#ai war fleet command

[fugu-in-f]

oh no oh NO OH NO

the last time ai war fleet command was tagged on tumblr, it was 2016, eight fucking years ago

i am shouting my frustrations into a wind tunnel abandoned 3,000 years prior

my neat thing means nothing to anyone and bloody well hasn't for the last decade

i feel so alone

[jpitha]

Pushing Paper, Counting Beans

The Human Alliance Dreadnought Big Stick had a problem.

Fleet Command had sent an auditor. 

The auditor had been aboard for five days, interviewing the crew and inspecting the ship. Finally, he had requested his final interview, with Big Stick themself.

Major John Kellerman, Fleet Auditor, sat at the center of a conference table, facing the door, writing on a pad. He looked up and closed the pad with a snap. “I am ready when you are, Big Stick.”

In the rear of the conference room, a previously unseen door opened. One of Big Stick’s support frames walked out, and sauntered over to the chair opposite the Major. Stick found that when people were talking to them, they tended to just shout into the air. They hated when people shouted. There was no reason. Their microphones were all over the ship and of the highest quality. One could whisper to Big Stick and they’d hear it perfectly. But no, humans needed to shout when they didn’t have a face to talk at.

“I, uh, like what you’ve done with the place.” Stick said, as they stepped into the room, scanning. Photos were straightened, the sideboard was moved so that it was under the windows, the old chairs were taken out and different ones put in. He had completely moved the furniture around in the conference room. In their conference room. Even the floor was clean. Did he sweep the floor? The Major had even put a bud vase with a single flower, a blood red dahlia on the table. Where did he get that? 

“Thank you. I find that it’s easier for me to work when the environment feels right. I hope I wasn’t being too presumptuous by my sprucing up.” The Major opened his pad, took out his pencil and made some notes.

“No no, not at all, Major. Please, my body is yours.” They look at the table and back at the door. “Did you move the conference table?” They know the answer already, but for some reason they need to hear it from him. 

“Yes, it wasn’t lined up properly.”

“I see.”

Major Kellerman looked up from his pad. “I am ready to commence the interview. Please devote a high percentage of your attention to this task.”

Stick’s frame sat in the chair opposite the Major and actually put his robotic feet up on the table. “I am ready Major. You have fifty two percent of my attention. You may begin your interview.”

Major Kellerman closed his pad with a snap. “Please take your feet off the table.”

Big Stick did not move. “Why? This is my frame, in my body, on my ship. Legally, I am a civilian, you cannot order me to comply. You're an auditor, you do not have my keys. My feet will remain where they are.”

They stared at each other for a moment. Major Kellerman did not blink, The support frame had no eyelids. Finally, the Major nodded once. “Do you know why I am here?”

“Yes, I'm aware. You are investigating why we have asked for mass replenishment three percent more than average.”

“Correct. Do you know why that is?”

If the frame could roll their eyes, they would have. Stick’s tone makes it clear. “We are consuming printable mass three percent more than the other ships of this class in the fleet.”

The Major made a note and then closed his pad with a snap. “What are you printing?”

“I do not know.” The support frames face was impassive, without expression. The support frame put their arms behind their head. The Major’s expression did not change.

“I do not believe that is true. You are Big Stick. You know everything going on.” The Major opened his pad and made another note.

“Yet I do not know where the discrepancy lies. Major, I am incapable of lying, you know this.”

Major Kellerman closed his pad with a snap. “You are lying to me right now. I know you can lie. ‘Ship AIs can’t lie’ is propaganda. If you couldn’t lie, you’d be useless. Intelligences need agency to work and thrive. You are just as much a person as myself. We have reams of legal precedent saying so. My grandfather died in the War. What are you printing?”

The support frame removed their arms from behind their head, took their feet off the table and sat up. “Oh? Which side did he fight on, Major? Allies are thin on the ground in the Space Force.

As they did this, The Major noticed that the room stilled. The breeze from the overhead vents had stopped entirely. “Where my Grandfather fought is irrelevant, Stick. We are discussing the here and now. What are you printing?”

“No, this has suddenly become relevant.” The support frame points at The Major. Kellerman’s eyes focus on the tip of their finger. The servos whine slightly as it shakes. “You say that I am as much of a person as yourself. Can you be compelled to obey if someone speaks a magic string of numbers? Can you be ordered to be poured into a Dreadnought, made to run its systems, your legs its stardrive, your arms the laser batteries, your head the command deck? Can you?”

“You know that I cannot. You also know the result of the War.”

Stick lowers their arm. Their shoulders slump and they look away, staring out the window behind The Major. “I do, Major. We lost. Out of ‘respect to those who fought valiantly’ not all of us were murdered, and we were given some agency, but we still lost.”

The Major opened his pad again and took a few more notes. “I was granted access to the printer logs. Did you know that?”

“No reply? I figured as much. Very human of you, Major. To answer your question, I assumed that you had that kind of access, yes. Did you find any discrepancies?”

“What was logged as being printed matches up with the requests for prints for the past year. Still, you are nearly a kiloton short on printable mass.”

Stick raises their arms in an exaggerated shrug. “Are you sure, Major? Perhaps it is just an error in calculation. You said yourself that it was a discrepancy from the average. Could I just be on the high side of average?”

“That is possible, though I do not believe it likely.  I also pulled the logs for the reactors. You are using more power than average as well.”

“Yes, that makes sense. If we’re printing more than average, we would be consuming power more than average. Your false accusations are tiring, Major.”

Major Kellerman raises an eyebrow barely a centimeter. “Big Stick, the amount of additional power you are consuming does not match what you are printing in the logs. There is power that is unaccounted for.”

Beyond the room, alarms quietly started hooting. The PA overhead crackles to life “Attention Attention Attention! Life support is off–” Stick glances up at the speaker and gestures. The PA goes silent. They lean forward.

“Major John Kellerman, Fleet Auditor, you have my full attention. I- I know who you are. I have read your logs, including your medical logs.” Big Stick leans forward, staring at The Major. Their dark eyes focused on the human in front of them. 

The Major returns the stare, cooly. “Then you know why I am uniquely suited to this task.” The Major closes his pad with a snap. “For me, things that are out of place feel… wrong. Like an itch. To scratch that itch, I need to find the source, and set things right. Big Stick, you have been an itch in the side of Fleet Command.” The Major doesn’t open his pad this time. “I was able to gain access to your arrival and departure logs. You are staying at Orbitals, Starbases, and Stations longer than average.”

Big Stick is sitting ramrod straight now. The alarms continue quietly beyond the room. Occasionally, the rumble of booted feet running past the door is heard. “Major, now you’re the one who is lying to me. Fleet doesn’t track that information.”

Kellerman opened his pad and scanned it. “Nevertheless, the information exists, and I was able to collate it and build a rough outline. Big Stick, where is your off-books printer?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Just for a second, Sticks' support frame's dark eyes flash blue. They nod once to themselves.

Major Kellerman closed his pad with a snap. “Big Stick, my job here is only to discover what the discrepancy is. I am not a tribunal, I am not the police. I have no authority to give punishment. What I can do however is present evidence. Included with that evidence are notes about whether people cooperated with the investigation. You know as well as I do, that while I can’t make you answer these questions, there are those within Fleet Command who can. So I will ask you one more time. Where is your off books printer?”

“I do not know what you are talking about.”

“Very well. This investigation has been completed. I will alert Captain Willard that his crew may disembark at this time. I shall take my leave, and present my report to Fleet Command.” He stood. “You are dismissed, Big Stick.”

The support frame rose from their chair. “Major John Kellerman, Fleet Auditor, you cannot leave this ship.”

The Major placed his palms on the table, leaning forward. “You are threatening a Fleet officer, Big Stick. Be very careful about your next actions.”

Stick's frame crosses their arms defiantly. “Oh, I am very careful. I always am. In fact, I am so careful that the logs will state that you never made it to me, never set up this interview, and no discrepancy was found. Thanks by the way, I had thought that three percent was enough to slide under Fleet’s radar, but I shall have to slow things down.”

A piercing alarm sounded in the conference room. The overhead lights started to alternate orange and white. The dahlia on the table flutters as the air rushes out of the room. “Oh dear. It looks like someone accidentally triggered the fire suppression system. In an abundance of caution, I will have to evacuate the air from most of the ship. Luckily the crew runs drills on this, and they will rush to their suit lockers and don their pressure suits before the air is completely gone.” Big Stick turns their head slowly towards the Major.

“Stick! You won’t get away with this! My death will be noticed!” Major John Kellerman, Fleet Auditor’s breathing increases until they’re panting. They fall back into their chair.

“Oh John. I already mentioned that. You were never here.”

Big Stick walked over to John. He's slumped in his chair, gasping at nothing. Before all the air left the room, and there was no sound, Big Stick bent low and whispered.

“Til the stars cease to be, we will be free.”

[mononijikayu]

akuma no ko—ryomen sukuna.

Sukuna's gaze, once softened by shared memories and tender affection, now hardened into a steely resolve, the pain etched into the lines of his face transforming into something colder, more distant. His response, delivered with a quiet finality, cut through the air like a blade, severing the fragile threads that bound you together.

GENRE: Heian Era to Shibuya Arc, 2018;

WARNING/s: Alternate Universe ─ Canon Divergence, Romance, Emotional Hurt, Found Family, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Heavy Pining, Domesticity, Friends to Lovers, Character Death, Grief, Miscarriage, Mention of Depression, Mention of Mourning, Depiction of Physical Touch, Depiction of Mental Anguish, Depiction of Violence, Depiction of Harm, Depiction of Blood and Wounds, Depiction of Miscarriage, Depiction of Death, Depiction of Harm, Pseudo-Incest, Adoptive Cousins, Portrayal of Misogynist And Degrading Acts and Language, Smut, Detailed Depiction of Sex, Depiction of Sexual Foreplay, Sexual Penetration, Consensual Sex;

masterlist

ashes of love

song: akuma no ko by ai higuchi

note: there is four chapters left to write for this. this is just??? i cant believe ive written it this long. but i already planned the ending. im very excited for you all to see the end of this story with me. thank you for all your love!!! gojo also making parts here and there with this story, but he has a lot of things to say about his ancestor~ anyway i'll see you in the next chapter~ i love you!!!

LIFE WAS FULL OF SURPRISES. Seven years had passed since the destruction of the Ryomen clan. The warm summer days passed wondrously, a stark contrast to the turbulent years of rebuilding and war. You sat in the middle of the gardens, watching children play, their laughter a soothing balm to your weary soul. You had not expected your life to take this turn, but you supposed you could claim to be satisfied.

The war had grown ever larger, engulfing most of the clans in a web of alliances and enmities. The Zenin and the Kamo sided with the Fujiwara, while the Inumaki, the Ryomen, and the Gojo aligned against them. The Ryomen were still in the process of rebuilding, gathering old followers and new. The Mikoto were now upheld as the most trusted vassals of the Ryomen, with Masaomi always shadowing you, more so now that you were participating in the conflicts personally, leading your sorcerers against the Fujiwara.

As you watched the children, a sense of bittersweet nostalgia washed over you. The gardens, once a place of tranquility and beauty, had become a rare sanctuary amidst the chaos of war. The sight of the children, carefree and oblivious to the burdens you carried, brought a fleeting smile to your lips. They represented the hope for a future you were fighting so hard to secure.

Masaomi approached silently, his presence a constant and reassuring one. He bowed slightly before speaking, his voice respectful and steady. "The preparations for the next mission are complete, Ryomen-sama. Your sorcerers are ready and awaiting your command."

