 billion by 2025, showcasing a robust CAGR of 7.7%. This growth is fueled by various factors, including the ongoing modernization of military forces, the procurement of new defense systems, and the technological advancements in weaponry.

Market Drivers

Military Modernization Programs

One of the primary drivers of the weapon mounts market is the increased procurement and modernization programs by militaries globally. Governments are investing heavily in upgrading their defense capabilities to address modern threats and enhance their military readiness. This includes the acquisition of advanced weapon systems and the integration of modern weapon mounts.

Demand for Remote Weapon Stations and Turrets

The demand for remote weapon stations (RWS) and turrets for armored vehicles and naval ships is another significant factor propelling market growth. RWS allows for the remote operation of weapon systems, providing enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The integration of RWS in military vehicles and naval ships is becoming increasingly common, driving the demand for advanced weapon mounts.

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Market Segmentation

This Research Report Categorizes the Weapon Mounts Market Based on Mount Type, Platform, Mode of Operation, Weapon Compatibility, and Region:

Based on Mount Type:

Static Mounts

Non-Static Mounts

Based on Mode of Operation:

Manned

Remotely Operated

Based on Platform:

Ground

Naval

Airborne

Based on Weapon Compatibility:

Machine guns

Automatic canons

Automatic rifles

Gatling guns

Sniper rifles

Based on Region:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East

South America

By Platform

Naval Segment

The naval segment of the weapon mounts market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Countries worldwide are modernizing their naval fleets, incorporating advanced weapon stations, close-in weapon systems, and other armaments. The procurement of new naval ships such as destroyers, aircraft carriers, and corvettes by countries like the US, Canada, India, China, and Japan is significantly driving the demand for naval weapon mounts.

By Weapon Compatibility

Automatic Cannons

Based on weapon compatibility, the automatic cannons segment is expected to lead the market from 2019 to 2025. The increasing procurement of armored vehicles globally and modernization programs to install advanced weapon systems are major factors driving the demand for automatic cannons. These cannons offer high firepower and versatility, making them a preferred choice for modern military operations.

By Mount Type

Static Mounts

The static mounts segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Static mounts, such as turrets and coaxial mounts, provide stability and support for various weapon systems. The growing demand for remote weapon stations for armored vehicles and naval ships is expected to drive the market for static weapon mounts. These mounts offer reliable performance and are essential for effective weapon deployment in diverse combat scenarios.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific

The weapon mounts market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to account for the largest share of the market from 2019 to 2025. The region's growth is driven by increased defense spending and the demand for weapon mounts across ground, naval, and airborne platforms. Countries in the Asia Pacific, such as China and India, are investing heavily in modernizing their military forces and acquiring advanced weapon systems, contributing to the market's expansion.

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Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements in weapon systems and mounts are a significant trend in the market. Innovations in remote weapon stations, automated turrets, and advanced targeting systems are enhancing the capabilities of weapon mounts. These advancements improve accuracy, operational efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of military operations.

Geopolitical Tensions

Rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts are driving defense spending across various countries. Governments are prioritizing the modernization of their military forces to ensure national security and maintain a strategic advantage. This increased defense spending is directly contributing to the growth of the weapon mounts market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Key players in the weapon mounts market are adopting various growth strategies, including contracts, new product launches, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. These strategic initiatives help companies expand their market presence, enhance their product offerings, and meet the evolving demands of military and defense customers.

Competitive Landscape

The Weapon Mounts Market is dominated by several globally established players, including:

Kongsberg Gruppen (Norway)

Raytheon Company (US)

Elbit Systems (Israel)

Saab AB (Sweden)

BAE Systems (UK)

Dillion Aero (US)

AEI Systems Ltd. (UK)

FN Herstal (Belgium)

Capco LLC. (US)

ISTEC Services Ltd. (UK)

These companies are at the forefront of innovation, leveraging advanced technologies to develop cutting-edge weapon mounts. They focus on enhancing their product portfolios, expanding their global footprint, and meeting the diverse needs of military customers.

The weapon mounts market is set for substantial growth, driven by the increased procurement and modernization programs by militaries globally. The market's projected growth from $1.1 billion in 2019 to $1.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.7%, highlights the significant opportunities in this industry. Key drivers include the demand for remote weapon stations, the modernization of naval fleets, and the integration of advanced weapon systems.

Technological advancements, rising geopolitical tensions, and strategic collaborations are key trends shaping the market. As countries continue to invest in their defense capabilities, the demand for advanced weapon mounts will remain strong, driving market growth and innovation in the coming years.

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[aerospace-and-defence]

The Weapon Mounts Market is expected to grow from $ 1.1 Billion in 2019 to $ 1.8 Billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% during the forecast period. Some factors that are expected to fuel the demand for Weapon Mounts Industry are the increased procurement and modernization programs by militaries globally and the demand for remote weapon stations and turrets for armored vehicles and naval ships, among others.

[zvaigzdelasas]

Israeli tanks, jets and bulldozers bombarding Gaza and razing homes in the occupied West Bank are being fueled by a growing number of countries signed up to the genocide and Geneva conventions, new research suggests, which legal experts warn could make them complicit in serious crimes against the Palestinian people.

Four tankers of American jet fuel primarily used for military aircraft have been shipped to Israel since the start of its aerial bombardment of Gaza in October.

Three shipments departed from Texas after the landmark international court of justice (ICJ) ruling on 26 January ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. The ruling reminded states that under the genocide convention they have a “common interest to ensure the prevention, suppression and punishment of genocide”.

Overall, almost 80% of the jet fuel, diesel and other refined petroleum products supplied to Israel by the US over the past nine months was shipped after the January ruling, according to the new research commissioned by the non-profit Oil Change International and shared exclusively with the Guardian.

Researchers analyzed shipping logs, satellite images and other open-source industry data to track 65 oil and fuel shipments to Israel between 21 October last year and 12 July.

It suggests a handful of countries – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Gabon, Nigeria, Brazil and most recently the Republic of the Congo and Italy – have supplied 4.1m tons of crude oil to Israel, with almost half shipped since the ICJ ruling. An estimated two-thirds of crude came from investor-owned and private oil companies, according to the research, which is refined by Israel for domestic, industrial and military use.

Israel relies heavily on crude oil and refined petroleum imports to run its large fleet of fighter jets, tanks and other military vehicles and operations, as well as the bulldozers implicated in clearing Palestinian homes and olive groves to make way for unlawful Israeli settlements.

In response to the new findings, UN and other international law experts called for an energy embargo to prevent further human rights violations against the Palestinian people – and an investigation into any oil and fuels shipped to Israel that have been used to aid acts of alleged genocide and other serious international crimes.

“After the 26 January ICJ ruling, states cannot claim they did not know what they were risking to partake in,” said Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, adding that under international law, states have obligations to prevent genocide and respect and ensure respect for the Geneva conventions.[...]

“In the case of the US jet-fuel shipments, there are serious grounds to believe that there is a breach of the genocide convention for failure to prevent and disavowal of the ICJ January ruling and provisional measures,” said Albanese. “Other countries supplying oil and other fuels absolutely also warrant further investigation.”

In early August, a tanker delivered an estimated 300,000 barrels of US jet fuel to Israel after being unable to dock in Spain or Gibraltar amid mounting protests and warnings from international legal experts. Days later, more than 50 groups wrote to the Greek government calling for a war-crimes investigation after satellite images showed the vessel in Greek waters.

Last week, the US released $3.5bn to Israel to spend on US-made weapons and military equipment, despite reports from UN human rights experts and other independent investigations that Israeli forces are violating international law in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. A day later, the US approved a further $20bn in weapons sales, including 50 fighter jets, tank ammunition and tactical vehicles.

The sale and transfer of jet fuel – and arms – “increase the ability of Israel, the occupying power, to commit serious violations”, according to the UN human rights council resolution in March.

The US is the biggest supplier of fuel and weapons to Israel. Its policy was unchanged by the ICJ ruling, according to the White House.

“The case for the US’s complicity in genocide is very strong,” aid Dr Shahd Hammouri, lecturer in international law at the University of Kent and the author of Shipments of Death. “It’s providing material support, without which the genocide and other illegalities are not possible. The question of complicity for the other countries will rely on assessment of how substantial their material support has been.”[...]

A spokesperson for the Brazilian president’s office said oil and fuel trades were carried out directly by the private sector according to market rules: “Although the government’s stance on Israel’s current military action in Gaza is well known, Brazil’s traditional position on sanctions is to not apply or support them unilaterally.

Azerbaijan, the largest supplier of crude to Israel since October, will host the 29th UN climate summit in November, followed by Brazil in 2025.[...]

The Biden administration did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Vice-President Kamala Harris’s presidential election campaign team.

Israel is a small country with a relatively large army and air force. It has no operational cross-border fossil fuel pipelines, and relies heavily on maritime imports.[...]

The new data suggests:

•Half the crude oil in this period came from Azerbaijan (28%) and Kazakhstan (22%). Azeri crude is delivered via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, majority-owned and operated by BP. The crude oil is loaded on to tankers at the Turkish port of Ceyhan for delivery to Israel. Turkey recently submitted a formal bid to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.

•African countries supplied 37% of the total crude, with 22% coming from Gabon, 9% from Nigeria and 6% from the Republic of the Congo.

•In Europe, companies in Italy, Greece and Albania appear to have supplied refined petroleum products to Israel since the ICJ ruling. Last month, Israel also received crude from Italy – a major oil importer. A spokesperson said the Italian government had “no information” about the recent shipments.

•Cyprus provided transshipment services to tankers supplying crude oil from Gabon, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan.[...]

Just six major international fossil-fuel companies – BP, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies – could be linked to 35% of the crude oil supplied to Israel since October, the OCI analysis suggests. This is based on direct stakes in oilfields supplying Israeli and/or the companies’ shares in production nationally.[...]

Last week, Colombia suspended coal exports to Israel ��to prevent and stop acts of genocide against the Palestinian people”, according to the decree signed by President Gustavo Petro. Petro wrote on X: “With Colombian coal they make bombs to kill the children of Palestine.”

20 Aug 24

[sebastianswallows]

Feyd-Rautha — sad headcanons

— WARNINGS: angst, mentions of kidnapping, child molestation, mentions of Feyd's child by Margot (Marie Fenring), it's just dark and depressing I'm sorry

— A/N: @localravenclaw asked for headcanons yesterday, here you go girly, no returns. This is a hybrid of book and movie Feyd.

His first memories are of ice floes on the black waters of Lankiveil, fitting together like the blocks inside his puzzle box. The wailing of sea creatures underneath the waves. Enormous weapons mounted on ships leaving harbour. The deep bell chimes that floated on the air, colouring it golden, splitting time in measured pieces like a great grandfather clock, from the temple of Ohashi.

He remembers playing in the sea foam. Duelling his playmates with driftwood they picked up in abandoned ships. Filling the nests of rock turtles with the pearls that rolled up on the shore. There were so many that they spilt between his fingers.

He remembers gathering stiff crystalline flowers which grew on the rock their castle sat on, but not what they were called...

And he remembers making his mother a necklace of blue spiral shells, with the help of her handmaids. He wonders now and then what became of it, and then he stops himself.

Childhood memories are too tainted with what came afterwards. With what cut it in two halves.