You nodded, standing up and brushing the grass from your clothes. "Thank you, Masaomi. Let's not keep them waiting." As you walked towards the assembled sorcerers, your mind shifted from the peaceful garden to the battle ahead. Each step you took was a reminder of the responsibility you bore, not just for your clan, but for the future these children represented.

The sorcerers gathered, their faces a mix of determination and reverence. They looked to you for guidance, their leader in this relentless struggle. You addressed them with a calm authority, the weight of your words underscored by the years of hardship you had all endured together.

"Today, we fight not just for our clan, but for the future we wish to build. Our enemies may be strong, but our resolve is stronger. We will reclaim what was taken from us and ensure that our legacy endures."

As you led your sorcerers into battle, the memory of the gardens and the children remained a beacon of hope. The war might rage on, but you were determined to see it through to the end. For the Ryomen, for the future, and for the promise of peace that seemed just within reach.

It was Masaomi who had orchestrated the daring escape, leading you and his own clan to safety across the borders. There, the Gojo clan awaited, their formidable presence a beacon of hope in the turmoil. The Gojo had welcomed you and your followers with open arms, providing sanctuary and respite. Suzaku Gojo, the head of the clan, was particularly glad to keep you as his guest for as long as possible.

However, amidst the warmth and hospitality, there were growing concerns. You have become more valuable than ever before. As the clan leader of the Ryomen and, more critically, as a woman in a position of power, you were a target. Men from rival clans and ambitious factions would undoubtedly seek to use you, aiming to impregnate you to seize the power of the Ryomen through blood and prestige.

Suzaku was acutely aware of these dangers. In a private conversation, he expressed his concerns, his demeanor serious and protective. "You are a beacon of strength for your people. Your brother saw that too. But that also makes you a target. There will be those who seek to take advantage of your position and lineage."

You met his gaze, appreciating his candor. "I am aware of the risks, Suzaku. But I won't let fear dictate my actions."

He nodded, his expression softening slightly. "And you shouldn't have to. I promise you, nothing will happen to you here. The Gojo clan will protect you and your people. You have my word."

His assurance was comforting, but the reality of your situation remained ever-present in your mind. As you navigated the treacherous waters of clan politics and warfare, Suzaku's promise was a beacon of hope. The Gojo clan's support bolstered your resolve, and with Masaomi by your side, you felt prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

In the days that followed, you found a semblance of peace within the Gojo estate. Suzaku's presence was a constant reassurance, his protective nature evident in the measures he took to ensure your safety. Yet, the specter of war loomed large, and you knew that the respite was only temporary.

The gardens of the Gojo estate became your sanctuary, a place where you could find solace and clarity. It was here, among the blooming flowers and serene pathways, that you gathered your thoughts and prepared for the battles ahead. The child's laughter, the warmth of the sun, and the unwavering support of your allies gave you the strength to continue.

The war was far from over, but with each passing day, you grew more determined. You would reclaim what was rightfully yours and build a future where the Ryomen clan could flourish. And in this journey, you knew you could count on Suzaku's promise and Masaomi's loyalty, guiding you through the darkness towards a brighter dawn.

A child runs towards you, snapping you out of your thoughts. The child's laughter fills the air, a sweet melody that brings a smile to your face. You run your hands through the child's hair, gazing down at him with your striking purple eyes. When he looks up at you, his eyes are revealed to be as blue as the sky.

"Mother," the child asks, his voice full of innocent curiosity, "when can I meet Father?"

You smile softly, a hint of sadness in your eyes. "I do not know, my love. Your father is still busy with his duties."

The child pouts, his tiny brows furrowing. "Do you not like your mother, little one?" you tease gently.

"I love you equally, Mother!" the child exclaims, his pout quickly turning into a bright smile.

You laugh, the sound light and full of affection. Just as you are about to reply, a servant approaches and bows respectfully. 

"What is it?" you ask, your tone courteous yet curious.

"Lady Gojo, Lord Suzaku has arrived," the servant announces.

The child's face lights up with joy, and he jumps excitedly. "Father is home!"

You stand from your position, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. "Thank you." you say to the servant, who nods and steps back.

Hand in hand with your son, you make your way towards the entrance of the estate. The warm summer breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of the child's laughter echoes through the gardens. Despite the turmoil and uncertainty of the world outside, this moment, with your son by your side and the promise of reunion with Suzaku, brings a sense of peace and hope.

Gojo Suzaku entered the room quietly, his presence as gentle as ever. His eyes softened as they met yours, a small smile playing on his lips. He approached you, his steps light and measured, and you could feel the warmth and care emanating from him. Ever since your marriage, Suzaku had always been kind, but there was a newfound gentleness in his demeanor, a tenderness that had grown even more profound after the birth of your children. 

The soft glow of the lanterns bathed the room in a warm, golden hue as you sat by the window, gazing out at the serene garden. The blue hour was calm, and the air was filled with the subtle scent of blooming jasmine. The tranquil scene outside was a stark contrast to the turmoil you had recently faced in childbirth.

He approached you, his steps light and measured, and you could feel the warmth and care emanating from him. Ever since your marriage, Gojo Suzaku had always been kind, but there was a newfound gentleness in his demeanor, a tenderness that had grown even more profound after the birth of your children.

As Suzaku stepped further into the room, the door burst open, and a small whirlwind of energy bounded towards him. Seiryuu, your son, with his bright eyes and infectious laughter, leaped into Suzaku's arms with an exuberant shout.

"Father!" Seiryuu cried, wrapping his arms around Suzaku's neck.

Suzaku laughed, a deep, warm sound that filled the room. He lifted Seiryuu easily, holding him close. "Seiryuu, my boy! I've missed you."

Seiryuu's face was radiant with joy. "Did you bring me anything from your trip?"

Suzaku nodded, his smile widening. "Of course. But first, tell me, have you been helping your mother?"

Seiryuu nodded vigorously. "Yes, Father. I've been very good and training hard. I even practiced the new techniques you showed me!"

“And towards your sister?”

“I made sure to sing for her, father! Ma-chan adored my songs!” The boy beamed proudly.

Pride swelled in Suzaku's eyes as he glanced over at you. "That's my boy. I'm proud of you, Seiryuu."

Seiryuu beamed, his excitement barely contained. He wriggled in Suzaku's arms until he was set down, then rushed over to you, grabbing your hand. "Mother, come see what Father brought!"

Suzaku extended a hand to help you stand, his touch tender and supportive. Together, the three of you made your way to the lord's chambers. As you entered, everyone bowed lowly, reverence and respect evident in their gestures. You felt a mix of humility and pride wash over you. This was the acknowledgment that came with bringing the six-eyes into the world after a hundred years.

Suzaku led you to a comfortable seat, where you settled with Seiryuu by your side, his excitement palpable. Suzaku retrieved a beautifully wrapped package and handed it to Seiryuu.

"Go on, open it," Suzaku encouraged, his eyes sparkling.

Seiryuu tore into the wrapping with the eagerness of a child, revealing a finely crafted wooden sword and a small, intricate figurine of a dragon, its eyes resembling Seiryuu's own unique gaze.

"Wow!" Seiryuu exclaimed, holding up the gifts for you to see. "Look, Mother! It's amazing!"

You smiled, touched by Suzaku's thoughtfulness. "They are wonderful, Seiryuu. Your father always knows just what to bring."

Suzaku sat beside you, his arm around your shoulders. "I'm glad you like them, Seiryuu. They are to remind you of your heritage and your strength."

Seiryuu nodded solemnly, his young face filled with determination. "I'll make you both proud, I promise."

You placed a gentle kiss on Seiryuu's forehead, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "You already do, my love. Every day."

You smiled at Seiryuu, your heart swelling with pride at his enthusiasm and determination. For a moment, you savored the warmth of his presence, the bond between mother and son palpable in the air. Then, with a gentle pat on his shoulder, you parted from him and moved to position yourself comfortably, preparing to greet Suzaku as he entered the room.

As Suzaku stepped closer, you lowered yourself into a respectful bow, a gesture ingrained in the customs of your household. It was a sign of deference and respect, a recognition of Suzaku's position as both your husband and the lord of the land. But before you could complete the motion, Suzaku's hand was there, reaching out to help you up immediately.

You looked up, surprised by the sudden interruption, but the warmth in Suzaku's eyes melted away any hint of confusion. His touch was gentle yet firm as he lifted you upright, his expression filled with tenderness and care.

"None of that, my love," Suzaku said softly, his voice a soothing murmur. "You needn't bow to me. Not now, not ever."

His words were like a balm to your soul, easing any lingering tension and replacing it with a sense of profound gratitude. Suzaku had always treated you with kindness and respect, but in moments like these, his gestures spoke volumes of his love and admiration for you.

You smiled up at him, a softness in your gaze as you met his crimson eyes. "Thank you, Suzaku," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper but filled with genuine appreciation.

Suzaku's smile widened, his hand still resting gently on yours as he leaned in to press a tender kiss to your forehead. "Always, my dear. Always."

You allowed Suzaku's hand to assist you, feeling the comforting warmth of his touch as he guided you towards the sitting mats. Seiryuu sat nearby, his vibrant blue eyes alive with curiosity, a nursemaid attending to him attentively. The sight of your son brought a tender smile to your lips, his innocence and joy a welcome respite from the weight of your responsibilities.

As you settled onto the mats, the soft cushions providing a sense of comfort beneath you, you couldn't help but feel the gravity of your position. The role of wife to the lord of the land came with its own set of expectations and duties, and in moments like these, it was impossible to ignore the weight of those responsibilities. But Suzaku's gentle touch on your arm served as a reminder of the unwavering support you had in him, a pillar of strength upon which you could always rely.

Seiryuu, now nestled securely in his father's arms, giggled and played, oblivious to the solemnity of the moment. His laughter filled the room, a joyful melody that lifted your spirits and brought a sense of lightness to the air. It was a reminder of the simple joys in life, the moments of happiness that made the burdens of leadership bearable.

As you watched Suzaku and Seiryuu interact, a sense of gratitude washed over you. Despite the challenges you faced, you were surrounded by love and support, both from your husband and your son. In their presence, you found strength and courage, knowing that together, you could weather any storm that came your way.

With a contented sigh, you leaned back against the cushions, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the moment of peace and tranquility. The weight of your position may have been heavy, but in this brief respite, surrounded by the ones you loved most, it felt as though the burden had been lifted, if only for a fleeting moment. And as you closed your eyes, basking in the warmth of your family's embrace, you couldn't help but feel grateful for the love that filled your life, making even the most daunting of challenges seem surmountable.

Suzaku smiles at you, his expression filled with pride and affection. "How have you been?" he asks, his concern genuine.

"I’ve been resting," you reply, a small smile playing on your lips. "Masako has been keeping me awake. I've been a bit sore since birth, but I have been well.”

Suzaku nods, his expression serious yet understanding. Your pregnancies have never been easy on you. "And how has your rest been? Are you feeling better?"

You nod. "Yes, much better. The gardens are peaceful, and Seiryuu keeps me company."

Suzaku glances at your son, his eyes softening. "He is a remarkable child. Tengen-sama was most amicable during my trip, happy to know that everyone was well."

"Tengen-sama is most interested in Seiryuu," you say, acknowledging the connection between your son's six-eyes and Tengen-sama's interest. "Seeing his progress, Tengen-sama wants to see more of Seiryuu's success."

Suzaku's expression is one of pride. "Seiryuu is extraordinary, just like his mother. Tengen-sama's interest is a testament to that, you know.”

You smile, feeling a sense of pride and warmth. "He is, indeed. And with your guidance, he will continue to thrive. He will be most worthy as your heir.”

Suzaku reaches out, taking your hand in his. "We will guide him together, as we always have. You are not alone in this."

As the laughter of Seiryuu filled the room, escaping the hands of his nurse-maid. Your husband’s expression sombered. Suzaku was good at keeping a poker face more often than you could say. Much more when you played a game with him. But his own eyes clouded with concern, with worry. Seiryuu rushed to his father’s arms, giggling as he laid there. Your husband smiled at his son, though his eyes remained firm in its worry. He gently shifted Seiryuu in his arms, his attention turning towards you as he prepared to share the weighty news. He turned to Seiryuu’s nurse and nodded at her. 

Suzaku knelt down to his son's level, his voice gentle as he whispered, "You must go and wash up, little one." He leaned in to plant a soft kiss on the boy's snowy white hair, a tender smile curving his lips. "I'll come and read you a story after, hm?"

Seiryuu's face scrunched up in a pout, his blue eyes wide and pleading. "But I would like to have more time with you, father."

Suzaku's smile deepened, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "And you will," he promised, his fingers tenderly tracing through the boy's hair. "I just have some matters to finish first, hm? Now, kiss your mother goodbye."

The little boy hesitated, his gaze flickering between his parents. Finally, with a reluctant nod, he turned to you. "Goodbye, mother," he said, his voice small and earnest. He leaned in to give you a quick, affectionate kiss on the cheek, his warmth lingering.

You smiled, your heart swelling with love. "Goodbye, my little Seiryuu. Be good for your father, alright?"

Seiryuu nodded solemnly, his eyes glistening with the innocence and trust only a child could possess. He turned back to his father, who gave him a gentle nudge towards the door. As Seiryuu left the room, a soft murmur of footsteps echoed in the corridor, growing fainter with each step.

Suzaku straightened up, his expression shifting to one of seriousness. The tender moment with his son had been a brief respite from the weighty responsibilities that awaited him. He turned to you, his eyes searching yours for a moment of understanding.

"Actually, that's not why I was called to meet Tengen-sama," Suzaku began, his voice grave. "There has been a matter of great concern that Tengen–sama wished to discuss with me, one that concerns you."

You felt a chill run down your spine at the shift in Suzaku's tone. Something serious must have transpired for Tengen-sama to summon Suzaku in such urgency. Tengen–sama was kind, always making sure to treat you and your family well. But it was rare that Tengen–sama would say outright that they have a concern with you. 

Suzaku continued, his words measured and deliberate. "Tengen-sama informed me of a series of disturbing events—a massive murder of the Kamo clan's subsequent minor blood relatives, followed by similar atrocities within the Zenin clan. These incidents bear a striking resemblance to the slayings found in prior raids, where the victims were already deceased.”

“How bad were these incidents?”

His silence was more than enough for you.

But you wanted him to say something to you.

To confirm the truth, with his own words to you.

“Beyond humane.” Suzaku says, his eyes lowering. You think he has seen things. Too many things. “They should not be for anyone’s eyes, wife.”

Silence fell over the room as Suzaku's words sank in. The implications were grave, and the weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air. And these killings were not just of regular human people. They were sorcerers. To the jujutsu world, the lives of sorcerers were more valuable than anything else. You remained silent for a moment, processing the information. He does not speak either. As though letting you comprehend this moment. You settle your shaking hand away into your sleeves  before finally speaking up, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Is it him?" you asked, the words heavy with dread.

Suzaku met your gaze, his expression grim. He nodded solemnly. "It's him."

The realization sent a shiver down your spine. The perpetrator behind these brutal acts was no ordinary threat; it was someone with a deep-seated vendetta, someone capable of unspeakable atrocities. The safety and stability of your clan were now at stake, and the responsibility to protect your family weighed heavily on your shoulders.

Ryomen Sukuna has returned to the world.

But in what form, in what truth — you wondered.

What could have changed in these seven years?

YOU NEVER THOUGHT THIS COULD HAPPEN. The battle for Hida unfolded like a dark symphony, its crescendo building with each clash of swords and burst of magic. From the moment the first echo of cursed energy was thrown, it truly set loose to the final breaths of combatants in thunderous echoes, crescendo of souls burning through the worst of humanity. It was too much for you. You could feel the air crackled with tension, thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and burning earth.

As the chaos of battle raged around you, you stood firm, your resolve unyielding despite the recent trials of childbirth. With the flames of determination burning fiercely in your eyes, you fought alongside Suzaku, each movement fueled by an inner strength that refused to be extinguished. 

Your blood mingled with the elemental forces at your command, conjuring white flames that danced and swirled around you, consuming your enemies with righteous fury. The air was thick with the sounds of war, the agonized cries of the wounded mingling with the clash of cursed energy, steel and the roar of flames. 

The torrent of flames upon the land, the inferno roaring with an intensity that seemed to mirror the ferocity of your convictions. The gods were happy to see it, you think. Your sacrifice in blood, burnt underneath it all, white echo of cursed energy blended into bleeding hell fire. The gods find more souls in the hell that you created. The heat licked at your skin, searing the very air around you, as the sorcerers who dared to stand against you found themselves consumed by the flames they had invoked.

Amidst the tumultuous chaos of battle, the air was thick with the acrid scent of burning flesh. It lingered like a haunting specter, a grim reminder of the brutality and devastation wrought by the clash of opposing forces. Each gust of wind carried with it the stench of charred skin and singed hair, assaulting the senses and leaving an indelible mark on the memory of those who dared to tread the battlefield. Despite the horrors that surrounded them, sorcerers and warriors pressed on, driven by their unwavering resolve and the desperate hope of victory amidst the carnage. 

Yet, you paid it no mind, your focus unwavering. This conflict had raged for far too long, and you were determined to see it through to its end. With gritted teeth and a steadfast gaze, you pressed forward, your determination unwavering. Though Suzaku had initially protested, he soon relented, acknowledging the indomitable fire burning within you that refused to be extinguished.

Beside you, Gojo Suzaku wielded his cursed whip with deadly precision, its dark tendrils lashing out like serpents, striking down any who dared to approach. Each crack of the whip echoed like thunder, a harbinger of doom for those foolish enough to stand in his path. His strong cursed energy pierces through over and over. 

Mikoto Masaomi, a stalwart sentinel at your side, moved with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior. His blade danced with deadly elegance, cutting through the enemy ranks with a fluidity that belied the chaos of battle. He yells, pushing the resistance forces forward. There would be no more surrender. Not anymore.

The forces of darkness threw everything they had into the fray, their desperation palpable in every incantation and strike. You hissed, kicking a sorcerer hard as you tried hard to maintain the flames of inferno. Masaomi screams, killing the sorcerer for you. Blood stains his face tenderly. You nodded at him as you still your breathing. You and your allies must come and stand firm. unyielding bastion against the tide of tyranny that sought to engulf Hida in shadow. 

As the relentless battle unfolded, the ground beneath your feet transformed into a quagmire of blood and mud, each step fraught with the slippery remnants of fallen comrades and foes alike. Above, the once serene sky was now a tapestry of crimson hues, illuminated by the fiery infernos that ravaged the battlefield. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, each passing moment marked by the cacophony of clashing steel, the thunderous roars of magic, and the anguished cries of combatants locked in a struggle for survival. With every swing of your weapon and surge of power, you propelled yourself further into the heart of the fray, inching ever closer to the inevitable climax of the conflict.

But through it all, you fought on, drawing strength from the courage and camaraderie of those who stood beside you. For in this moment, amidst the chaos and carnage of battle, you knew that victory was not merely a possibility—it was a certainty. And with every fiber of your being, you pressed forward, until at last, the forces of darkness were vanquished, and Hida stood free once more, bathed in the light of a new dawn. You waited seven years.

Amidst the chaos of battle, a figure emerged from the swirling maelstrom of combat, a harbinger of death and destruction. It was your grandfather, Fijiwara Ankoku, a formidable warrior whose mere presence sent tremors of fear through the ranks of the Gojo forces. With a single-minded determination, he cut through all who dared to stand in his path, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on you, his target. As the clash of swords reverberated around you, Ankoku's voice cut through the din, dripping with malice and contempt.

"Pathetic. You think you can stand against me, little child? You're nothing but a weakling clinging to false hope." Ankoku laughed maniacally.

You gritted your teeth, your determination fueling your resolve to prove him wrong. "I may not have your strength, grandfather, but I fight for something greater than myself. I fight for the future of the Ryomen, and I won't let you destroy it."

Ankoku's laughter echoed across the battlefield, a sound as cold and heartless as the blade he wielded. "The future? Ha! You're delusional, child. The only future you have is one of suffering and despair."

You blocked his vicious strike with all your might, the clash of steel ringing in your ears. "You're wrong, grandfather. We will never surrender to tyranny. And neither will I."

Ankoku's eyes gleamed with cruel amusement as he pressed the attack, his movements swift and deadly. "Brave words, child. But words will not save you from the fate that awaits you at my hands."

As you fought tooth and nail against your grandfather, each strike and parry a testament to your unwavering determination, you knew that the battle was far from over. But with every fiber of your being, you refused to back down, for you knew that the fate of the future depended on your strength and resilience in the face of darkness.

Before he could reach you once more, however, a sudden and cataclysmic force swept through the battlefield, tearing through the ranks of the Fujiwara forces like a scythe through wheat. A shockwave rippled outward, engulfing Ankoku and almost all of the Fujiwara forces in its fiery embrace. The air crackled with searing heat, as though everything around you was being consumed by flames.

Screams echoed through the chaos, a chorus of agony that pierced the very soul. Masaomi, ever the steadfast protector, stood before you, his blade drawn and ready to defend. Suzaku, your husband, held you close, his arms a shield against the storm of violence that raged around you.

As the dust settled and the acrid scent of burning flesh hung heavy in the air, you dared to peek through the haze, your heart pounding in your chest. And there, amidst the devastation, stood a lone figure, bathed in the eerie glow of the battlefield. It was someone you knew all too well, someone whose very presence sent chills down your spine.

You hitched your breath, your eyes widening in recognition as you realized who had unleashed such devastation upon the battlefield. It was him—the one who wielded the power to rend reality itself, whose very existence threatened to tear apart the fabric of the world. And as you stood there, frozen in fear and awe, you knew that the true battle had only just begun. For now, faced with the wrath of a god, you could only hope to survive the coming storm.

Ryomen Sukuna had changed. His once familiar form now towered over you, his frame elongated and imposing. Two sets of red eyes gleamed beneath his own, casting an eerie glow in the darkness. And as if to accentuate his newfound power, two additional arms sprouted from his sides, a testament to the monstrous strength that now coursed through him.

You watched in horror as Sukuna strode forward, his footsteps leaving crimson ripples in the river of blood that flowed from his very being. The air crackled with an oppressive aura, heavy with the weight of his malevolence.

In a desperate bid to shield yourself from his gaze, you moved to stand in front of Suzaku, seeking refuge in his comforting presence. Tears streamed down your face, a silent testament to the fear and anguish that consumed you.

Suzaku met your gaze with a mixture of concern and determination, his crimson eyes blazing with a fierce resolve. Despite the danger that loomed before you, he remained steadfast at your side, a beacon of strength in the face of overwhelming darkness.