With the grim understanding, in hindsight, of what his uncle’s touches meant during his first days on Giedi Prime. Skinny little Feyd. Did your father never feed you? How pretty you are, just as he was as a boy. Did you fall and hurt yourself here? No? Are you sure? I can feel a little dent where one shouldn’t be, yes, yes, right between your bones.

They seemed like comforting caresses at the time.

It was always surface touches on the thin and tender canvas of his skin, dry kisses, fondlings with an almost anatomical curiosity to them, and always with rough laughter resounding in the halls.

Many years passed before he realised, through hints gathered here and there, that his uncle was diseased. Longer still to find out that it was a Bene Gesserit who did it. Sexually transmitted, requiring constant treatment, and the cause of his enormous bloat.

Many pieces fell into place in the puzzle box at the back of his mind then. Why his uncle never showed to him the same sort of close attention he showed to the slave boys. Why it was always those large fingers heavy with rings that traversed his body, and traitorously gentle kisses, and long lingering glances once he let Feyd go.

How strange he felt, after being brought up to hate the Bene Gesserits and fear them, when he became conscious of a sort of gratitude he owed the witch for protecting him, beyond the grave, from the worst of his uncle’s attentions.

He remembers the first time he fell sick on Giedi Prime. It was during his first month there, when his body couldn’t take the toxic fumes and the industrial meat. His body revolted, flushing with an allergic reaction.

And he remembers his uncle’s visits, a few of them. How he slipped his fat hand between his thighs to feel them shivering, sweaty with fever, and laughed. The doctors around his bed laughed too, not daring to do anything else. Even at the age of 11, Feyd thought there was something wrong about it, but he had nobody to turn to, nobody to ask. How stupid he feels now.

And then there was a time, a broad swath of his adolescence, when he was planning quite seriously to kill the Baron.

He had devised a naïve scheme involving one of those awful oil baths and a stone lid, and he allowed himself to fantasize that if some day, for some reason, a Bene Gesserit would come, she could help him gain control of all the slaves through mind tricks, like the witches were rumoured to do. And he could escape with her, hidden in the soft folds of her dress while, in his imagination, the palace was boiling with fear and revolution upon the Baron’s death.

He grew out of these childish fantasies at around age 15. Nobody was coming to help him.

It was then that he started taking the arena more seriously. Killing slaves felt good. Feeling warm blood on his hands felt good. And it felt good to be so close to a human body while someone else suffered. It filled something in him he never knew needed filling.

His first taste of spice was around this time too. His uncle deemed him ready. It tasted like cinnamon, but never the same after that. And the dreams…

The dreams that came true scared him. Fate predetermined, fate out of his reach. His hands around a dozen throats could not make him feel in control after that.

But the other dreams, the ones that never came to be, those took him beyond fear, beyond anger, to a pit inside his soul. Demons swirled around him, teasing, tormenting him with the way his life could never be.

Dreams of impossible futures are the ones he hates the most. Dreams where he is wed to an Atrides bride, where his son sits on the Imperial Throne, where their enemies are humbled, and absolute power brings peace.

Feyd wakes up still on Giedi Prime, still under his uncle’s fat thumb, still with his concubines to pacify him while his true destiny is nowhere in sight. And when he does dream of a Bene Gesserit, she is not there to kill his uncle or to help him escape. She’s there to use him.

And sometimes, Feyd dreams of a little girl with a sweet and simple name, with her hair in dark ringlets, and sullen eyes like his. She runs through blue and silver halls, she plays in a field of flowers, she breathes the salty sea air of a distant planet and meditates upon the cliffs. He dreams of never meeting her, and wakes up wondering why that troubles him so much.

[boinkingbattlemechs]

Phoenix Hawk IIC

Though in many ways it resembles the combat prowess of the Inner Sphere's Charger, the Phoenix Hawk IIC is a fixture of many second-line Clan Clusters and front-line Successor State regiments during the Word of Blake Jihad.

During the reign of the lackluster Khan Jacob Masters, Clan Steel Viper entered a period of stagnation in all areas, including technological development. In a rare fit of innovation at the time, though one many observers considered oddball at best, the Steel Viper Scientist Caste decided to base a new assault BattleMech on the venerable 45-ton Phoenix Hawk chassis. At 80-tons, the resulting design was almost twice as heavy as the original, though it is severely undergunned for an assault 'Mech due its incredible speed for a 'Mech its size. Following the introduction of the OmniMech by Clan Coyote just three years later however, the Phoenix Hawk IIC largely saw itself relegated to second-line status.

Built around the Type 79 400 XL engine mounted on an Endo Steel skeleton fitted with five Jump Jets, the Phoenix Hawk IIC features as close as possible ground speed and agility to the original Phoenix Hawk as can be reasonably achieved on an 80-ton assault 'Mech, making it an effective fast interdiction unit. Ten and half tons of ferro-fibrous armor provide eighty-one percent of the maximum possible protection at its weight class, while ten Double Heat Sinks are sufficient for the weapons array.

The main armament of the Phoenix Hawk IIC is the paired Ultra Autocannon/10s, each of which has a three-ton ammunition bin it can draw on. The cannons are mounted in twin pods on either side of torso to the rear, a feature allowing technicians easy access to the weapons and reducing maintenance time both at base or in the field. A pair of Machine Guns provide extra firepower that is most useful against unarmored infantry. Despite the Clans' disdain for it, the 'Mech's weaponless arms are almost ideal for physical combat.

The Phoenix Hawk IIC would gain a new vitality following Clan Jade Falcon's ejection of the Steel Vipers from the Inner Sphere in 3061. Seeking to rapidly rebuild their weakened touman, Khan Perigard Zalman approached Clan Diamond Shark offering captured Heavy Laser technology and the plans for the ancient design in return for the production of a new variant for the Steel Viper's second-line clusters. Initially observers were curious why the Sharks dealt so fairly with such a weakened "customer", but the rapid development of even more deadly variations not included in the deal agreed with the Vipers provided some explanation, with production of the visually reworked chassis initiated at both Auxiliary Production Site #5 on Babylon and the rebuilt Trellshire Heavy Industries of Twycross.

By 3078 six variations of the Phoenix Hawk IIC were walking off Trellshire's production lines for the garrison forces of Diamond Shark as well as for sale to both Clan and Inner Sphere buyers. While some among the Clans opposed such sales to Spheroids, the focus on designs like the Phoenix Hawk IIC that are considered mediocre by Clan warrior but are still outstanding by Inner Sphere standards appears to be a conscious choice by the Sharks. Many of the variants also utilize ammunition-hungry weapons, a decision Clan observers wryly note ensures Inner Sphere buyers either make steady munitions purchases or are forced to more frequently buy replacement parts from the accelerated wear caused by using inferior Spheroid ordnance, both ensuring frequent repeat business for the Diamond Sharks.

[super-ultra-mega-deluxe]

i made a bit of a joking reference of it awhile ago but it is very much the case that the dissolution of liberal democratic states, of capitalist states, of the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, is a world historical necessity. this is perhaps even more true than previous transitions of economic and governmental modalities; when the western portion of the Roman empire failed to adapt to emergent feudal relations and dissolved- this is a bit of a simplification, bear with me- it was certainly disruptive and terrible for some of the peoples that inhabited that now former empire, but generally not existentially so. the presently dominant capitalist nations' mounting contradictions and inability to contend with them is, in contrast, detrimental to the ability of people to inhabit large swaths of the planet.

reliance on fossil fuels- among other structural reliances and logics of production- is causing climate change, is resulting in rapid and destructive shifts in weather, is actively killing people the world over. the US cannot meaningfully adapt to this: oil fuels its war industry and its weapons; oil secures the value of the US dollar; oil is the means and ends of the US experiment as it presently exists, even if it somehow managed to divest of fossil fuels domestically. there is a reason that the PRC can build extensive solar farms in a year that outstrip the whole of the US's while the most promising US presidential candidate and present vice president is announcing her undying support of fracking.

every historical transition from one economic modality to another- from slave economy to feudal economy to capitalist economy- has been historically progressive and effectively inevitable. resistance to those transitions didn't prevent them. resistance to the transition of capitalism to communism is unique in the sense that should capital be allowed to persist much longer, it could very well destroy human society per se, destroy the whole of administrative and logistic and other technological advancements and infrastructure that allow for humanity to exist on scale. this is something that in no uncertain terms needs to be avoided. only the transition to communism, only the administrative and economic formulations of a scientific politic can contend with the contradictions that threaten to kill us. socialism, or death.

[seat-safety-switch]

Words have their own power. When you go over to someone else's house and they have an oil painting of a queen getting beheaded, that's cool decor. If, on the other hand, they have a poster telling you not to bother the cook because it's Mama Bear's den, you're going to want to live, laugh, love yourself right out of that place before you get turned into a Pinterest post about how to make people soup.

When a phrase sticks itself into your head and burrows directly into the deepest parts of your basal ganglia, it has become part of you. Images, too, but nobody has ever constantly repeated a kitten they saw under their breath to themselves during a late night at the office.

The automotive industry is full of these little thinkin'-bombs: "installation is the reverse of removal," "driver returns on foot," "drops right in." Most of them are lies, bitterly repeated by yourself at 3 in the morning when the lofty promise of those words has come crashing down to earth. If we're being real with one another, though, basically everything anyone has ever said to you was a lie of some sort. Still, the kind of lies that your parents told you usually do not end in angrily banging a wrench against the bottom of an air-conditioning compressor bracket whose mounting hole should be two millimetres off on the other side. Just put a self-tapper in it, it'll probably hold tension.

What do I want you to do with this newfound fear of language? Certainly not burn down a library. Most of their books are stored up in the cloud now (glory be heaped upon the cloud,) where an infinite supply of words can be summoned against the unwary on demand. No, I want you to weaponize the words yourself. Go come up with some awful catchphrases they'll be putting on t-shirts in a hundred years from now. It's the only real chance any of us have at immortality, unless that people soup is real good.

[patrixjia]

Velvet Chains (Part VI)

PART I, PART II, PART III, PART IV, PART V, FINAL PART

Plot Overview:

In this chapter, the aftermath of the mission weighs heavily on Y/N and the team. While they’ve secured victory, the haunting threat from Jake and Victor looms large. Jake delivers a chilling message to Y/N, giving her an ultimatum: return to the family or watch everything she cares about burn. With the stakes higher than ever, Y/N is forced to confront the painful reality of her fractured family and the loyalty she feels toward Stray Kids. Chan offers his unwavering support, and together, they devise a risky plan to outmaneuver Jake and Victor, using their own trap against them. But the cost of betrayal and the risk of losing everything is never far from their minds. The tension mounts as they prepare for the final confrontation, knowing this won’t be easy—but they’re in it together.

Warnings: BangChan!Mafia, StrayKids!Mafia, Mafia!AU, Violence, Betrayal, Family conflict, Emotional intensity, Manipulation, High Stakes, Strong Language

Author Note:

Wow, what a journey this has been! Writing this story has been such an incredible ride—thank you all for sticking with me through every twist and turn. We’re finally nearing the end, and let me tell you, the next chapter will be the final part of this crazy adventure. I can’t wait to share it with you all! You’ve all been so amazing with your support, and I appreciate every single comment and reblog. I promise the finale will be worth the wait! Stay tuned for the epic conclusion! 💥

And as always, feel free to send me your thoughts, theories, and reactions—I love hearing from you all!

⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆⭒⋆

The Stray Kids-controlled safehouse feels like a fortress. Tucked into a maze of industrial warehouses, it’s surrounded by high walls, security cameras, and patrolling guards. Inside, the atmosphere is tense but focused—Chan’s team is reviewing supply routes, double-checking weapons inventories, and securing intel. It’s methodical, strategic. You can feel the rhythm of their operations, the careful balance of preparation and war.

You stand near the back of the room, observing as Felix inputs data into a terminal and Changbin cross-checks reports on a tablet. Jisung leans casually against a wall, but his sharp eyes scan the space like he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Chan moves through the room with the ease of someone in complete control. His presence is magnetic, pulling everyone into his orbit without needing to raise his voice. But even as he checks in with Felix and exchanges quick words with Changbin, his gaze keeps flickering to you—brief, assessing, protective.

You’ve been here for nearly an hour, your nerves on edge. Something feels off. It’s not just the tension in the room; it’s the way the air seems to hum with an unspoken threat.

“Everything’s clear on the perimeter,” Changbin announces, his tone clipped. “Guards are in position, and no movement on the cameras.”

“Good,” Chan replies, his voice steady. “But keep the alert level high. I don’t trust how quiet it’s been.”

Neither do you.

You step closer to Chan, lowering your voice so only he can hear. “This feels wrong. Too still.”

He glances at you, his brow furrowing. “You think Victor’s planning something?”

“I know he is,” you reply, your tone sharper than intended. “And if Jake’s involved, they won’t come at us head-on. They’ll use misdirection. Ambush tactics.”

Before Chan can respond, a deafening boom reverberates through the building. The lights flicker, and the room plunges into chaos.

“Explosion at the south entrance!” Felix shouts, his hands flying over the terminal to pull up the security feed. The screen flickers to life, showing a plume of smoke and fire near the gate. Figures move through the haze—armed men in tactical gear, their movements precise and coordinated.

“They’re here,” you say, your voice steady despite the surge of adrenaline. “It’s Jake. This is his style—hit hard, fast, and create confusion.”

Chan’s jaw tightens, his hand moving to the radio at his shoulder. “Everyone, get to your positions. Secure the safehouse and hold the line. Y/N, stay close to me.”

But you’re already moving, grabbing a weapon from the nearby rack. “I’m not sitting this one out.”

“Y/N—”

“Don’t argue,” you snap, loading the gun with practiced efficiency. “You need me out there, not hiding in here.”

Chan’s eyes flash with something unreadable, but he doesn’t stop you. Instead, he turns to the others. “Changbin, take point on the east side. Felix, keep the cameras running and update us on their movements. Jisung, you’re with me and Y/N.”

The team scatters, moving with the precision of a unit that’s faced worse odds before.

The next few minutes are a blur of gunfire and chaos. Jake’s men are relentless, their assault well-coordinated. You duck behind a stack of crates as bullets ricochet off the metal, the air thick with smoke and adrenaline.

“They’re flanking left!” you shout, spotting the subtle shift in their formation. “They’re trying to cut us off!”

“Copy that,” Changbin’s voice crackles over the radio. “Redirecting fire to cover the left side.”

You dart forward, keeping low, and Chan follows close behind. His focus is razor-sharp, his movements precise as he takes out two attackers with clean shots.

“You good?” he asks, glancing at you briefly.

“I’m fine,” you reply, firing at an advancing enemy and dropping him.

“Stay close,” he orders, his voice tight with urgency.

But staying close isn’t an option when you spot something that makes your blood run cold—a group of Jake’s men planting explosives near the north wall. If they detonate them, the entire safehouse will collapse.

“I see explosives!” you call out, pointing toward the group.

Chan curses under his breath. “We need to stop them now.”

“I’ll handle it,” you say, already moving.

“No, wait—”

But you don’t stop. You weave through the chaos, your heart pounding as you close the distance. One of the men notices you and raises his weapon, but you’re faster, taking him down with a well-placed shot. The others turn toward you, but their hesitation gives you just enough time to disable the explosives, pulling the wires free with shaking hands.

Before you can catch your breath, you hear a familiar voice behind you.

“Nice work, big sis.”

You spin around, your weapon raised, and come face-to-face with Jake. He’s standing a few feet away, his own gun trained on you, a smirk playing on his lips.

“You’ve gotten better,” he says, his tone mocking. “Guess hanging out with Chan’s little gang has its perks.”

“Jake,” you say, your voice cold. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” he replies, taking a step closer. “Dad wanted me to send a message. Thought I’d deliver it personally.”

Before you can respond, Chan appears behind you, his gun aimed at Jake. “Drop the weapon,” he commands, his voice icy.

Jake doesn’t flinch. “Relax, Chan. I’m not here to kill her. Yet.” He pauses, his smirk widening. “This was just a warm-up. Dad’s saving the real fun for later.”

Jake backs away slowly, his eyes never leaving yours. “See you soon, Y/N. Oh, and tell Chan to keep you close. It makes things more interesting.”

He disappears into the chaos, leaving you and Chan standing there, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

Chan steps closer, his hand brushing your arm as he searches your face. “Are you okay?”

You nod, but your mind is racing. Jake’s message wasn’t just a threat—it was a declaration of war. And now, more than ever, you know there’s no turning back.

“We need to regroup,” Chan says, his voice steady but tense. “This isn’t over.”

“No,” you agree, your grip tightening on your weapon. “It’s just beginning.”

The Stray Kids HQ feels heavier than usual as the team regroups after the ambush. The lights seem dimmer, the air thick with the weight of tension and unspoken words. Weapons are set aside, reports are hastily gathered, and the faint scent of smoke still clings to your clothes, a reminder of how close things came to disaster.

Felix is the first to speak as he scrolls through surveillance footage on a nearby monitor. “We’re lucky we didn’t lose more,” he mutters, his voice tight. “They knew exactly where to hit us.”

Changbin, standing with his arms crossed near the table, doesn’t look up. His jaw is clenched, his knuckles white against the surface of the map he’s been studying. “Lucky?” he says, his tone sharp. “We were blindsided. They were two steps ahead, and now Jake’s out there, planning God knows what.”

His words hang in the air like a challenge, and though he doesn’t say it outright, you can feel his focus shift to you.

“What are you trying to say?” you ask, your voice steady despite the knot tightening in your chest.

Changbin turns to face you fully, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp. “I’m saying it’s convenient, isn’t it? Jake knew our exact movements. He knew where we’d be, how we’d respond. You can’t tell me that’s just a coincidence.”

You take a step forward, squaring your shoulders. “Are you seriously accusing me of giving him that information?”

“I’m saying we can’t afford to overlook anything,” Changbin replies, his tone calm but pointed. “Victor’s already been using you against us, and now your brother shows up, practically taunting us with insider knowledge. Forgive me if I’m not jumping to trust you.”

The room goes quiet. All eyes are on you now—some hesitant, others openly questioning. You feel the weight of their doubt pressing down, but you refuse to let it crush you.

“I get it,” you say, your voice cutting through the silence. “You don’t trust me. Maybe you never will. But let me make one thing clear: Jake didn’t know about that safehouse because of me. He knew because Victor’s been watching you—watching us—long before I was ever part of this.”

You take another step forward, meeting Changbin’s gaze head-on. “You think I’m the problem? Fine. But you need to understand something—I’m not just here for Chan, or for this fight. I’m here because Victor made me his enemy the moment he decided I wasn’t his pawn anymore. So don’t stand there and act like I’m some weak link in your operation. I’ve risked everything to be here.”

Changbin’s jaw tightens, and for a moment, you think he might fire back. But then Chan steps in, his presence commanding as always.

“That’s enough,” Chan says, his voice calm but firm. His gaze flicks to Changbin. “Y/N’s right. Jake knew because Victor’s been tracking us, not because of her. And if you’ve got a problem with her being here, you take it up with me. Understand?”

Changbin holds Chan’s gaze for a moment before nodding reluctantly. “Understood.”

The tension in the room doesn’t completely dissipate, but it lessens enough for the others to return to their tasks. You stand there, your heart still racing, until Chan places a hand on your arm.

“Come with me,” he says softly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

You follow him out of the main room and into a quieter space—a small office tucked away from the buzz of the HQ. He closes the door behind you, the sound muffled but final.

Chan leans against the edge of the desk, his arms crossed as he studies you. “You okay?” he asks, his voice softer now, the hard edge gone.

You hesitate, your arms wrapping around yourself as the adrenaline begins to wear off. “I don’t know,” you admit, your voice barely above a whisper. “I keep thinking about Jake, about how he used to be. He wasn’t always like this, Chan. He wasn’t…” Your voice falters, and you take a shaky breath. “He wasn’t a monster.”

Chan’s expression softens, and he steps closer, his hands resting gently on your arms. “He’s not the Jake you remember,” he says quietly. “And that’s not your fault, Y/N.”

“I know,” you say, your voice trembling. “But it doesn’t make it any easier. He’s my brother, Chan. I don’t want to fight him. I don’t want to…” You trail off, unable to finish the thought.

Chan’s hands tighten slightly, his touch grounding you. “You’re not alone in this,” he says firmly. “Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it together. I won’t let him hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

You look up at him, your eyes meeting his. “You can’t promise that, Chan. Not with everything that’s happening.”

“I can,” he replies, his voice unwavering. “Because I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Even if it means putting myself in the line of fire.”

His words make your chest tighten, a mix of fear and something deeper, something raw. “You can’t keep sacrificing yourself for me,” you whisper. “I don’t want to lose you, Chan.”

“You won’t,” he says softly, his thumb brushing against your cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. And neither are you. We’re in this together, remember?”

The room feels smaller now, the space between you charged with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore. You nod, swallowing the lump in your throat. “Together.”

Chan leans in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your forehead. “We’ll get through this, baby,” he murmurs. “No matter what it takes.”

And for the first time since the ambush, you feel a glimmer of hope. The road ahead may be dangerous, but with Chan by your side, you know you can face whatever comes next.

The van’s interior is dark, the only light coming from the dim glow of the tactical map Chan holds in his lap. The hum of the engine is a steady undercurrent, but it does nothing to mask the tension in the air. You sit beside Chan, his shoulder brushing yours, a grounding presence even as your mind races.

You tell yourself it’s just another mission. Another operation to outmaneuver Victor’s forces and keep Stray Kids one step ahead. But deep down, you know it’s more than that. This isn’t just about hitting Victor’s supply chain. It’s also a test.

You’ve felt it since the fallout from the ambush. The doubt lingering in Changbin’s sharp eyes, the sideways glances from Felix and Jisung. They may respect your skills, but they still don’t fully trust you. Not yet. And after Jake’s ambush, the stakes have never been higher.

The van slows to a halt just outside the target—a sprawling warehouse on the edge of Victor’s territory. Chan studies the map, his expression unreadable, but you can sense the gears turning in his head. He’s calculating every move, every risk.

“This is a critical strike,” he says, his voice low but commanding. “Victor’s using this warehouse to funnel supplies into his remaining strongholds. If we take this out, we cripple his next move.”

Beside him, Changbin leans forward, his sharp gaze landing on you. “And if we walk into another trap?” he asks, his tone cutting. “Jake knows how we move now. He’s not just playing Victor’s game—he’s playing hers.”

The accusation stings, but you don’t flinch. You meet his gaze head-on, keeping your voice steady. “Jake’s not playing my game,” you say firmly. “And if he’s using what he knows against you, then I’m the best chance you have to counter him. I know how he thinks���better than anyone here.”

Changbin narrows his eyes, but before he can respond, Chan cuts in. “She’s right.” His voice is calm, but there’s an edge of finality to it. “Y/N’s intel got us this far. If anyone can anticipate Jake’s next move, it’s her.”

The tension in the van is palpable, but Chan’s word carries weight. Slowly, Changbin leans back, his silence a grudging acceptance.

Felix breaks the tension with a quiet murmur. “We should move. If Jake knows we’re coming, we don’t have time to sit here arguing.”

Chan nods, his eyes flicking to you. “You’re with me,” he says, his tone leaving no room for debate. “Stay close.”

As the team moves toward the warehouse, the plan unfolds with precision. You slip through the shadows, your heart pounding in your chest. The others follow Chan’s lead, their movements fluid and coordinated. But even as you focus on the task at hand, the weight of the unspoken test presses down on you.

Every step feels like a judgment, every glance a reminder that you still have something to prove.

Inside, the warehouse is dark and sprawling, the air thick with the scent of oil and metal. You scan the shadows, every sense heightened. This isn’t just a mission—it’s a gauntlet, one you’re determined to get through unscathed.

The team moves deeper into the building, clearing rooms and disabling security systems with practiced efficiency. But something feels off. The silence is too perfect, the space too empty.

You tug at Chan’s sleeve, leaning in to whisper. “This isn’t right. It’s too quiet.”

Chan’s eyes narrow, and you see the flicker of concern cross his face. “What are you thinking?”

You hesitate, but only for a moment. “It’s Jake,” you say. “He knows how you operate. He’s not guarding the warehouse—he’s setting us up to think we’ve already won.”

Before Chan can respond, the first shot rings out, shattering the quiet. Chaos erupts as Victor’s men pour in from hidden entrances, their weapons trained on your team.

The firefight is immediate and intense. Chan barks orders, his voice cutting through the noise, but the ambush is calculated and brutal. You duck behind a stack of crates, your weapon drawn, your mind racing as you try to piece together Jake’s plan.

This isn’t just about taking out the team. It’s about you.

As the battle rages, you catch a glimpse of Jake through the chaos, his figure unmistakable. He’s watching, waiting, his presence a reminder of the stakes.

Your pulse quickens, but you don’t let yourself falter. You take a deep breath, your fingers tightening around your weapon. If this is a test, you’re going to pass.

And you’re going to make sure Jake knows exactly where your loyalties lie.

The firefight feels endless, the echo of gunfire and shouted orders ricocheting off the walls of the warehouse. The team moves like a machine, each member covering the other, but even with their precision, the ambush threatens to overwhelm them. You duck behind a steel support beam, your chest heaving as you reload your weapon.

A shadow moves in the corner of your eye, and before you can react, a figure steps into view. Your breath catches when you recognize him—Jake.

He looks different now, harder, colder, but those sharp eyes of his haven’t changed. They lock onto you, and the corner of his mouth twists into a mocking smile. “Big sis,” he drawls, his voice cutting through the chaos. “Didn’t think you’d be the type to get your hands dirty.”

You level your weapon at him, your grip steady despite the adrenaline surging through you. “You shouldn’t be here, Jake.”

He chuckles, stepping closer, his movements unhurried, like he knows you won’t shoot. “Neither should you. But here we are, huh? Playing for opposite teams. Funny how life works.”

You don’t lower your gun, but something about his tone sets your teeth on edge. “This isn’t a game,” you say, your voice hard. “You don’t have to do this.”

Jake’s smile fades, and for a moment, something flickers in his eyes—regret? Doubt? But it’s gone as quickly as it came. “Don’t I? You betrayed us, Y/N. You betrayed Dad, the family, everything we built. And for what? Him?” He jerks his chin in the direction of Chan, who’s still in the thick of the fight, his voice cutting through the chaos as he shouts orders.

Your grip tightens on your weapon. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Victor’s empire is rotten. You’re smart enough to see that.”

Jake snorts, shaking his head. “I see everything, sis. Including you playing house with the enemy. Tell me, do they even trust you? Or are you just another pawn in their little game?”

His words hit like a knife, but you don’t let it show. You can’t. “I made my choice,” you say firmly. “And I’m not going back.”

Jake’s eyes narrow, his hand moving to the weapon holstered at his side. “Shame,” he says quietly. “I was hoping you’d see reason.”

Before he can make a move, the sound of a shout cuts through the air. You whip around to see Felix pinned down by one of Victor’s men, the muzzle of a rifle aimed directly at his head. Time slows, the chaos of the battle fading as your instincts kick in.

Without a second thought, you dart toward them, your weapon raised. “Felix, down!” you shout, and the instant he ducks, you fire, the shot hitting Victor’s man square in the chest.

Felix scrambles back, his wide eyes meeting yours as you haul him to his feet. “Thanks,” he breathes, his voice shaky.

“Don’t thank me yet,” you say, your gaze darting back to Jake, who’s already moving toward the exit.

For a split second, your resolve wavers. This is your brother—the kid you used to protect, the one who used to look up to you. But then you think of everything Victor’s done, everything Jake is willing to do to keep him in power.

Your grip tightens on your weapon as you make your choice.

“Jake!” you shout, your voice cutting through the noise. He stops, turning to look at you over his shoulder, that smirk still playing on his lips.

“This isn’t over, Y/N,” he says, his tone almost taunting. “You’ll see.”

Then he’s gone, disappearing into the shadows, and you feel a pang of regret even as your resolve hardens.

The rest of the mission blurs into a haze of gunfire and shouts, but when the dust settles, the team emerges victorious. The warehouse is secured, the remaining assets destroyed, and Victor’s forces scattered—for now.

As the team regroups outside, the tension lingers. You can feel the weight of their gazes on you, the unspoken question hanging in the air.

It’s Changbin who breaks the silence. “You didn’t have to do that,” he says, his voice low but steady.

You meet his gaze, your expression unreadable. “Yes, I did.”

He studies you for a moment, then nods, a grudging respect in his eyes.

Chan steps forward, his hand brushing yours briefly—a silent gesture of support. “You did good,” he says quietly, his voice meant only for you.

But the victory feels hollow. The cost of it—the choices you’ve made, the ties you’ve severed—presses heavy on your chest.

As the team loads into the van, you glance back at the warehouse, the flames from the destroyed assets casting a glow against the night sky. You know this isn’t the end. Victor is still out there. Jake is still out there. And the fight is far from over.

But as you look at Chan, his steady gaze meeting yours, you know one thing for certain. You’re not facing it alone.

The secure meeting room within the HQ feels colder than usual, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of the mission’s aftermath. The team is gathered, their faces etched with exhaustion and tension. The only sound is the faint hum of the monitors lining the walls, casting flickering light across the room. You’re seated near the head of the table, Chan at your side, his presence a steadying force even as your mind races.

Changbin paces in the corner, muttering under his breath as Felix quietly types away at a console. Everyone is on edge, the victory from the mission overshadowed by the lingering threat of what’s still to come.

A sharp beep pierces the silence, drawing all attention to the central monitor. The screen flickers, and a new message appears, accompanied by a video feed.

Chan moves to the console immediately, his jaw tightening as he hits a button to play the file. The image that fills the screen makes your stomach drop.

Jake.

He’s seated in what looks like Victor’s war room, the background opulent and menacing, a twisted mirror of the environment you’ve grown accustomed to at Stray Kids HQ. He’s leaning back in his chair, his posture casual but his expression anything but.

“Big sis,” he begins, his voice smooth, almost amused. “You’re making this far too easy.”

You tense in your seat, your fingers gripping the edge of the table as you watch him. His eyes are sharper now, colder, and they lock onto the camera as if he’s speaking directly to you.

“I have to admit,” Jake continues, his tone laced with mockery, “I didn’t think you had it in you. Running off to play mafia princess with Chan and his merry band of misfits? Bold move.”

Felix mutters something under his breath, but no one responds. All eyes are glued to the screen.

Jake’s smile fades slightly, his expression hardening. “But you’ve always been reckless, haven’t you? Always wanting something more, something bigger. And now look where it’s gotten you.”

The screen cuts briefly to footage of the recent mission—the warehouse ablaze, Stray Kids moving through the wreckage. Your stomach twists as you realize they’ve been watching, tracking your every move.

Jake leans forward, resting his elbows on the table in front of him. “Dad’s not happy, Y/N. You’ve made this personal. And he doesn’t like loose ends.”

Chan steps closer to the monitor, his fists clenched at his sides. “Get to the point,” he growls, his voice low and dangerous.

Jake’s eyes flicker toward the sound of Chan’s voice, and he smirks. “Ah, Chan. Always the protector. I’ve heard a lot about you.” His smirk widens, a sharp edge to it. “You think you can save her? Keep her safe from us? From him?”

Your pulse quickens, the words cutting deeper than you’d like to admit.

Jake’s gaze shifts back to the camera, his tone dropping. “Here’s the deal, Y/N. You come home. You come back to where you belong, and we settle this. Just you and me. No Stray Kids, no Chan. Just family.”

The room feels impossibly still as the weight of his words sinks in.

“And if I don’t?” you ask, your voice quieter than you intended.

Jake’s smile vanishes entirely, replaced by something cold and deadly. “Then we burn everything.”

The screen cuts again, this time to footage of another Stray Kids safehouse, this one already engulfed in flames. The timestamp in the corner shows it’s live.

“You really think you’ve won anything?” Jake’s voice continues, even as the footage plays. “Victor’s already planning his next move. And trust me, big sis, it’s going to make today look like child’s play.”

He pauses, leaning back in his chair once more. “But hey, if you’re so sure about your new life, your new family, then prove it. Stay. Fight. Watch as everything crumbles around you.”

The feed cuts abruptly, leaving the room in silence.

For a moment, no one speaks. Then Changbin slams his fist onto the table, breaking the tension. “That bastard,” he mutters, his voice low and angry. “We should’ve taken him out when we had the chance.”

Chan turns to you, his expression unreadable but his eyes burning with intensity. “Y/N,” he says, his voice steady but firm. “Talk to me. What’s going through your head?”

You take a shaky breath, your mind racing. The memories Jake referenced, the fire, the ultimatum—it’s all too much. But one thought cuts through the chaos.

“He’s not bluffing,” you say finally, your voice trembling but resolute. “Victor will do it. He’ll destroy everything just to prove a point.”

Felix shifts uneasily. “So what do we do?”

Chan’s gaze never leaves you, and for the first time, you feel the full weight of his trust. “That’s up to Y/N,” he says simply.

You meet his eyes, your resolve hardening. “We fight,” you say, the words leaving no room for doubt. “We don’t let him win.”

But even as you say it, you can feel the weight of the choice Jake has forced on you. The line between family and loyalty has never felt thinner, and the consequences of your decision have never been clearer.

The room feels heavy as you pace back and forth in Chan’s private quarters, the weight of Jake’s ultimatum bearing down on you like a stormcloud. The memory of his voice, his taunts, and that live footage of the burning safehouse keep replaying in your mind, twisting your thoughts into knots. You stop, staring out the window into the darkness outside, searching for clarity in the stillness of the night.

But clarity doesn’t come.

“Y/N.”

Chan’s voice pulls you from your thoughts. He’s seated on the edge of the couch, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped together as his dark eyes track your every move. There’s a calm to him—a steadiness that should soothe you, but the turmoil inside you refuses to quiet.