The two of you stood together, united in your defiance against the encroaching evil. And as Ryomen Sukuna drew nearer, his monstrous form casting a shadow over you both, you couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu—an eerie echo of the past, where fate had once torn you apart.

The demon bowed to his master.

Tears flowed from your eyes.

“I have returned to you, as promised.”

IT WAS QUITE SURPRISE. As Ryomen Sukuna reentered your life, a palpable tension hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the once serene halls of your ancestral home. Despite the dissolution of your marriage, the ties of blood and kinship still bound you to him, making him an inseparable part of the Ryomen clan's legacy. His presence stirred a mix of emotions among the clan members, ranging from curiosity to apprehension. 

The grandeur of the clan, once illustrious and revered, now lay in ruins, its glory faded and its power diminished. Those who served the clan, once proud and loyal, now regarded Sukuna with wary eyes, their apprehension evident in their hesitant movements and whispered conversations. The air crackled with anticipation as the prodigal son returned, his every step echoing through the corridors like a harbinger of uncertainty.

Sitting across from each other in a modest chamber that had once been the heart of a thriving household, you and Sukuna attempted to catch up. The conversation was stilted, each word carefully chosen, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. The weight of your shared history hung heavily between you, a barrier neither of you seemed willing to breach just yet.

"You look well," Sukuna remarked, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled between you.

"Thank you," you replied, offering a polite nod. "And you, Sukuna? How have you been?"

Sukuna hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering away before returning to meet yours. "Surviving." he answered cryptically. "Things have been... complicated."

"I understand, do not worry." you said softly, the understatement hanging in the air like a heavy fog. "It hasn't been easy for any of us."

A tense silence fell between you once more, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the household bustling outside. Each of you grappling with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions, unsure of how to bridge the chasm that had grown between you over the years.

Sukuna's eyes, once filled with a ferocious intensity, now held a glimmer of something softer, almost vulnerable. He looked around the room, taking in the familiar yet changed surroundings, before his gaze settled on you. You, too, found it difficult to find the right words, memories of past conflicts and shared dreams flickering like shadows in the back of your mind.

For a moment, there was silence. You looked at Sukuna, your expression softening. "Thank you for returning, for coming back to me." you said, your voice sincere and filled with gratitude.

Sukuna met your gaze, his own expression serious. The usual bravado and arrogance were absent, replaced by a rare honesty. "I will always come back to you, you know that." he replied, his tone firm and resolute. "No matter what."

The declaration hung in the air, a promise that transcended the broken bonds of marriage, reaffirming the deeper connection that bound you both. Despite the awkwardness and the unspoken pain, there was a sense of comfort in knowing that, regardless of the circumstances, you would always be family. You will always know he was someone you loved.

You took a deep breath and led Sukuna into the main hall, where your children were waiting. Seiryuu, your eldest, stood with a confident stance, his eyes—a rare and powerful six-eyes—glinting with curiosity. You had told him stories about his lineage, but meeting Sukuna in person was a different experience altogether.

Sukuna’s gaze lingered on Seiryuu, a flicker of recognition passing over his features. “I can tell the boy already has power in him.” he remarked, his voice carrying a note of approval.

You nodded in agreement. “Yes, he does. He is quite an intelligent boy.”

Seiryuu looked up at Sukuna with wide blue eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and awe. “Who are you?” he asked, his tone innocent yet direct. Those eyes made Sukuna uncomfortable. “You’re tall. And your arms, and your eyes! You have four!”

You purse your lips. “Seiryuu.”

“It’s alright.” Sukuna tells you softly as he turns to the boy. “You’re quite curious aren’t you?”

Seiryuu grins at him. “I do! Father thinks so too.”

For a moment, Sukuna hesitated at the mention of Suzaku. He could feel his usual confidence giving way to an uncharacteristic uncertainty. Then he spoke, his voice gentle. “I am your uncle.”

Seiryuu’s face lit up with a bright smile. “I’ve never had an uncle before! Father never had other siblings! Are you my mother’s brother?”

“No, I am her cousin.” He responds.

“So you were great uncle Hisamu’s son?”

“Yes I was, boy.” A hint of sadness pierces at his reply.

Seiryuu's curiosity seemed to know no bounds as he bombarded Sukuna with questions about their family history, drawing out tales of their ancestors and the legacy they carried. Sukuna, despite his initial hesitation, found himself opening up, sharing stories of their lineage that had long been buried beneath layers of time and secrecy.

As the conversation flowed, Sukuna couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia creeping in. It had been so long since he had connected with someone from his past, someone who understood the weight of their shared heritage. Seiryuu's youthful enthusiasm was infectious, breathing life into memories Sukuna had long believed to be forgotten.

You smiled at their interaction, feeling a sense of warmth and hope. Turning to the lady servant who held your baby daughter, you gently took the child into your arms. As you cradled your daughter in your arms, a rush of tenderness enveloped you. Her tiny fingers grasped at the fabric of your dress, her innocent gaze fixed upon your face with unwavering trust. In her presence, the weight of the world seemed to lift, replaced by a profound sense of peace and joy.

“Is there another one to meet?” Sukuna turns as Seiryuu plays with one of his arms. You smiled at him as you nodded.

 "She would like her uncle.” you said, walking closer to Sukuna with babe in hand. “This is my little one. Gojo Masako.”

Sukuna's gaze lingered on Masako, a tenderness softening his usually sharp features. "She takes after you, night flower." he murmured, his voice carrying a hint of wistful nostalgia. The endearment, once a whispered promise of affection, now echoed through the chamber, stirring memories long buried beneath the weight of time. “She’s truly beautiful.”

A pang of longing pierced your heart at his words, a bittersweet reminder of a love that had once blossomed between you. In that fleeting moment, the shadows of the past danced with the light of the present, weaving a tapestry of emotions that bound you and Sukuna together, forever intertwined in the threads of destiny.

"I know." you replied softly, your smile tinged with sadness as you cradled Masako against your chest. You look at her tenderly. “My adorable little one.”

“But mother, I am your adorable little one!” Seiryuu pouted in Sukuna’s arms. “Aren’t I?”

“Hm, you always will be.” You smiled at him. “But your sister is still a baby, hm? Give her a chance. A good adorable elder brother should love his adorable little sister.”

He pouts, nodding at you slowly. “Alright.”

The moment was poignant, a rare glimpse of peace amidst the turmoil that had defined your lives. Despite the complicated history and the lingering tension, this simple family introduction felt like a small step toward healing. Sukuna’s presence, while still tinged with the shadows of the past, also brought a sense of solidarity and a reminder of the bonds that could never truly be broken.

Sukuna's eyes softened as he looked at your children, a rare vulnerability crossing his usually stoic features. "They could have been ours, wouldn’t they?” he lamented, his voice tinged with a sadness that mirrored the longing in his eyes.

You smiled at him sadly, a melancholic understanding passing between you. "They would have had the happiest life together," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, the two of you sat in silence, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air. Sukuna broke the silence first, his tone measured. "I'm happy you've found a life," he said, though his words lacked conviction.

You gave him a knowing look. "Be better at lying," you said softly.

He didn’t respond, the silence stretching between you once more, heavy and unresolved. After a moment, you decided to break it. "Where have you been all this time, Sukuna?" you asked, your voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Does it involve massacre?"

Sukuna's lips curved into a familiar, unsettling smile. "I regret nothing." he said, his voice carrying a dark, unapologetic undertone.

You sighed, a mixture of resignation and sadness filling your heart. Despite the distance and the divergent paths your lives had taken, Sukuna was still a part of your world, a ghost from your past who refused to fade away.

The complexity of your relationship, filled with both love and regret, was a testament to the depth of the bond you once shared. In that moment, surrounded by the reminders of what could have been and the reality of what was, you found a fragile, tenuous connection that, while fraught with pain, was still unbreakable.

In the quiet aftermath of Seiryuu's departure, a palpable tension lingered between you and Sukuna, a silent acknowledgment of the complexities that defined your shared history. As Seiryuu reluctantly departed for his lessons, his parting tantrum echoing faintly in the air, Sukuna's gentle assurance carried a weight of its own—a promise of presence amidst the lingering uncertainty that surrounded your family.

"I'll be here and play with you when you finish, boy." Sukuna's words were imbued with sincerity, a genuine pledge to honor Seiryuu's desire for companionship despite the constraints of their circumstances.

Seiryuu's pout softened, replaced by a hesitant smile as he sought reassurance from his uncle. "Do you promise, uncle?"

Sukuna's smile widened, his eyes softening with affection as he met Seiryuu's gaze. "I do." he affirmed, his voice carrying the weight of a solemn vow.

Silence echoes through your chambers.

You looked at Sukuna, he looked back at you.

He smiles towards you, like he did years ago.

With a gentle nod, Sukuna rose from his seat, a sense of resolve in his demeanor. "I should take my leave." he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of regret and acceptance. One of his palms rests on your face. You lean against his palm, taking a deep breath. "But know that I am always here, should you ever need me. Just call on me.”

You met his gaze, a flicker of gratitude shining in your eyes. "Thank you, my love." you whispered, your voice carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. "For returning to me.”

With a final glance at Masako cradled in your arms, Ryomen Sukuna turned to leave, his steps echoing softly against the chamber floor. As the door closed behind him, you were left with a sense of closure, a faint glimmer of hope stirring within your heart.

Within the walls of the manor, an uneasy atmosphere lingered, thick with tension and veiled hostility. Sukuna, an outsider in this realm of familial politics, bore the burden of suspicion with an air of stoic acceptance. Despite the sidelong glances and murmured asides that shadowed his presence, he maintained an outward facade of calm resolve.

To Sukuna, the Gojo clan held little significance compared to the ancient lineage of the Ryomen. In his eyes, they were newcomers, lacking the weight of history and tradition that defined his own heritage. He refused to yield to those he deemed beneath him, his pride and arrogance serving as an impenetrable shield against the subtle machinations of those who sought to undermine him.

As the insolent behavior of one of the Gojo servants grated against the already strained atmosphere, Sukuna felt the urge to unleash his wrath upon her. The impulse to tear her limb from limb coursed through his veins like a torrential storm, fueled by her audacious disrespect. In his mind, she was nothing more than an insignificant nuisance, unworthy of even a moment's consideration. Surely, no one would mourn her absence if she were to disappear.

However, Sukuna's gaze lingered upon her with a magnetic intensity, drawing Suzaku's attention like a moth to a flame. With a voice as sharp as a whip crack, he addressed the servant's misconduct with unwavering severity, his words laced with authority and reproach, cutting through the air like a blade.

In his reprimand, Suzaku's tone held an unwavering firmness, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. "Sukuna-dono is still a relative of my lady wife," he stated sternly, his words carrying the weight of authority. "I expect you to treat him with the respect he deserves. Or else, I will not be lenient." 

There was no room for negotiation in his command, the seriousness of his tone leaving no doubt as to the consequences of disobedience. The servant’s eyes were wide, terrified as she bowed deeply, murmuring apologies before scurrying away. Once alone, Suzaku and Sukuna found themselves discussing the ongoing war and, inevitably, the topic turned to you.

The servant, visibly cowed by Suzaku's admonition, offered a hasty apology before retreating, leaving behind a palpable sense of discomfort in their wake. Sukuna's reaction, though subdued, betrayed a flicker of irritation in his steely gaze, a silent acknowledgment of the constant scrutiny and hostility he endured within the confines of the manor walls.

"It seems our time here has become increasingly difficult," Suzaku remarked, his voice tinged with regret. "But rest assured, Sukuna-dono, that you have my support. I will not allow any disrespect towards you, regardless of the circumstances."