You shake your head, letting out a frustrated breath. “He’s going to burn everything down, Chan. Every safehouse, every ally, every connection. He’ll stop at nothing.”

“I know,” Chan says softly, his voice gentle but firm. “But you’re not carrying this alone.”

You let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through your hair. “Aren’t I? He’s my brother, Chan. My family. And he’s using everything I know, everything I taught him, to try to destroy the people I chose over him.” You glance over your shoulder at him, your voice trembling. “If I don’t stop him, he’ll kill everyone I care about.”

Chan rises slowly, his presence commanding yet comforting as he moves toward you. “You’re not stopping him alone, baby. We’re stopping him. Together.”

You swallow hard, torn between the part of you that wants to believe him and the part that knows the risk. “But Jake’s smart. He knows how to use people, how to manipulate situations. If I go back to him, maybe—”

“No,” Chan interrupts sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. He closes the distance between you, his hands settling on your shoulders, grounding you. “You’re not walking into that snake pit alone. I’m not letting you.”

You look up at him, your eyes searching his for something—an answer, a sign, anything to make this easier. “Then what do we do?” you whisper.

Chan’s jaw tightens, his grip on your shoulders firm but reassuring. “We take the fight to Victor. We don’t wait for them to pick us apart piece by piece. We hit his next stronghold, and we hit it hard.”

You hesitate, your mind racing. “And Jake? He’ll see it coming. He’ll know what we’re planning. He’s too smart to be caught off guard.”

Chan smirks, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Then we make him think we’re playing his game.”

The words spark something in you, a flicker of hope cutting through the chaos. “You mean… we use his own trap against him?”

“Exactly.” Chan steps closer, his hands moving to cradle your face, his thumbs brushing softly against your cheeks. His voice drops, filled with quiet intensity. “You let him think you’re doing what he wants. You go back, make it seem like you’re following his ultimatum. He’ll drop his guard, and when he does—”

“Stray Kids will already be there,” you finish, the plan forming in your mind. “We’ll catch him off balance.”

He nods, his gaze never leaving yours. “But I need you to trust me, baby. Trust us. We’ll be right behind you. The moment Jake realizes he’s been played, we’ll be there to finish it.”

You close your eyes for a moment, drawing in a shaky breath. The plan makes sense—it’s dangerous, yes, but it could work. It’s the only way to get close enough to Jake and Victor without giving them the upper hand.

When you open your eyes, your decision is made. “I’ll do it,” you say firmly. “I’ll go back. But only as a distraction. The moment I’ve got Jake’s attention, you hit them with everything you’ve got.”

Chan’s hands drop to your waist, pulling you closer until your foreheads rest together. His voice is softer now, but no less intense. “You’re fucking brave, you know that?”

You let out a small, shaky laugh. “Or stupid.”

He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching yours. “No. You’re brave. And you’re mine. Don’t ever forget that.”

The conviction in his voice steadies you in a way nothing else can. “I won’t.”

The moment stretches between you, filled with unspoken promises and the weight of what’s to come. Finally, Chan steps back, his hands lingering at your waist.

“We’ll gear up,” he says, his voice regaining its commanding edge. “We’ll pick our best team, map out every possible scenario. When you walk in there, you won’t be alone for long.”

You nod, your resolve hardening. “Let’s do this.”

As you begin to prepare, the weight of what’s coming doesn’t feel as crushing as it did before. You’re not walking into this blindly, not anymore. You’re walking into the storm with Chan and Stray Kids by your side.

But in the back of your mind, a shadow lingers—the knowledge that Jake won’t let this go easily. And when he realizes he’s been played, the fallout could be more dangerous than you’re ready for.

The silence between you stretches for a moment as Chan’s plan takes root in your mind, the sheer weight of what you’re about to do settling deep in your chest. But when you glance up at him, his eyes are already on you, filled with a quiet determination that steadies your shaking resolve.

“Come here,” he murmurs, his voice low but commanding in a way that sends a ripple of warmth through you.

You hesitate for only a second before stepping closer. His hands return to your waist, firm and grounding, while yours find their way to his chest, your fingers brushing against the fabric of his shirt. You feel his heartbeat beneath your palm, strong and steady, and it anchors you in the storm of your thoughts.

“Y/N,” he says, his tone softer now, like it’s just the two of you and the rest of the world has faded away. “I need you to hear me when I say this—this isn’t just a mission. You’re not just a distraction or a piece of some strategy. You’re it for me. You’re everything.”

Your breath catches in your throat as his words settle deep inside you, leaving no room for doubt. “Chan…”

He doesn’t let you finish. His hand moves up to cup the side of your face, his thumb brushing against your cheek as his eyes search yours. “You’re mine, baby. And no matter what happens out there, I’m coming for you. Every single time.”

The intensity of his gaze pulls you under, the raw emotion in his voice leaving you breathless. You don’t think—there’s no time to overanalyze, no room for hesitation. You tilt your head up, your fingers tightening on his shirt as you press your lips to his.

The kiss is electric, charged with everything you’ve been holding back—fear, desire, determination. His grip on your waist tightens as he pulls you closer, his other hand threading through your hair, keeping you anchored to him. It’s not just a kiss—it’s a promise, a reminder of everything you’re fighting for.

You lose yourself in the moment, your heart pounding in time with his as his lips move against yours, slow and deliberate, like he’s savoring every second. His teeth graze your bottom lip, and you let out a soft gasp, giving him just enough of an opening to deepen the kiss.

When he finally pulls back, his forehead resting against yours, you’re both breathing hard, the air between you charged with unspoken emotions.

“I’ve got you, babygirl,” he whispers, his voice rough but steady. “Always.”

You nod, swallowing hard as you try to find your voice. “And I’ve got you.”

His lips brush against your forehead in a tender, lingering kiss before he steps back, his hands still on your waist. “Then let’s make sure Jake and Victor know exactly who they’re up against.”

A small smile tugs at your lips, and you straighten your shoulders, ready to face whatever comes next. “Let’s make them regret ever thinking they could win.”

Chan smirks, his confidence infectious. “That’s my girl.”

And as the two of you step out of his quarters, the plan solidified between you, you can’t help but feel a spark of hope. Because no matter how dangerous the storm ahead may be, you know you’re walking into it together.

Taglist: @velvetmoonlght

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

By Jessica Wildfire

Yet another city is proposing to ban masks. They’re doing it at the worst possible time, as we face mounting threats that range from airborne diseases to pollution, wildfires, and industrial accidents.

It’s irresponsible and unethical.

In the wake of yet another shooting, Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg has announced plans to bring back an obsolete mask ban in a superficial, misguided effort to curb gun violence. Greenberg claims it will keep residents safe, but this ban will only put them in greater danger. Written decades ago, the ordinance does nothing to address a new range of threats that ordinary citizens face in this century. Those threats include industrial accidents like the one that recently happened in Atlanta, putting hundreds of thousands at risk of lethal gases. Winds are now spreading that massive chemical cloud all over the metro region, prompting shelter-in-place warnings throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.

This time, it’s a massive plume of chlorine gas. For perspective, chlorine gas was a weapon used in WWI. So it’s not an exaggeration to say that residents of the Atlanta area, where I grew up, are now essentially under a chemical attack, thanks to corporate deregulation and mismanagement.

The Atlanta disaster marks the fifth time in a single month that an industrial accident has put an entire city at risk. Even when there’s not an emergency, air pollution now directly kills 8.1 million people a year, including 2,000 children every single day. New studies have also found that wildfire smoke contains carbon monoxide, benzene, cyanide, and other chemicals that cause direct heart and lung damage, leading to chronic health problems for survivors. As the last few years have shown, everyone everywhere now faces that threat, not just one coast.

There has never been a better time to wear a mask, and there has never been a worse time to revive obsolete, outdated laws that only pretend to provide safety while making everyone more vulnerable.

Our supposed political allies have remained silent on these mask bans, and they continue to express a disturbing level of anti-mask rhetoric. For example, NIAID director Jeanne Marrazzo recently complained about being accused of a “microaggression” during a meeting:

We recently had a long Covid [research] meeting where we had about 200 people, in person. And we can’t mandate mask-wearing, because it’s federal property. But there was a fair amount of disturbance that we couldn’t, and people weren’t wearing masks, and one person accused us of committing a microaggression by not wearing masks. And I take that very seriously. But I thought to myself, it’s more that people just want to live a normal life. We really don’t want to go back. It was so painful. We’re still all traumatized. Let’s be honest about that. None of us are over that. So there’s not a lot of appetite for raising an alarm, especially if it could be perceived subsequently as a false alarm.

This view sounds out of touch, to say the least. There’s no false alarm when it comes to these threats, only false sentiment.

As Jeanne Marrazzo complains about being “traumatized” by wearing a mask, ordinary people around the world are traumatized daily by threats to their health, including anti-maskers who have already started abusing mask bans to intimidate, threaten, and actively harm us. We’ve already seen reports of people being assaulted and denied service because of their masks. At a hospital in D.C., an ER nurse even threatened to call security on an immunocompromised woman because she declined to remove her mask during treatment.

These mask bans are emboldening anti-mask aggression everywhere, not just in the cities and counties where they pass.

Science has shown that it only takes 5 seconds to infect someone with an airborne disease. Any mask ban that allows a police officer or private citizen to demand someone take off their mask threatens their lives. Meanwhile, these bans will do nothing to stop crime. Studies have shown that sunglasses do a better job of concealing your identity than a medical respirator, and that these masks don’t interfere with facial recognition software.

These laws accomplish nothing, except to make life unbearable for people trying to protect their health. Earlier this year, a survey with more than a thousand respondents found that nearly half of people who wear masks are facing daily harassment, discrimination, and persecution.

The reasons for everyone to wear a good mask are piling up by the day. Covid continues to spread around the world, with multiple waves a year. An avalanche of studies have shown, without a doubt, that mild Covid infections pose a serious risk to everyone’s long-term health, not just the vulnerable.

Meanwhile, suspected cases of H5N1 bird flu are multiplying, especially in Missouri, while public health agencies drag their feet. Like Covid, flu does long-term damage to multiple organ systems, including the brain. Despite this knowledge, public health agencies have refused to expand testing.

Recent studies and reports have found a range of diseases returning 10-30 times worse than prepandemic norms, likely due to a mass disabling of our immune systems caused by Covid itself. A number of viruses threaten another pandemic, which climate scientists have predicted will occur more frequently as animals compete with each other and humans for dwindling habitable space.

A recent outbreak of Marburg virus has begun spreading outside of Africa, with suspected cases in Belgium and Germany, where police stormed a train station and closed off two tracks, evacuating hundreds of passengers. To quell mass panic, mainstream news has assured the public that Marburg isn’t airborne. However, Marburg can spread through respiratory droplets, including coughing and sneezing. That means an N95 mask or better offers protection.

As a 2020 article in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases states, “Although frank airborne transmission has not been demonstrated in human outbreaks, droplet spread to mucous membranes presumably occurs” and “infection by direct application of aerosol to the airways has been demonstrated in animal models.”

Another article in Viruses on this family of pathogens, including Marburg and Ebola, found that up to 17 percent of transmission did not happen through direct physical contact, suggesting “human to human respiratory tract infection through droplets and aerosols.” The authors also say that because we have such limited data on Marburg outbreaks, we can’t make assumptions about transmission.

Finally, a 2023 report from Homeland Security states that Marburg virus “may also transmit via aerosol and fomites.”

Given what we’ve learned about the aerosolized spread of disease, there is absolutely no reason to take chances with a virus like Marburg, which exists in the same family as Ebola, causes similar symptoms, and carries a mortality rate between 50 and 90 percent, depending on your access to care. According to a report by Boston University, “transmission via droplets is suspected” for both Ebola and Marburg. Given that agencies like the CDC and the WHO have spent years denying or downplaying the airborne nature of other viruses, it’s reasonable and proactive to consider Marburg as potentially respiratory, and therefore to count it as one more reason to wear a good-fitting respirator.

It might feel dystopian to say this, but it’s true: We live in a world where it’s becoming dangerous just to breathe. That means wearing a good medical mask but also adopting different masks for different emergencies. Many professionals recommend a half-face or full-face respirator with appropriate cartridges to protect yourself from organic and acid gases. Some of these cartridges also filter out particulates. A thread by Erin Sanders provides a good overview.

Five years ago, I never thought I’d be shopping for gas masks for my family to protect us from industrial accidents and wildfires.

And yet, here we are.

A CDC study found that the most common gases you’ll face during an industrial accident include carbon monoxide, ammonia, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid. We recently bought 3M’s 6502QL half-face respirator with a set of P100 60926 cartridges. Each cartridge should last about 48 hours, long enough to get to safety. The masks themselves come in three different sizes. The small provides a decent fit for our six-year-old. Many companies like Draeger also make respirators. I wouldn’t get them from just any prepper site. This is yet another expense the cautious will take on, assuming they can even afford it.

We can only speculate about the motivations behind the growing anti-mask stance adopted by our institutions, who associate masks with anxiety, trauma, mental illness, crime, and hate. A government that sends out expired Covid tests while spending hundreds of billions on weapons clearly doesn’t want to feel any pressure to pay for us to protect ourselves from airborne threats. Even if it’s not conscious malice, they clearly benefit from the public viewing masks as a liability and not an essential survival tool to protect themselves.

It’s hard to describe how demoralizing and infuriating it is to watch a majority of our own political party adopt ignorance as their platform.

It’s an absolute betrayal.

Campaign strategists and political advisors are making a deep mistake if they think these poor decisions won’t have political consequences. For every public health advocate who wills themselves up to vote, two or three will find little reason to support a party that has abandoned them. Imagine talking about political freedom and bodily autonomy as liberal governors and mayors join conservatives to engage in egregious violations of personal choice. Imagine them staying silent as anti-maskers gleefully celebrate the death and injury of the vulnerable and immunocompromised as some kind of divine justice for the inconvenience of mask mandates that were never strictly enforced, even on public transportation.

We cannot stand back and watch these mask bans spread across the country as leaders look for convenient excuses and scapegoats.

Aren’t we better than that?

I used to think so.

[doomtrooper77]

Some of these new Merc were terrifying. Back in 2080, some countries, fuck call them what they were now, fucking conglomerate states, tried fielding robotic soldiers on the field. They were devastating at first. More than a few countries fell to wave after wave of unthinking killing machines. But here's the thing, no programming, no AI is going to ever beat a THINKING KILLING MACHINE. During that time, companies/countries started integrating tech into their soldiers. It was still supposed to have been against international law., but the human race had devolved into purely might makes right.

It turns out that humans blended with tech are far more efficient and deadly killing machines. The human mind has always been geared toward using tools. Now that these deadly tools were blended directly with human anatomy, the machines didn't stand a chance. But then, neither did your everyday human.

Its 2145 technology has humanity flowing into the solar system, with cities on the Asteroids, the Moon, Mars, and Europa. 100 years ago, TV shows had humanity step into the stars as a unified civilization. Reality is nothing like that. Conglomerations are the governments. The riches of the solar system allowed them to branch out and grow at exponential rates. Most people live a good life, but military strikes and wars between companies are common. Sometimes, it is over territory, a new asteroid, or a new spot on the moon or Mars. Or over tech and knowledge.

That's where I come in. They attacked about 12 hours ago. They didn't know what they were looking for because it was actually a who. Me. They have been scooping up all the tech they found, but it turns out they were looking for the guy who had been developing a new way to generate encapsulated plasma. I was that guy. It could be used for a lot of things, but one of them was weaponry. I didn't tell anyone, but I was much further along in my research than I had told my bosses. I had figured out how to use this tech in everything from handguns to ship-mounted cannons. Somehow, someone outside of our company found out, which is why they attacked.

I recognize this gear. These guys were from the heavy weapons company Blackblade Heavy Weapons and Industry. They were from their mercenary wing, Doomtroopers. Some of the tech they integrated and carried was beyond anything I had ever seen. Doomtroopers weren't just your average mercenaries. As far as we can tell, only 10 attacked the base. We had over 200 security personnel onsite. They cut through them like butter.

The three trying to get me to a shuttle were smeared across the broken and crumbling building. They told me to hide, but it was too late. Hiding under a desk in the shadows of the room did nothing. I could see the glow of his cyber eyes as they locked on me. The ground shook as his massive armored form swaggered to where I hid.

"I found the target. We are in building 7G. Converge on me." He said out loud. "Loud and Clear, Major, we are headed your way." was the reply. His face split into a grin, "Now, why don't you come out from under there, little man. We're gonna take you to your new home. Lots of new tech for you to play with and lots of new toys you'll make for us." he said hefting the massive assault rifle he carried easily. "You can come along nicely, or I can beat you into compliance. I'd rather you come along nicely."

I did the only thing I could; I stood up from under the desk. The smirk on his face said he was a man who was used to getting what he wanted. Today, he wanted me. It wasn't until I was standing next to him that I realized how big he was. Fuck, he was easily over 7 feet tall. He had massive musculature; I could see the armor and tech integrated over his frame. A small part of me was screaming this was a monster from a nightmare, but the analytical part of me was already thinking about what could be done to improve it.

His eyes seemed to assess me even as mine assessed him. "Good choice, Doctor." He said. Getting back on channel with his men, he said, "Doomsquad 9, clean up any security on your way to building 7. Dropships, meet us outside section 9, lay waste to anything on air or land that moves in our direction." Weapons fire could be heard in the distance and growing nearer. He growled, "Music to my ears."

[captain-ultimat-doggo]

MORE SHIPRATS

More specifically about the suits. I'm picturing cyberpunk type stuff but lets be honest, Humans are humans. There's going to be helmets covered in fauxhawks and stickers, someone's going to opt out of everything practical in preference of a prehensile tail, we're going to express ourselves in thousands of ways. But functionality/general aesthetic I'm picturing for Katie, at least, is starting to form in my mind so you're going to get that. I mentioned a back mounted drone thing and I'll be honest, it's pretty inspired by Stray. One shoulder has a little thing like that, but probably in grey or black to blend in with the average guts of a ship. Maybe the drone itself is clear so that it's even harder for the giants to notice. The other shoulder has a speaker that can pop out that amplifies her voice to communicate if need be. I picture the grappling system to launch from the wrist but the line is actually attached to the waist and the suit works and supports like a rock climbing harness. Backpack is full of all sorts of tools, and Human-Grade adhesives and anchors. Cable management is hella important and superglue and duct tape have evolved to have built in pest repellent.

The Helmet itself is pretty cliche cyberpunk, but it's definitely got gills for aqua or other liquid adventures. There's a mic and earpiece in it of course, often synced to the little drone so she can scout rooms without exposing herself. It's got a little projector as well, mostly used to throw schematics up in place while you work on a problem. (think Ironman).

People have mentioned Magnet boots in the tags and replies, and there's definitely something there. I joked about rollerskates because I LOVE the idea of a little human zooming around underfoot across the smooth floors of a ship. Katie probably has some highly grippy-yet-silent shoes that are closer to those a rock climber would wear; form fitting but not restraining, flexible but still supportive. You need to be able to FEEL your foot placement running across wires and climbing up cables. There's also some ship-rats who insist on running around barefoot. there always have been and there always will be.

I like the idea of the suit having instead of typical oxygen tanks, algae tanks of some kind? like the oxygen is coming from plants that are growing symbiotically from the wearer's waste. They would be small. I Don't like putting too much on the back of this kind of thing because humans need to roll to absorb impact, and even with lower gravity there's a lot of fall risk in this industry. That's one of the reasons as much as possible is on the toolbelt and only bulkier tools would be in the back pack. in emergency you can attach it to the drone and have that hover in a safe spot until you call retrieval. So maybe the plants would be in a living space and the air just circulates through the suit, then you hook up to the plant take to refresh overnight? We know that For sure there's lots of plants and algae tanks in the homes of humans living in space, but Brownies like Katie don't exactly settle well. She's got the wanderlust in her that her parents realized they couldn't conquer, so instead they bought the best gear they could.

That is why short of getting crushed she's not going to be very seriously injured; she could survive in the void for a short period of time in that thing, it's puncture and slash proof, basically anything but blunt force trauma is going to bounce right off. The suit is armor, and it's all about safety. grapples and ziplines and tools are all well and good, but they mean nothing if you get cut in half by a cord snapping or a pissed off space-bug.

Obviously phasers and blasters and all sorts of weapons exist. We love making every kind of science into weapons. Katie relies on what the galactic committee classifies as a "Laser cutter and defabricator" and what humans call "Laser Rifles." She's also got a bunch of tools for cutting through metal that would work on pretty much anything if she needed it too. One of the most important tools, though, would be the spray can- (What did you think i was going to say?) A little can nozzle that can be dipped in anything you use to write, and then sprays it on a surface. Humans communicate through ten foot tall letters out of necessity when talking to Giants, and Graffiti artists figured that shit out forever ago. Katie's model is fancy and can dye the ink different colors if needed. Spray color coding wires and parts is always helpful, especially working in unfamiliar systems.

[judasrpc]

TIPS FOR WRITING COMBAT, TACTICS, AND / OR FIELD MEDICINE SCENARIOS PT. 2

Hello again! Coming out of the woodwork with my niche interests and hoping to pass along some information about writing things such as combat, tactical operations, and / or field medicine!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor am I someone who has served in the military or law enforcement in any capacity. Any information in this post is gained from personal research in mostly internet circles. Some topics may be unsettling/disturbing, so please take care in reading.

You can view part one of this post [HERE].

Note: This part will be written more in-depth, as the sources I've pulled from are either no longer accessible, or from narrators I would not feel comfortable platforming due to their motives for sharing this information (e.g., anti-human rights individuals with qualified backgrounds). Knowledge is power, but we don't have to platform fascists in order to share it (* ^ ω ^)

To start this post off, I'll share some archives I've found since part one! This way, if you're just looking for resources and don't want to read something super lengthy, this post is still (hopefully) useful to my fellow writers.

Safety Data Sheets [Archive] - A collection of safety data sheets for what looks like various types of compounds, mostly based around industrial work (e.g., concrete mixes, roof coatings, etc.). While arguably not relevant to this sort of topic focus, I think it could be in the right scenarios, especially as sheets provide first-aid instructions, hazard classification, and details about specific compounds.

War Medicine [Archive] - Definitely a more historical reference (dated 1918), but published by the American Red Cross Society in France covering… war medicine. Includes various diagrams and topics.

Field Manuals and Technical Manuals [Archive] - A collection of field and technical manuals from various military services spanning across various decades. I believe most of these are U.S.-based.