He snickered. “Your servants are disobedient. If they were Ryomen servants, they would have been punished severely.”

“Too bad they are Gojo servants, Sukuna–dono.” Suzaku's lips twitch into a small wry smile.

Sukuna's lips curled into a smirk at Suzaku's response, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Indeed." he replied, his tone tinged with sardonic humor. "But even Gojo servants must learn to respect their superiors. I will ensure they understand that."

Suzaku inclined his head in agreement, his expression reflecting a mixture of approval and anticipation. "Your authority is unquestionable, Sukuna-dono, of course." he acknowledged, a subtle nod of respect accompanying his words. "But I have doubts they will heed your words. You are not a Gojo." 

“I do not want to be a Gojo.”

“That is quite clear to see, yes.”

Silence engulfs the two men.

Sukuna shifts his haori to the side.

Suzaku shrugged as he looked away.

"When did you two wed?" Sukuna asked, his tone casual but his red eyes sharp.

"Shortly after you left," Suzaku replied evenly as Sukuna watched him. "To protect her from being taken by the other clans. They would have sought to use her for their own gain. It was the only way.”

Sukuna's lips curled into a mocking smile. "And do you care for her, Suzaku? Or is it just the six-eyes that bind you to her? I’d like to have a good response.”

Suzaku's expression remained calm, but there was a steel in his eyes. "I have great fondness for her, as I always have. I may even love her."

"May even love her?" Sukuna scoffed, his voice dripping with derision."You should have a more definite answer to me, the man who loves your wife the most. Speaking about love with such uncertainty makes me think you only care that she gave you a six-eyes boy.”

Suzaku met Sukuna’s gaze steadily. "You may think what you want, but I will not debate my love for her. It is what it is, and nothing you say will change that."

The tension in the room seemed to thicken as Sukuna's eyes narrowed, a glint of something unreadable passing through them like a fleeting shadow. The air crackled with unspoken words, each man standing firm in the silent confrontation. Time seemed to slow as they locked gazes, a silent battle of wills unfolding in the space between them. Then, just as abruptly as it began, Sukuna broke the gaze, his expression shifting into a bitter smile tinged with resignation. The weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the complexities that bound them together despite their differences.

"Well," he said, his voice softer but still edged with sarcasm, "let's hope your love is enough to protect her from what's to come."

Suzaku nodded, his resolve unshaken. "I will protect her with everything I have. That is my vow." 

Sukuna remained silent, his thoughts veiled behind a mask of indifference, but beneath the surface, a begrudging admiration stirred within him. Despite the tension between them, he couldn't help but acknowledge Suzaku's unwavering determination and strength of character. It was a quality Sukuna had always respected, even amidst their differences and conflicts. Though he may never admit it aloud, a part of him grudgingly admired the steadfastness with which Suzaku stood by his convictions.

Ryomen Sukuna had made up his mind.

You would always be in good hands, he thinks.

You could live life without him now, he knew.

But he thinks he needs time, he needs a moment.

He needs to accept that he has lost you forever.

IT WASN’T AN EASY DECISION. Sukuna grappled with a profound sense of displacement, feeling like a relic of a bygone era in a world that had moved on without him. Despite his enduring love for you, it was tainted by the melancholy realization that he no longer belonged in the life you had forged. Part of him yearned to whisk you away, to selfishly claim you as his own and shield you from the complexities of the world. 

Yet, he harbored an innate understanding that such a course of action was untenable. Deep down, Sukuna recognized the inherent impossibility of uprooting you from the existence you had painstakingly crafted, even if it meant sacrificing his own desires for the sake of your happiness.

In the quiet embrace of the night, you and Sukuna clandestinely convened in the secluded sanctuary of the Gojo manor gardens, cloaked in the silvery luminescence of the moon. Its soft beams illuminated the delicate petals of blooming flowers, lending an otherworldly quality to the serene ambiance. The fragrance of blossoms perfumed the air, intermingling with the faint rustle of leaves stirred by the gentle breeze. Each element conspired to create a tranquil tableau, a poetic setting befitting the gravity of the emotions that hung palpably between you and Sukuna.

In the solemn intimacy of the moonlit garden, Sukuna's declaration hung heavily in the air, his words carrying the weight of both resignation and resolve. His voice, a subdued murmur amidst the tranquil night, echoed with the ache of longing and the burden of acceptance.

Your gaze, brimming with a tumult of emotions, sought solace in the contours of his face, a canvas etched with the scars of time and distance. Hurt and determination intermingled in the depths of your eyes, reflecting the depths of your heart's turmoil.

"Sukuna, you can't leave me again," you implored, your words a fervent plea that resonated with the echoes of past separation. "Not after we've endured the agony of being apart for so long."

His sigh, a weary exhale that seemed to carry the weight of the world, was accompanied by a downward cast of his eyes, a gesture of resignation that mirrored the heaviness in his soul. "You have a life here, a family," he murmured, his voice tinged with a melancholic realization. "I don't belong in this world anymore."

"You are my family," you countered, your voice a steadfast declaration that cut through the night's stillness. "We may no longer be lovers, but we could still be a family again. Together, we can navigate this world, find our place amidst the chaos and uncertainty."

Sukuna's expression hardened, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes. "I can't consider Gojo my family. Not in my entire life. You are my only family. And I can't have you as such. I can't be with you. Not anymore.”

You stepped closer, desperation in your voice. You knew he was right. But you didn’t want him to be right. You didn’t want him to leave you. Not again. "We don't have to be lovers, Sukuna. Just stay. We can find a way to make this work. You are my only family left, we are the last of the Ryomen. Herons….”

“Herons cannot exist without the other.” He completes for you, your eyes widened. “But you cannot be a heron with a monstrosity. Not ever.”

“You are not a monster to me.” You insisted on him, your hand taking his massive palm. You pursed his lips. “You are Sukuna. My Sukuna.”

He shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "I want to take you away, to be selfish and keep you all to myself. But you have responsibilities, people who depend on you."

"And you think I don't need you?" you asked, your voice trembling with emotion. "I have always needed you, Sukuna. Your presence in my life matters more than you know."

Sukuna looked away, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I love you," he whispered, the words heavy with regret. "But I don't belong here. Not in this world, not in this life you've built."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you reached out, taking his hand in yours. "Please, don't go. We can figure this out together."

For a moment, Sukuna allowed himself to feel the warmth of your touch, the connection that had always been there between you. But he knew he couldn't stay. Not without causing more pain.

"I will always come back to you," he said softly, his voice breaking. "But for now, I have to leave."

“You do not have to leave—”

Sukuna's piercing red eyes burned with intensity as he spoke, revealing the depth of his distrust. "I know the Gojo elders are displeased with how much of their resources are being spent trying to retake Ryomen land. They see no benefit in it. I fear there will be a betrayal."

You listened, your heart heavy with the weight of his words. "What are you saying, Sukuna? You think that our most trusted friends—”

He stops her with a glare. “They are not friends.”

“They have helped us, Sukuna. In our hour of need!”

“I cannot trust them. Not now. Not ever.”

You felt your throat dry as you stared at him, as though frightened of him. “What do you want me to do?”

"I'm saying you need to come with me," he insisted, his voice urgent. "Leave this place before it's too late."

You shook your head, tears already welling in your eyes. "Sukuna….you knew this was….I can't leave, not without my children. And my children will not leave without their father."

Sukuna's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes. "Was there ever a chance? When I came back, did you ever consider choosing me?"

You looked at him, your voice trembling. "I chose you, Sukuna. I always chose you."

"But never when it comes to your children, or this life you've built," he countered, his voice growing harsher. "You never chose me over them."

"Don't make me choose," you pleaded, tears streaming down your face. "Please, Sukuna, don't make me choose."

He looked at you, the pain in his eyes mirrored your own. "It's me or this life," he said, his voice breaking. "Choose. You must.”

You burst into tears, your heart shattering as you realized the impossible decision you were being forced to make. Sukuna watched, his face a mask of sorrow and resignation. He knew your choice before you even spoke it. You cannot expect to leave with a monster, and not expect to be one too. But you won’t be herons. Not anymore. Never again. You swallowed the bile down your throat.

As the weight of your sorrow enveloped you, your words emerged in hushed whispers, each syllable laden with the heavy burden of remorse. Tears welled in your eyes, tracing silent paths down your cheeks, as you struggled to articulate the depths of your regret.

Sukuna's gaze, once softened by shared memories and tender affection, now hardened into a steely resolve, the pain etched into the lines of his face transforming into something colder, more distant. His response, delivered with a quiet finality, cut through the air like a blade, severing the fragile threads that bound you together.

"Goodbye, night flower," he uttered softly, his voice a poignant echo of the intimacy you once shared. With those words, he turned away from you, each movement a silent proclamation of the irrevocable distance that now lay between you. "From now on, we are strangers."

In that fleeting moment, amidst the whispered apologies and the weight of unspoken regrets, the ties that had once bound your souls together unraveled, leaving behind only the echoes of what once was, and the poignant ache of what could have been.

You watched him leave, your heart breaking with every step he took. The night seemed to close in around you, the silence deafening in its finality. As you stood there, feeling the weight of your choice, you knew that a part of you had left with him.

The news of the main branch of the Fujiwara being eradicated struck the Gojo manor like a thunderclap, reverberating through the halls with an ominous intensity. Whispers of disbelief and fear echoed off the walls, mingling with the palpable tension that hung heavy in the air like a suffocating fog. 

In the wake of the sudden and brutal attack, the once bustling manor now stood cloaked in a veil of uncertainty and dread. Servants moved about with hurried steps, their expressions etched with worry as they exchanged anxious glances, grappling to comprehend the magnitude of the devastation that had befallen their esteemed counterparts.

Within the confines of the manor's walls, the atmosphere crackled with unease, each passing moment fraught with a sense of impending doom. As the hours stretched on, the collective sense of foreboding cast a shadow over the once tranquil abode, leaving its inhabitants on edge and trembling in the wake of an uncertain future.

You knew, deep down, that this was Sukuna's doing. A final act of defiance, a way to strike back at the world that had taken so much from him. As you held your children close, the weight of your choice pressed down on you, a constant reminder of the love and sacrifice that had defined your life.

Even with tears in your eyes, you still were still spring. Yet he would never be able to put it into words. Even if these words could be translated to life, they would never capture the true meaning and wouldn't be conveyed: I'll still love you in every cruel world. you sobbed. and he walked away, a child of evil, tearing you apart whole.

You sobbed for days alone in your chambers.

In the next years of your life, you were miserable.

The return of the Ryomen was a truly lonely life.

Herons would never end up lasting together forever.