Now, for the in-depth written information, placed behind the "keep reading" button.

CLOSE-QUARTERS BATTLE (CQB) / MILITARY OPERATIONS IN URBAN TERRAIN (MOUT)

CQB is typically defined as a short duration, high intensity conflict characterized by sudden violence at close range. MOUT is an example of a scenario where CQB may be applicable.

When in these environments, it's important for your character(s) to know how to navigate them. The presence of closer-knit buildings, various entryways, and populated environments means there's a lot of risk for both them and those around them.

As such, one of the founding concepts is entry and clearance.

There are many different ways to enter and clear rooms within a building, but the three primary types are as follows:

Conventional (aka: Strong Walling) - The leading individual "commits" to the room by stepping in with their full body, pressing their back to the wall opposite to the door's attachment, and using their upper torso to sweep the room with their light/weapon.

Lateral - The leading individual enters the room at either a 90-degree angle to the door (straight toward back wall of room) or a 45-degree angle (toward the corner opposite to the door).

Framing - Rather than step into the room, the leading individual peeks around the door frame and conducts their sweep from within it (think of them as using the door frame as a "mount" for their weapon, if they have one).

These can be conducted solo, or with a wingman.

A wingman is usually one other individual who stacks beside the leading individual, and uses an over-the-shoulder vantage to provide a secondary set of eyes for cover, while also being able to cover tasks such as opening doors.

Then, there's navigating environments as teams. With teams, there comes a need to develop tactics. With CQB in particular, there are two primary types of strategies:

Dynamic - Rapid movement and clearance; Your character(s) are likely in a high-intensity/time-sensitive scenario where speed is more important than safety. In these scenarios, your character(s) is/are more likely to clear rooms by committing with their entry and flooding in if in a team.

Deliberate - Slower movement and clearance; Your character(s) are likely still in dire circumstance, but they're able to take the time and prioritize safety over speed. In these scenarios, your character(s) is/are more likely to clear rooms by framing and entering one at a time to ensure all angles are covered.

But not every room is a perfect rectangle with wider-open spaces. Regardless of the structure, dead space is an important factor to consider for characters both outside and within these environments.

Dead space simply refers to the space that has not been cleared by the individual(s) entering the space. There are a few different types, including:

Anchored - The object creating the dead space is anchored to a wall, and thus prevents flanking. This could be a dividing wall, and certain types of cabinetry or other furniture.

Unanchored - The object creating the dead space is not anchored to a wall, and thus allows for flanking. This can be… any piece of furniture, crates/boxes/shelves, even certain installation pieces such as a 360-fireplace or showcase tank/terrarium.

Low - The object creating the dead space cannot fully conceal an individual/individuals who are standing, but could if they were crouched or laying prone. This could be things such as couches, tables with cloth over them, etc.

High - The object creating the dead space is elevated above the entry point. This usually, and pretty much only, includes things like stairwells, but it could include higher cabinetry if your character(s) is/are creative enough or able to navigate that.

Moving away from specific scenarios, there is something I've seen written a lot in fanfic and in rp spaces that I think would be important to clarify:

Do. not. attempt. to. catch. a. falling. gun.

I'm serious! In active combat, this isn't as applicable because your character's goal is (ultimately) to neutralize whatever threat is in front of them. Beyond that, though, your character(s) should never attempt to catch.

"But why? Wouldn't you want to stop it from discharging?"

That is why.

Yes, the firearm may discharge when hitting the ground… but in catching it, your character(s) may also discharge it. Unless they know for a fact they will not grab the area around or within the trigger guard, it's highly likely that a finger/fingers will slip into the guard and, due to the force of the catch, end up pulling.

The best practice, especially for a character/characters who are skilled with firearms and versed in safety practices, is to put the hands up and let it fall. Step back, find cover if possible, and retrieve the firearm after it has landed.

And again, I am not responsible for what y'all do with this info. Read responsibly, and stay frosty!

[aerospace-and-defence]

The Weapon Mounts Market is expected to grow from $ 1.1 Billion in 2019 to $ 1.8 Billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period.

[xxdemonicheartxx]

The flights and their major exports

Ice: furs, fish, culinary or food grade ice, unique and seasonal herbs, spices and flora that only grow there in the spring, super rich culinary culture has formed here and it attracts tourism and foodies, cooking oils and fats, seeds and nuts for consumption

Nature: lumber, meats, spices, fertile soil, insect cuisine, perfumes, freshwater fish, houseplants, seeds and shoots for farming, decorative plant or wood working, plant based oils for cooking or fuel

Light: wheat, plant based fibers and fabrics, paper and or papyrus, chalk and marble, huge bread and baked goods industry, baskets, porcelain, exotic percivore cuisine, pigments, seasonal fruits

Earth: cactus fruits, minerals and stones, gemstones, terracotta creations or construction pieces, ceramic work, glass tile work, roots and tubers, fossils, pigments,

Wind: rice, grains, construction grade bamboo, paper, rice paper, fabrics, plants and small birds for consumption, instruments (specifically wood-wind), silks, ribbon, sonorous sculptures

Shadow: fungal harvests, wire craft, tactical suits and mantles to conceal the body, iron weaponry with decorative detailing, insect and plant exports, huge root farming industry, lantern exports, candles, woodturned tools/utensils/decor/etc

Water: shells and abalone, fish, seaweed and kelp cuisine, boats and boat blueprints, crustacean cuisine, huge huge huge provider for the pescatarians, opal

Lightning: machinery parts, batteries, cactus harvests, insulation for both heat and electricity, exotic insect cuisine, dried and aged foods, electricity is produced in excess enough to provide immediately to the surrounding territories

Arcane: stained glass, lumber from the starwood strand (has unique properties and could be used for construction or artistic works), magical batteries made from the crystals, tomes and books, lenses, exotic herbivore cuisine, luminous pigments, tapestry work

Plague: immunizers/immunizations, craft and construction grade bones, leather, ale/mead/wine/whiskey/etc because they have the most intricate and detailed brewing and fermenting processes due to the understanding they have surrounding bacteria, pickled foods and pickling kits, surgical grade tools, cheeses, dry aged meats, medical practices unlike any other

Fire: weapons and armor, exotic carnivore cuisine, glasswork and glass blowing, obsidian and basalt export, geothermic energy(they can provide power enough to the surrounding territories) intricate mosaic and tile work, mineral exports, ceramic exports, blackened foods, metal shells and armor for vessels and vehicles and mounts

These are just what I can think of by examining the map and element at face value, there are millions of things these places can produce and export but I think these are the big ones or what they are known for, maybe even just the best quality versions of the export! If you want to use these ideas or add your own feel free!

[bardic-tales]

As part of my delve into the magic system for Fantasy Worlds Collide, I explored how magic interacts with technology and whether it replaces, duplicates, or enhances it in the Mortal Realm (Prime Universe). I also looked at whether spells and magical items can be mass-produced or used to improve manufacturing. This is a look of the rules and logic behind the magic system.

Are there magical means of transportation (teleport spells, magic carpets, dragon-riding)? How do they compare in speed, safety and expense to non-magical means? Are there any drawbacks to magical travel (for example, teleport sickness)? How commonly are they used, and for what purposes (industrial shipping vs. travel for fun)?

In the Mortal Realm, there are no magical means of transportation available for humans or members of the Templar Order. Humans rely exclusively on conventional technology such as cars, airplanes, and trains. the Military Order of Divvik, specifically, uses black SUVs for travel. These vehicles, powered by gasoline, are practical and accessible, allowing the Order to maintain mobility while blending into modern society. The absence of magical transportation eliminates the logistical and economic complexities associated with managing such systems, keeping the focus on human ingenuity and technology.

This reliance on mundane transportation, however, comes with drawbacks. The SUVs and other vehicles used by the Templar Order are subject to the same vulnerabilities as civilian transportation, including mechanical failure, road hazards, and limited speed compared to imagined magical alternatives like teleportation or flying mounts. While magical transportation might seem ideal for rapid deployment or avoiding danger, it does not exist in this world, ensuring the Order must plan their missions with precision and take into account the time and risks associated with physical travel.

Are there magical means of rapid communication? How commonly are they used? For what purposes?

In the Mortal Realm, humans and members of the Templar Order rely on modern technology for rapid communication, such as cell phones, radios, and encrypted messaging systems. the Military Order of Divvik maintains secure communication channels to coordinate missions and share intelligence without the threat of interception. There are no magical means of communication for humans; all methods must adhere to technological standards available in the modern era.

While divine beings and Prophets within the Order may receive visions or celestial guidance, these are not practical for daily communication and are often cryptic and open to interpretation. The lack of magical communication ensures the Order operates within the limitations of human technology, relying on strategy, coordination, and rapid information sharing through conventional means. This dependence on technology reflects the realistic constraints of their world, adding a layer of vulnerability and urgency to their operations.

Are magical weapons available? Can magic be used in warfare? In what ways? Are spells fast enough to be useful in hand-to-hand combat, or is magic more of a siege weapon, used only for long, slow things?

Magical weapons are available exclusively to members of the Templar Order and are often blessed or consecrated by celestial beings. These weapons, such as swords, crossbows, and even firearms, are designed to combat demonic entities and other supernatural threats. Their efficacy lies in their blessings, which allow them to harm beings that are otherwise impervious to conventional weapons. However, magic in this context is not inherently fast or flashy; it is wielded with precision and intent, often through blessings imbued into the weapons rather than spellcasting in the heat of battle.

In warfare, magic is generally more effective as a defensive or support tool rather than an offensive weapon akin to artillery or explosives. Spells, such as protective wards or holy sigils, take time to cast and are used strategically to bolster defenses or cleanse an area of demonic influence. Magic is rarely fast enough for direct application in hand-to-hand combat, where physical prowess and training are paramount. This limitation ensures that battles remain grounded and reliant on tactical skill, with magic serving as a powerful but deliberate force rather than a quick solution. Demons are usually decapitated quickly by the knights and their chosen weapon.

How has the presence of magic affected weapons technology? Can magic make weapons more effective? Do you have to do anything special to walls, armor, or weapons to make them better able to resist enemy spells?

The presence of magic, while rare and specialized, has influenced the development of weapons and armor within the Templar Order. Blessed weapons, consecrated by Clerics, are integral to the Order’s ability to combat demonic forces. These weapons are not inherently more advanced in terms of physical design but are made significantly more effective through divine enchantments. This includes the ability to bypass supernatural defenses, banish demons, and resist corruption.

Similarly, walls, armor, and fortifications used by the Order are often inscribed with holy symbols or treated with consecrated materials to resist demonic spells and influences. These measures ensure protection against supernatural threats but require continuous maintenance and re-consecration by Clerics to remain effective. This reliance on divine intervention underscores the Order’s dependence on celestial favor, as purely human-made tools and fortifications would be inadequate against the powers of darkness.

The most notable examples of magical weaponry are celestial swords, such as Alexander’s blade and the longsword gifted to Kayla Winters after her final trial. These weapons are not merely enchanted; they are infused with divine essence, making them extensions of celestial will. Alexander's sword burns with divine fire. This holy weapon is a direct manifestation of celestial power, capable of instantly banishing demons to the Lake of Fire upon contact. Its flames not only pierce the strongest demonic barriers but also serve as a beacon of divine wrath and justice, reminding both allies and enemies of the unwavering strength of the heavens. Similarly, Kayla’s longsword serves as both a symbol of her destiny and a conduit for her celestial abilities, enhancing her natural gifts while providing unparalleled resistance to infernal corruption. These weapons are as much artifacts of faith as they are tools of war, requiring their wielders to undergo rigorous spiritual preparation to unlock their full potential.