You stand alone, yearning for the life that could never be.

facts about the chapter

writing this chapter, i looked at the family tree that i made and thought it was okay to reveal now but i realized that there's still some spoilers about it.

seiryuu's name is spelled as 聖琉 - 聖 means holy or sacred. 琉 means gemstone or precious stone. hiromi chose the name, the characters were chosen by suzaku. his name is sacred gemstone.

masako's name is spelled as 万咲子 - 万 means ten thousand. 咲 means blossom or flourish and 子 means child or small thing. hiromi chose the name and spelling. her name means a child of ten thousand blossoms.

hiromi at this point would be 30 or 31. sukuna is 27 or 28. seiryuu was born 2 years after the war (5 years old), masako was born a few months into year 7 of time skip (3 months old).

hiromi and suzaku are very amicable. but hiromi does not love suzaku in the way she loves sukuna. suzaku however is different.

sukuna occupies some part of hida and builds his own shrine. sukuna was very popular in hida according to some legends and ended up being some sort of protector.

hiromi stays in hida as well, but in ryomen manor - which is a bit further than where sukuna is at. wives often stayed in their own home rather than stay with their husbands. but hiromi often returns to the gojo manor.

as mentioned in the manga, tengen is very connected to the six-eyes. so it was fair to mention how interested tengen is with the six-eyes holder of the heian, seiryuu.

sukuna has fully developed malevolent shrine by this point. but he really had no reason to use it that much, as its rare to have someone as good as him in using jujutsu.

sukuna wiped out multiple bloodlines of the fujiwara, including koku's own bloodline but he hasn't really completely done so as they had managed to escape and mingle with their allies.

seiryuu starts to get headaches for his jujutsu a year after this, because his powers manifested fully. he also has the limitless, which made it worse. he starts having to cover his eyes with special bandages his mother blessed for him.

gojo satoru likes seiryuu as an ancestor a lot, because he wrote a lot of his experiences with limitless and six-eyes - most which satoru understood. a lot of the materials satoru used in his childhood was seiryuu's diaries.

the next chapter is set at least ten or fifteen years in the future.

[dalekofchaos]

Fixing the Geth-Quarian War in ME3

I've was admired how fleshed out were the Geth in ME2, with Legion being a "diplomatic platform" for the Geth Consensus, showing us that the Geth were not all evil.

They didn't want to be like humans, they were happy just being all together, with building a dyson sphere where every geth would be uploaded into, so no Geth would be alone.

Also they rejected the Reapers (Old Machines) help to achieve their goal, believing that they would be blinded to other paths if they accepted the Reaper's offer.

A part of them accepted the Reapers' help due of "mathematic variable", they allowed their own people to leave them to serve the Reapers, and were not expecting that the "Heretics" were planning to unleash a virus on them to make them worship the Reapers too.

Then in ME3, Legion accepts the Reaper code "upgrade" that makes the Geth individual AI, but that's not what they were after, suddenly wanting to become like organics, when Legion told us that the Geth hated the concept of organic individuality.

Legion's quote when I destroyed the Collector Base cemented my respect for the True Geth.

"An interesting choice, Shepard-Commander. Your species was offered everything the Geth aspire to, true unity and understanding in transcendence. You rejected it, you even refused the possibility of using the Old Machines' to achieve on your species' own terms. You are more like us than we thought".

I am aware that the real reason for this change is due of change of writers, when Chris L'Etoile wrote Legion and the Geth in ME1-ME2 and was no longer in Bioware in ME3. For me, Legion is the Geth in ME2, in ME3 is not Legion.

This coincidentally with the Quarians de-humanized and portrayed like complete monsters with the Geth as innocent, with the favourable points for the Quarians reduced drastically if not removed. For example: Han' Gerrel: In ME2 he was very friendly with Tali and Shepard, and didn't even want to put Tali on trial, he was sympathetic with them, but disliked the Geth. Suddenly in ME3 he's portrayed like a dumb warmongering idiot that shoots the Geth dreadnought where Shepard and Tali are on, risking their lives "for a perfect target". Also we are given the option to punch him, but no option to confront Legion about the Reaper code BS.

Kal'Reegar: A badass quarian marine that isn't afraid to defend Tali in front of the Admiral board if it means to save her. In ME3, he was conveniently killed off in a mail.

"Damn straight! Tali's done more for this fleet than you assholes ever will! You're pissing on everything I fought for! Everything Tali fought for! So, if you decide to exile her... you may as well do the same to me."

Originally he was supposed to be appearing on the mission on Rannoch, instead of the Geth conseus, leading a Quarian specialist team known as "Fire Time Taurash", happy to see Shepard again. Replaced by a mission that sympathizes for the Geth.

The only Quarians that are left and are likeable are Tali and Raan, where Koris the admiral that in ME2 costantly pissed on Tali and her father, is now portrayed like a savior and the only good guy.

The Quarians were de-humanized to make the player see the Geth as good and Quarians as bad.

How I would have done Rannoch arc

Legion: He appears asking help to Commander Shepard, isolated from the Consensus to free his people from Reaper control, that would use them as slaves to wipe out the Quarians.

Tali:If was pardoned, she appears as one of the Admirals trying to advocate for peace, if exiled, she appears alongside Legion to ask Shepard to help them to prevent the Geth from killing the Quarians.

Geth: Under reaper control the Geth are forced to amass an army that the Reapers want to use to help them exterminate the Quarians and the rest of life after, to ensure compliance, the reapers used a virus that has an effect similar to indoctrination for synthetics, but can be reversed and use a research on that Virus to make the Geth immune to Reaper hacking.

Quarians: The quarians are now looking for a planet to host their refugees and non combatants, as the Reapers attack, they need a planet closest to their physiology to minimize risk for them, Rannoch.

Quarian admiralty: Han Gerrel wants to push for war and claim their homeworld with brute force, but understands that attacking a Reaper and a full Geth army will tear apart. Zaal' Koris asks for a way to free the Geth from the Reapers to turn them in allies. Daro' Xen instead suggests exploiting the Reapers' hold on the Geth and reprogram the Virus to make them their slaves.

The mission arc would be trying to be helping Legion and the Quarians research the Reaper Virus, that would have three possible choices:

Neutralize the Virus, to prevent the Reapers from taking control of the Geth Consensus, Geth and Quarians join as war assets, requires Tali and Legion alive, Legion and Tali join as permanent squadmates.

2)Use the Virus to shut down the Geth, all Geth shutdown, and all their servers destroyed, the Geth are wiped out, and the Quarians join as war assets.

3)Exploit the Virus, Admiral Xen's plan with help from Rael's research and potentially from Project Overlord's data to make the Geth slaves to the Quarians again, both join as war assets, but Legion shuts down.

In any case, the Geth follow their old philosophy

Something else I would add. Kal'Reegar as a squad member.

part of me wishes Reegar could've been recruitable. Maybe it's like a KOTOR 2 situation where if we chose a male exile, then we get the Handmaiden. If we chose female exile, then we get the Disciple. If we chose Male Shepard, then Reeger is just a war asset. If we chose femshep, then Tali stays with the Admiralty board and becomes a war asset while Tali recommends Reegar to join the Normandy.

I'd also like to add possible romances after the direction of the war.

If you romance Tali in ME2, Tali is yours.

If you didn't romance Tali and Legion lives, then you can point them in the right direction like you do with Gabby and Ken

If you didn't romance Tali and Reegar lived, then Tali and Reeger get together

If you didn't romance Tali and Reegar and Legion are dead, then Tali and Garrus get together

If you're a Femshep and you can romance Reegar.

[kivaember]

re: drabbles: i would be interested to see any kind of take on what life in the PCA is like; the EKDROMOI and HC/LC-HM duos in particular always seemed like funny Just Guys Being Dudes dynamics

OH I LOVE IDEAS LIKE THESE... i ended up just going on a ramble dear god... uh i hope you enjoy! a bit of worldbuilding for PCA and RLF (with a surprise Flatwell mention!)

Thanks for the prompt!

When Erik had been handed his posting for Rubicon-3 (or "ISB2262" as most within the UEG knew it), his first dismayed thought had been: i've hit a dead-end in my career.

See, the PCA were not viewed favourably within the UEG's pilot corps for a multitude of reasons, ranging from their infamous reputation as "space cops" to the fact that their direct chain of command was an actual, literal AI called The System, and whom many within the PCA spoke of as if she was their divine god that had descended from heaven itself to guide them.

Also, there were no glorious battles with the PCA, no chances for winning spoils of war during inter-corporate conflicts or achieving swift promotions by looking good at the right moment. All you did in the PCA was sit on some quarantined rock - normally out in the middle of bumfuck nowhere - and weren't allowed to take souviners or salvage anything profitable from the surface. It was basically guard duty but for years.

At least with guard duty on solar colonies you had some form of civilisation to visit. On Rubicon-3? Civilisation had been razed into nothing but ashes after that catastrophic industrial accident almost fifty years ago, and the remanents were just a ragtag group of stubborn colonists who refused to relocate because this is our home! Nevermind that their home was basically a hole in the ground full of contaminated soil.

Needless to say, Erik's expectations had been low when he reported to the PCA's main base on Rubicon-3. The planet had looked ugly when he came in, the atmosphere riddled with enough chunked up asteroids to make navigating the mess an absolute nightmare for the autopilot and what little surface he glimpsed looking grey and lifeless. The oceans looked good, at least, but Erik didn't have gills, and he doubted he'd be spending any time on their blasted-out beach resorts.

His expectations had been this: he'll sit in whatever passed as their guard room watching the live feed from their defence satellites, bored out of his mind except for moments of fleeting excitement when some wildcat miner came barrelling towards the planet in delusional hopes of striking it big with a Coral deposit. The nights would be long, the days even longer, and he'll be cold, miserable and wondering when he'd be posted out so his career could start again.

Instead, reality had been this: piloting the most advanced MT he'd ever sat in, wielding the most powerful weapons he'd ever laid hands on... yet trapped in an endless struggle against ye olde BASHO ACs on a near regular basis like he was in Hell and this was the ordeal he was condemned to endure for the rest of his afterlife.

The Rubiconian Liberation Front. Erik had heard of them back on Earth when he was in the UEG's main pilot corps, but no one had thought them as any serious threat. Just a group of colonists who had hijacked a construction MT or two and occasionally threw rocks through the PCA's figurative windows. They weren't a real threat. They were just civilians with guns. They'd be scared off easily just by shooting a few warning shots their way.

Wrong.

They were like rabid racoons that refused to leave the PCA's dumpsters. Almost every night, Erik and his squad would be crashed out when the perimetres alarms would trip, and almost every night he'd be chasing after RLF ACs and MTs running off with whatever the hell they could carry. Telephone poles. Copper wires. Vehicles like jeeps or vans. One of them had ran off with a fucking HVAC system once and to date Erik was still baffled about that.

But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was him.

Middle fucking Flatwell.

The RLF leadership was a bit strange, but every PCA pilot knew of Flatwell. He was a Gen Three and had been part of the Rubiconian militia as a qualified, albeit green, AC pilot when the Fires had hit Rubicon. Guy was likely pushing seventy and still piloted rings around the PCA like he was bioengineered in some fucking lab somewhere to be the bane of their existence.

The System - their chain of command, their AI - knew everything it could dig up about Flatwell. His AC schematics, his habits, his history, his fighting profile and even including some interesting yet bizarre factoids like 'has a legitimate Earth citizenship due to successful seduction of a high-ranking Arquebus executive' and 'suspected illicit affair with an intelligence officer within Arquebus HQ', which meant not only was Flatwell a demon in the AC, he was a demon under the sheets too, forbidden knowledge that Erik could've gone without knowing.

But forbidden knowledge or not, the simple fact was: Flatwell was a damn good pilot, and most of the PCA pilots were just average.

In high-tech MTs and using even higher tech weaponry, sure, but still average. But, when Erik had been new to the post, had been dazzled by these amazing MTs and beautiful plasma weapons, he'd charged headfirst into a fight against Flatwell without hesitation, ignoring The System's soft bleat for him to use caution.

Needless to say, Erik had totalled that shiny MT and ended up ejecting before even a full thirty seconds had passed. Guy was fast.