How has the presence of magic affected weapons technology? Can an ordinary, non-weapon-type object be enchanted to make it extremely lethal (the Frying Pan of Death) or will this work properly only on things that are already weapons? Can ordinary objects be enchanted to make them (or their user) supremely good at something (the Frying Pan of Ultimate Gourmet Cooking, the Comb of No Bad Hair Days Ever)? How common and useful are such enchantments?

In the Mortal Realm, the presence of magic has enhanced traditional weaponry rather than replaced it entirely. Weapons like swords, firearms, and crossbows are often consecrated by the Clerics and celestials of the Templar Knights, imbuing them with divine energy that makes them capable of harming demons or negating curses. These "blessed" weapons are pivotal in combatting supernatural threats, ensuring humanity's martial technology remains relevant in a world with otherworldly dangers. However, these enhancements require significant ritual effort, which limits their availability to elite groups like the Military The Military Order of Divvik. Ordinary humans outside these Orders rarely encounter such weaponry, keeping mundane arms like rifles and pistols as the primary tools of self-defense for the masses.

Non-weapon objects can be enchanted, but their efficacy depends heavily on their purpose. While an ordinary broom could theoretically be made lethal through enchantments, these spells tend to fail or backfire without proper attunement to the object's original function. Objects already designed for combat—like swords or shields—are better suited for enchantments, as their physical properties complement the magic. This ensures reliability and effectiveness, making enchanted weaponry a specialized craft rather than a common feature of human life.

To what degree does the presence of magic, magical objects, and wizards replace technology (for example, a chest that is enchanted to keep its contents cold could replace the refrigerator)? Duplicate technology? Supplement technology?

Mass production of magical items is largely unfeasible in the Mortal Realm, as each enchantment requires meticulous rituals, celestial approval, and the presence of a skilled Cleric. Unlike industrial manufacturing, the creation of magical items is a labor-intensive process steeped in spiritual discipline. This makes mass production impossible, though small-scale production lines, often overseen by The Military Order of Divvik or similar groups, may exist to produce essential items like consecrated poultices or holy water. These operations are limited to critical supplies and lack the scale of modern factories, ensuring that magical goods remain rare and highly valued.

Boutiques for magical items are nonexistent outside of the Order's infrastructure. Instead, most enchanted artifacts are distributed directly to Knights and Clerics for mission-critical purposes. In rare cases, rogue magic users or unaffiliated artisans might create and sell enchanted items on the black market, but these are often unreliable and prone to corruption. This scarcity and exclusivity preserve the mystique and sanctity of magic, preventing it from becoming a commodified aspect of everyday life.

Can spells and/or magical items be mass-produced? Are there magic carpet factories and boutiques selling magic rings?

While spells and enchanted objects can theoretically enhance manufacturing processes, their application is limited to high-value or mission-critical tasks. For example, factories producing weapons for the Order might employ Clerics to sanctify blades en masse or use enchanted tools to ensure precision and durability. However, the rarity of magic users capable of sustaining such efforts limits this practice to specialized industries tied to the Order's operations. Most businesses in the Mortal Realm rely on conventional methods, as the cost of retaining a wizard or Cleric outweighs the benefits for ordinary production lines.

Businesses affiliated with the Templar Knights or other religious organizations do keep magical experts on retainer, much like modern corporations hire legal or efficiency consultants. These individuals are paid for their expertise in sanctifying spaces, crafting protective wards, or optimizing workflows through divine blessings. Their services are expensive and primarily reserved for situations involving supernatural threats or the production of critical supplies. This selective integration of magic into manufacturing ensures that arcane resources are reserved for humanity's most pressing needs.

Can spells and/or magical items be used to increase the efficiency of manufacturing or mass production? Do businesses keep a wizard on retainer, as modern businesses might keep a lawyer or efficiency expert? What, exactly, are they paying for?

In the Mortal Realm, magic does not permeate society in the same way technology does; it remains a rare and specialized resource due to the limited number of humans capable of wielding it. While spells or enchanted items could theoretically enhance manufacturing efficiency—for instance, by automating repetitive tasks or repairing machinery instantaneously—such applications are heavily restricted by the rarity of magical practitioners and the divine regulations enforced by the Templar Knights. The Order’s stringent oversight of magical use ensures that it remains primarily focused on combatting demonic threats and fulfilling divine missions, rather than mundane industrial applications. Furthermore, using magic for commercial gain is considered sacrilegious by many, as it trivializes divine blessings granted for sacred purposes.

Some businesses, particularly those involved in critical industries like medicine or infrastructure, might keep a cleric or a magically trained consultant on retainer. These professionals are not employed for routine magical labor but rather for specialized tasks, such as creating protective wards for hazardous environments or crafting one-time-use enchanted tools. Payment for their services typically covers the extensive rituals, spiritual replenishment, and the rare materials required for their work. However, due to the strain and risks associated with human magic, such services are prohibitively expensive, ensuring they are a last resort rather than a standard practice.

[boinkingbattlemechs]

Locust

The Locust was one of the most common BattleMechs in existence, having been in continuous production since the design was first introduced by Bergan Industries in 2499. One of the smallest 'Mechs ever built, the Locust was designed exclusively for reconnaissance and quick strike missions, using its then-phenomenal speed to outrun most enemies. In a situation where it was unable to outrun its enemies, the 'Mech did have a light array of weapons with which to defend itself, but the Locust lacked the firepower or staying power to be a true front-line combatant and as a result few MechWarriors enjoyed piloting Locusts. Within its weight-class though, the Locust was considered an excellent 'Mech, overshadowed as a scout only by designs which mounted jump jets. Often when a Locust engaged in combat it was as a holding action until reinforcements could arrive, although when operating in groups of three they could swarm lone enemy 'Mechs that were separated from friendly support.

The main weapon of the LCT-1V Locust was a single Martell medium laser mounted in the center torso. Backing this up were two Sperry Browning machine guns, which effectively deterred infantry attacks against the Locust's vulnerable legs. These were located in either arm and fed by a one-ton ammo bin located in the center torso. Lacking hand actuators the Locust was vulnerable to other 'Mechs when engaging in close combat.

The primary asset of the Locust was its speed, using a 160-rated fusion engine to attain a cruising speed of 86.4 km/h and top speed of 129.6 km/h. This speed is necessary for the 'Mech's survival, since four tons of armor means the Locust can be quickly crippled or destroyed by direct hits. The standard engine-mounted 10 heat sinks are sufficient in most cases, although those variants which mount more energy weapons can suffer.

Bergan Industries built Locusts from eight different factories and supplied the Star League and its member states right through to the Amaris Civil War. During the Succession Wars the number of manufacturers increased and the design was being built in nearly a dozen factories, including ones in the Periphery. The wide variety of manufacturers meant production costs for the 'Mech were low and parts were widely available, leading to everyone from lowly pirates to corporate defense forces buying Locusts in large numbers. It also led to many different variants of the Locust, including a failed Davion version mounting a PPC, although those in the Periphery were largely limited to building the original LCT-1V model.

As the Succession Wars wound down those manufacturers within the Successor States began to experiment with new and rediscovered technology to build updated versions of the Locust. The Capellan Confederation in particular modified the Ares facility to build the LCT-1L variant of the Locust with a version of the Triple Strength Myomer that wouldn't catch on fire. Other updated variants, including the LCT-3D, LCT-3M, and LCT-3S were introduced just in time to take part in the Clan Invasion. After the war the Word of Blake approached Corean Enterprises about creating a new Locust variant for their militia, agreeing to buy the entire first production run to assuage the company's misgivings. The various Periphery powers, still largely reliant on the Locust, also began fielding updated variants of their own, although none of the Great Houses were much interested in revitalizing the line. Even into the thirty-second century though the Locust continues to be produced and used out in the Periphery.

* Manufacturers:

The following manufacturers produced the Locust at some time. Models and planets are noted where known. Vicore Industries was licensing its Locust variants to other companies by 3067.

- Bergan Industries has produced the Locust throughout its history, even licensing it to the four Periphery powers before the Amaris Coup.

- Ares: The 1V was in production from its introduction through at least 3054, by then being produced in limited numbers for triple-strength myomer testing using its 1L refit. The 1E was introduced in 2811, commissioned by the Capellan government to reduce dependence on ammunition. Production of the 1Vb was revived during the Jihad. The variant produced in 3080 was not specified. Bergan introduced its 7V during the ilClan era; the 7V2 is presumably a refit or production variant of the Bergan product.

- New Earth: The 1Vb Royal SLDF model was produced from its introduction in 2610, ceasing during the collapse of the Star League.

- Achernar BattleMechs' main facility was on New Avalon. The West Fabrication Facility on Achernar was a longtime producer of IndustrialMechs before its capture by the Word of Blake, who converted the plant to produce the Osprey; the plant was destroyed in June 3077.

- The WFF facility produced the 5W variant before its destruction.

- The New Avalon facility was producing the 3D in 3050 and 3054. They purchased the 5M license from Corean, with production starting in 3067.

- Alliance Defenders Limited: Produced the 1V in 3025, 3050, and 3054. The 3080 production model is not known.

- Bordello Military Goods, Inc. was producing an unspecified variant on Antwerp in 3080.

- Clan Ghost Bear salvaged the Locust line on Alshain after its conquest, producing the 1V by 3054.

- Corean Enterprises MacAdams-Suharno: Corean produced the 3M in its Stewart plant in 3050 and 3054. The 5M was part of the Project Phoenix revival, with the Word of Blake receiving the entire first production run during the early Jihad. The 6M was in production by 3071 and still going in 3085. The model produced in 3080 is unknown, though the 5W2 was in production by 3085.

- Defiance Industries: Defiance produced the 3S on Furillo in 3050 and 3054. The 5S was a Jihad-era design. The version produced in 3080 is not specified. Near the start of the ilClan era, they introduced the 7S.

- Diplass BattleMechs produced the 1V on Timbuktu until the SLDF invasion of the Rim Worlds Republic.

- Gibson Federated BattleMechs: FWDI produced the 3M at its Gibson facility in 3050 and 3054.

- Interstellar Armaments on Rockwellawan was producing the 1V in 3145.

- Majesty Metals and Manufacturing: MMM produced the ubiquitous 1V in 3025, 3050, and 3054. MMM was producing one or more variants on Canopus IV and Dunianshire in 3080.

- Pinard Protectorates Limited on MacLeod's Land still produced the 1V in 3050 and 3054. In 3080, PPL was producing an unspecified variant.

- Protectorate Military Industries on Erod's Escape was producing an unspecified variant in 3145.

- Rim Motors on Otisberg was producing an unspecified variant in 3145.

- Taurus Territorial Industries on Taurus was producing the 1V in 3050 and 3054. In 3080, TTI produced an unspecified variant.

The site or even producer is not always known or specified in available documents:

- The Marian Hegemony was fielding the 1V2 by 3067, though its source was unknown.

- The Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat were producing the 5V by 3067.

- The "Periphery-born" 5T was in use by the Capellans by 3085. The use of a machine gun array implies a Taurian origin.

(okay, holiday break is over, back to posting polls!)