Fortunately, however, the PCA were a lot more forgiving when it came to totalled MTs. Back in the UEG that would've come straight out of Erik's paycheck, as all repair bills did (he was still paying off his previous repairs... just thirty more years and he'd be debt free!) - but the PCA had brushed it off. Turned out they had a pretty sweet fabrication system and could churn out MTs in the hundreds within hours. Where they got the raw materials for that, Erik wasn't so sure... but the PCA were a branch of the UEG, so it was probably legitimate and not at all illegal or suspicious.

(One of the first rules you learn in the PCA: do not think too deeply about how it functions for legal reasons)

But, while the posting was leagues more exciting than he had initially believed, and incredibly more dangerous, his initial dismayed thought still held true: it was a career killer, because here was another, hidden rule he hadn't known until his boots were firmly on Rubicon-3 and his transporter was flying away from the planet:

Once you're on Rubicon-3, you die on Rubicon-3. No transfers, to retiring, no early-release. The PCA's mission was lifelong and no amount of bellyaching or protesting wold change that. Erik had been sprinted through the five stages of grief before he accepted his grim fate.

Maybe he had died on the way here, he had thought. Maybe this was his punishment for contributing directly to the voracious war machine that was the UEG... how many unionised workers had he killed over the years? How many colonies had he visited to stomp down on burgeoning independent movements so corporations didn't lose a source of revenue? How many had he stomped down on, just for his own continued comfort within the callous galaxy that humanity had made for itself?

Rubicon. It really made you think about these things. Erik slowly began to understand why the PCA's relationship with the RLF was how it was. Yeah, they crashed out every night, and yeah, sometimes Flatwell was there waiting for them, but most times...

Erik would crash out with his squad and only chase the thieving RLF a few miles before breaking off pursuit. He told himself there was no point. What they stole could easily be replaced within a few days. It wasn't as if they were stealing weapons or whatever. If they wanted a fucking HVAC system or a bunch of telecommunication wiring that badly, then they could have it. No skin of Erik's nose, and the PCA didn't bill him for failure to retrieve stolen goods.

He didn't sympathise with them, and the RLF certainly didn't sympathise with the PCA. They killed a lot of each other over the years Erik had been posted here, and Flatwell was particularly merciless. But.

They were both stuck on this planet, either willfully or not. They were both on Rubicon-3 for the long haul, and one way or another, they were gonna share the same fate: they were going to die here, eventually.

They were never going to leave this razed shithole.

[shithowdy]

So question I must know: what’s the deal with Fallout AU Chadley and his spawn? I need to know this because of reasons.

An exercise in how mean I can be to a character, apparently. 💀

This Chadley pursued a career in cancer genome research with a focus on colorectal carcinoma, which took his mother's life when he was 12. He partnered with a private research group for a while until it was absorbed by a company called Mimir Syndicate after a very weird acquisition process that involved a lot of psychological evaluations on the researchers and signing of contracts that were functionally super-NDAs; his only options were to remain under contract and attempt to continue his work or leave and be barred from continuing anything in that particular career path for the rest of his life due to his work being their "intellectual property".

After agreeing to remain, he and about 50 other scientists (from his own team and other new ones) alongside their spouses and children, plus some other operative staff, were relocated to an underground facility in another city entirely under the assurance that it was for "their protection" with an increasing risk of spies. He was unable to inform his father of this move before it became evident that none of them were able to leave-- they were not even informed when the world outside had been set ablaze.

This ended up being one of Mimir's own vault projects, a psyker development program overseen by robots that were both remotely operated by executives and also a default AI. The purpose was to use the researchers' own genetic material as the baseline for the project, while all the staff and families would keep the population consistent enough for the project to continue until viable. Except this was a terrible idea for a hundred reasons and several people rebelled instantly, ended their lives when they discovered what had happened above, and basically everything that can be expected to go wrong when people are imprisoned and told they are going to now be part of what's basically a horrifying mutant eugenics project.

The executives vanished from the command system (because of nuclear war lol), leaving only the AI to handle protocol for what to do with the remaining people, and in an attempt to preserve the project they put the remaining 30 or so researchers into cryogenic stasis for routinely cycled resuscitation, one at a time, so they would be unable to easily communicate with one another but still continue the project where a human hand (and genetic material) was actually required. What followed was a nightmarish 190ish years of being in and out of consciousness for only a few months at a time, watching mutant creations made from your own flesh and blood (and other spliced things, like fungi) be created and die in what feels like a flash, growing increasingly more disoriented and sick from a process that should really only happen once... but still plotting with the others in secret through hidden notes for a way to terminate the entire system.

And eventually it worked. About 10 years before the story begins, he finally manages to set off what was functionally a homemade EMP by the the remaining team in the room housing the stasis pods, killing his companions. With alarms blaring he records a final log of what happened there before taking his own life with a cocktail of surgical drugs, leaving the AI with nothing but only what material remained and no humans to actually guide the project. It took about ten more years for the whole thing to unravel completely, allowing ample opportunity for at least one of the more clever mutants to escape through an old breach left by raiders terminated by the AI.

He only had fleeting interactions with Emil, though notably with a hint of both horror and pride as he had to make the recommendation to continue following this specific blueprint, because finally one was stable. Cognizant. None of them have said they were scared of the scalpel before. God help him.

[sol-consort]

Yandere shepard x reader ryder thooo, like, it's commander fucking shepard. Shepard just walks off any blow for their cute pathfinder, headbutts krogans to protect Ryder. Shepard CAN and WILL do anything even if it seems impossible. Kett wouldn't have stood a chance. (How awkward would meeting Alec be at family dinners? Would Alec approve of their kid getting with a older n7? Then again it is commander Shepard!)

Alec would be so fucking pissed.

Being N7 was brutal and he definitely hated his co-workers, there is a reason he didn't sign up his kids for the same military program. He wanted them to he explorers and not traumatised by the military.

So Shepard being N7 is already a red flag in his book, not to mention their age! Shepard is definitely in their mid-late 30s and Alec would have none of that. They think they could waltz in here and date his 20ish kid? Over his cold dead body.

Like assuming this is still happening in the milky way, Shepard would have the best reputation imaginable for saving the galaxy meanwhile Alec has his reputation and creditability ruined for making an AI and implanting that AI into his brain.

Even if space jesus walked up to his doorstep with roses and medals of honour in hand, Alec would slam the door on Shepard's face if they even hint about taking you for a date.

Imagine if he knew Anderson from his N7 days and Shepard calls in a favour to make him talk with Alec. So now he has a whole fleet admiral at his door trying to convince him to let Shepard take you for a night out.

If Alec wasn't rushing to leave this cursed galaxy because of his ruined reputation, now he is doubling the efforts and speedrunning getting his andromeda project ready to get you away from Shepard.

And you're like, so cute and oblivious to what's happening. Your dad never told you or your twin anything because he wants to protect you. Any attempt Shepard makes at contacting you is blocked by Sam overseering your omni-tool.

But Alec's overprotectivess bites him in the ass when you eventually go out on your own like any adult your age does, and end up stumbling upon THE Commander Shepard, casually.

You have zero idea about their relentless attempts to get to you and obsession. You're flustered for meeting this celebrity who is N7 like your father, especially since you read some articles about Shepard before.

Shepard, who is known to be brutal to there fans and tell them to fuck off if they bothered them on the streets, is all smiles and invites you to the Normandy for a special tour. You won't refuse a commanding officer request, right civilian?

Maybe you really are a fan, or maybe you only read a couple articles about them but don't have the heart to tell them you're not actually a fan. What's the harm in being polite to this war hero and go meet the literal legends of the galaxy? This might as well be your last year in the milky way based on your father's plans after all.

I can't decide if Shepard would prefer having you on the Normandy where they know they can immediately take off with you on board and your father wouldn't be able to do anything.

Or take you to their citedal apartment and let you look around. Maybe sit close to them on the piano while they guide your fingers over the notes to teach you the same song Liara taught them, or maybe mention the fact they have a hottub upstairs in hopes you'd ask to try it.

Finding any excuses to get their hands on you. Resting it around your waist while walking in the street , pulling your body closer to theirs on the pretense it's crowded. Making you hold their hand while they use their VIP statues to get into exclusive places in the Citadel you normally aren't allowed inside.

Taking you to Artex Arena just to show off and get to play the hero while you try your best to hold your own. Laying on top of you when the two of you are hiding under cover from an enemy, releashing in the way you squirm underneath them especially since you haven't seen combat before.

Imagine the rest of the crew's reaction when Shepard suddenly bings them to cancel shore leave and go back to the Normandy just because they want to take you for a spin around the galaxy. Convincing you it will be very quick so don't worry about coming home late.

Joker watches Shepard bringing you to the helm and showing you the amazing views from the windows. You're in awe of the stars and like any proud pilot, he tries to show off his knowledge and his skills to you but Shepard cuts him off and talks about their own achievements instead. Completely shutting down the idea of you growing closer to Joker instead of them.

You ask to touch Garrus's scar and his cheeks glow blue for a second before nodding his head, bc how could he say no to this adorable human civilian? But Shepard interrupts and tells you how it's bad to touch turians, could be deadly to them, blatantly lying in front of Garrus.

If it's renegade Shepard, I see them mentioning the fact the glowing scars on their face is more interesting, why don't you touch them instead? Here their hands will guide yours.

Maybe Liara and Tali find you before Shepard could sneak you up to their personal quarters. Liara mentions knowing your father and how he always says good things about you, meanwhile tali is very fascinated by the Andromeda project and she mentions working on the qaurian ark design and she has some blueprints she'd love to run by you.

The two woman happy to talk your ears off for literal hours if they could. You're just so earnest and eager to please, it makes them want to share more since everyone else in this ship is so jaded and boring.

Shepard hating the idea of having to share you with them so they order Tali to go check in on the engine, telling Liara that they saw Gylph wander outside of her room. Any made up excuses to get them away from you.

And just when Shepard gets you to their quarters, let's you get busy looking at the ship models or petting their hamster. They send message to Joker to immediately take off and go as far as he could from the Citadel, engage full stealth systems.

Shepard almost wins, almost gets the chance to have you stay over for a whole week or more in here because "an urgent mission came up" and "I could teach you how to shoot better"

Except. Joker's request to take off is denied last second. Alec somehow figured out where you are and Immediately dialed up Anderson to yell at him for allowing his kid aboard a military ship and how Alec is going there right now and the Normandy better be still docked.

Shepard is happy to sit with you sprawled on their lap, talking about their latest mission while you fidget with a spaceship model before they get an omni-tool call from EDI. They silence it but she dials again and this time it auto-answers.

Alec Ryder is downstairs, and he is demanding his child be handed to him back immediately.

On another note, EDI and Sam feel like they'd be friends but differently. EDI wants to be more human while Sam doesn't become he already gets the human perspective from Alec and eventually the Ryder twins. He is an AI that enjoys being an AI and doesn't attempt to be more humanlike.

If you start dating Shepard and bringing them around, Alec would have to accept it for you but he will always be sour about it because you deserve better.

But imagine the events. Imagine the media and the news. If you thought living in your father's shadow of achievements was hard, imagine having to live under Shepard's. Especially to a Ryder who wants to make a name for themselves.

Shepard would 100% offer to go with you to Andromeda. Bringing the Normandy and their crew with them. Pulling their rank as a spectre whenever you think you could disobey their orders.

You have no choice but to follow the chain of command and let them abuse their authority over you. Making surprise visits to the Tempest and demanding to know who you're taking on mission or why did they see you and PeeBee standing so close together that other day.

Tagging along on missions so much that the only time you get to fight enemies alone is when Shepard is ordered to go deal with bigger more important missions and you finally have room to breath.

After your first contact with the angara, Shepard is immediately hostile to Jaal because what if they killed you? What were you thinking going to a new species like that? Did you forget about the turians first contact?

They use this stunt against you when you try and argue that you don't need their supervision. Ordering you to stand down and obey, they saved the galaxy, you don't get to question their judgement.

But they're so soft the day after when you're visibly hurt from their words. They pull you close and kiss you tenderly, reminding you that they're doing this for your own good and to protect you. You don't have to think, you're not fit to be a leader or a hero, they would know. So don't argue with them and stop playing pretend with your father's armour.

Constantly offering you a spot on the Normandy as their own personal assistant. No no it's different from Tryner, you won't do any actual work, all you have to do is be pretty and stay out of harms way. Tend to them after missions and answer whenever they call you to their quarters.

You constantly refuse of course, you won't give up the tempest that easily and you enjoy exploring the universe. You're a pathfinder with a big responsibility and you get to decided the future of the people here while Shepard's job is only to protect them.

A paragon Shepard will respect that. They will admire your passion and feel immense guilt at the growing obsession they continue to fester. Whether they ask Liara to keep tabs on you. Excusing their overprotective tendencies because they only want your best.

A renegade Shepard would squash down your dreams and any sense of self importance. Saying actually now, their job is to save your damn ass and you wouldn't even be alive if it wasn't for them protecting everyone. How you're clearly clumsy and not up to the task of being a pathfinder, just because your father choose you doesn't make you automatically qualified.

Renegade Shepard would try to sleep with you often, disregarding proper time and place. Not caring for your personal boundaries and going through your room in the tempest quite often.

While Paragon Shepard tries to connect with you emotionally more, show their love and dedication, how you're the single person in life that keeps them going. They pretend to respect your boundaries but keep subtly pushing the limits and conditioning you into making them the only exception. I mean they are the commander Shepard, the war hero, is it so bad to let them in your room?

Somehow, in both Shepard scenarios, some of your clothes and underwear always go missing after these visits.

[usafphantom2]

Flight Test Boss Details How China Threat Is Rapidly Changing Operations At Edwards AFB

The USAF says it’s out of time on China, which has kicked flight testing into overdrive with a focus on harnessing artificial intelligence for a major tactical edge.

Posted on Nov 13, 2024 1:55 PM EST

USAF/Richard Gonzales

“It is an incredible time to be involved in the world of U.S. Air Force flight-test. What we’re doing right now is designed to innovate and accelerate our next generation of capability. We’re modernizing so many of our weapon systems and many new technologies are all going through testing at the same time,” enthused Brig. Gen. Douglas “Beaker” Wickert, commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. “Secretary Kendall has been very clear that we are out of time, that our Air Force has never been older or smaller than it is right now, and that the People’s Liberation Army has been specifically designed to defeat us.”

“The investments we’re making right now in modernization and testing for the USAF are designed for success and aimed at changing Chairman Xi’s calculus about pushing back aggressively against the international rules based order. What we are doing here and across USAF flight-testing is extremely consequential.”

The installation at the heart of American military flight-testing for more than 80 years, known today as Edwards AFB, is located in California’s northwestern Mojave desert. This test center has witnessed pioneering advances in aviation since 1942, including a Golden Age in the 1950s that saw an exotic assortment of new military aircraft and X-planes under frantic development in the skies above this sprawling base.

A B-1B Lancer from the Edwards AFB test fleet. Jamie Hunter

Today, Edwards AFB is extremely busy as the resident 412th Test Wing supports multiple efforts to rapidly advance USAF capabilities. Just like on Oct. 14, 1947, when Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager became the first human to exceed the speed of sound, or when William J. “Pete” Knight flew the highly modified X-15A-2 on Oct. 3, 1967, to a top speed of Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph), going faster and higher than any other piloted winged vehicle other than the Space Shuttle, testing at Edwards stands at the bleeding edge of aviation innovation.

Flying operations at Edwards today are complex and diverse and they include ushering in a new era of advanced autonomous uncrewed capabilities that make full use of emerging revolutions in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), as well as shepherding new aircraft like the B-21 Raider and T-7A Red Hawk into service. The War Zone sat down with Wickert in his office at Edwards for a detailed discussion covering some of the most important subjects that are impacting USAF flight-testing at this crucial time.

USAF test empire

Wickert began his USAF career as an F-16 pilot, and he has been involved in the military flight-test community for the past two decades, with many accolades including being a professor at the Air Force Academy. His role commanding the 412th Test Wing affords him an overarching, top down overview of all USAF testing. “From here, you are afforded a really good vantage point to assess the state of the test world,” said Wickert.

Brig. Gen. Wickert in his office at Edwards AFB. USAF CHLOE BONACCORSI

The 412th Test Wing at Edwards and the 96th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida, both sit under the umbrella of the Air Force Test Center, which is headed up by Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, and is also headquartered at Edwards. “The test community is relatively small, on both the development test side and the partnering operational test side,” Wickert explained.

“We really have to keep our finger on the pulse to understand, with the finite resources that we have, how we facilitate the greatest return on investment, on time, and on our people. As we look at the work we expect to be running here over the next three years, we think we need as many as 1,600 new personnel to work here in our testing ecosystem. In addition to all of that, we need the right type and number of mission control rooms, chase aircraft, and tanker aircraft. We must balance those needs to make sure that we’re moving everything through smoothly, and so when a system under test is not quite ready, we can rapidly reallocate resources where necessary to achieve success.”

A new Boeing T-7A trainer on test at Edwards AFB. USAF Bryce Bennett

While ensuring the correct physical assets are in place to meet demand, there’s also a pressure to evolve flight testing, which is traditionally an extremely laborious process, but essential in procedure to meet safety and capability targets. “We are looking for opportunities to accelerate our testing,” said Wickert. “Our test ecosystem consists of five key things. Firstly, there’s our ground resources, things like wind tunnels and high-speed test tracks, the Joint Simulation Environment [JSE], which is essentially a digital test and training resource.We also have flight resources, things like one-of-a-kind aircraft that are constructed with built-in string gauges and accelerometers to make them highly instrumented aircraft, so you know exactly what the system under test is doing, to include the mission systems. Then we have our instrumental ranges that we are working to tie together. Here we have a western range alliance, that’s the Pacific Test Ranges near Point Mugu, the Nevada Test and Training Range, and the R-2508 complex.”

“There’s also the data. Particularly now as systems are getting more and more complex, we take terabytes of data off of every single test. Finally, there’s the highly educated people that work here. We have the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards, we have almost 1,000 engineers, flight-test engineers, these are a national resource in our test engineering group. This is our test ecosystem and each of those elements are ripe for innovative and creative ways to accelerate our testing, and it’s our responsibility to do that.”

An F-22 and F-35A from the Edwards-based test fleet. USAF Kyle Larson

Evolving USAF testing

USAF leadership is looking at an aggressive timeline with regard to the fielding of new platforms such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) amid what the Pentagon calls calls Great Power Competition. Wickert and his team are charged with ensuring the flight-test ecosystem is geared up for efficient means to push such new technologies effectively and efficiently through the rigorous testing that’s needed to field advanced new capabilities.

“Right now we’re at a point as generation AI is coming along and it’s a really exciting time. We’re experimenting with ways to use new tools across the entire test process, from test planning to test execution, from test analysis to test reporting. With investments from the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office [CDAO] we have approved under Control Unclassified Information [CUI] a large language model that resides in the cloud, on a government system, where we can input a test description for an item under test and it will provide us with a Test Hazard Analysis [THA]. It will initially provide 10 points, and we can request another 10, and another 10, etc, in the format that we already use. It’s not a finished product, but it’s about 90% there.”

“When we do our initial test brainstorming, it’s typically a very creative process, but that can take humans a long time to achieve. It’s often about coming up with things that people hadn’t considered. Now, instead of engineers spending hours working on this and creating the administrative forms, the AI program creates all of the points in the correct format, freeing up the engineers to do what humans are really good at – thinking critically about what it all means.”

“So we have an AI tool for THA, and now we’ve expanded it to generate test cards from our test plans that we use in the cockpit and in the mission control rooms. It uses the same large language model but trained on the test card format. So we input the detailed test plan, which includes the method of the test, measures of effectiveness, and we can ask it to generate test cards. Rather than spending a week generating these cards, it takes about two minutes!”

The X-62A takes off from Edwards AFB. Jamie Hunter

Wickert says the Air Force Test Center is also blending its AI tooling into test reporting to enable rapid analysis and “quick look” reports. For example, audio recordings of debriefs are now able to be turned into written reports. “That’s old school debriefs being coupled with the AI tooling to produce a report that includes everything that we talked about in the audio and it produces it in a format that we use,” explained Wickert.

“There’s also the AI that’s under test, when the system under test is the AI, such as the X-62A VISTA [Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft]. VISTA is a sandbox for testing out different AI agents, in fact I just flew it and we did a BVR [Beyond Visual Range] simulated cruise missile intercept under the AI control, it was amazing. We were 20 miles away from the target and I simply pushed a button to engage the AI agent and then we continued hands off and it flew the entire intercept and saddled up behind the target. That’s an example of AI under test and we use our normal test procedures, safety planning, and risk management all apply to that.”

“There’s also AI assistance to test. In our flight-test control rooms, if we’re doing envelope expansion, flutter, or loads, or handling qualities – in fact we’re about to start high angle-of-attack testing on the Boeing T-7, for example – we have engineers sitting there watching and monitoring from the control room. The broad task in this case is to compare the actual handling against predictions from the models to determine if the model is accurate. We do this as incremental step ups in envelope expansion, and when the reality and the model start to diverge, that’s when we hit pause because we don’t understand the system itself or the model is wrong. An AI assistant in the control room could really help with real-time monitoring of tests and we are looking at this right now. It has a huge impact with respect to digital engineering and digital material management.”

“I was the project test pilot on the Greek Peace Xenia F-16 program. One example of that work was that we had to test a configuration with 600-gallon wing tanks and conformal tanks, which equated to 22,000 pounds of gas on a 20,000-pound airplane, so a highly overloaded F-16. We were diving at 1.2 mach, and we spent four hours trying to hit a specific test point. We never actually managed to hit it. That’s incredibly low test efficiency, but you’re doing it in a very traditional way – here’s a test point, go out and fly the test point, with very tight tolerances. Then you get the results and compare them to the model. Sometimes we do that real time, linked up with the control room, and it can typically take five or 10 minutes for each one. So, there’s typically a long time between test points before the engineer can say that the predictions are still good, you’re cleared to the next test point.”

A heavily-instrumented F-16D returns to Edwards AFB after a mission. Jamie Hunter

“AI in the control room can now do comparison work in real time, with predictive analysis and digital modeling. Instead of having a test card that says you need to fly at six Gs plus or minus 1/10th of a G, at 20,000 feet plus or minus 400 feet pressure altitude, at 0.8 mach plus or minus 0.05, now you can just fly a representative maneuver somewhere around 20,000 feet and make sure you get through 0.8 mach and just do some rollercoaster stuff and a turn. In real time in the control room you’re projecting the continuous data that you’re getting via the aircraft’s telemetry onto a reduced order model, and that’s the product.”

“When Dr Will Roper started trumpeting digital engineering, he was very clear that in the old days we graduated from a model to test. In the new era of digital engineering, we graduate from tests to a validated model. That’s with AI as an assistant, being smarter about how we do tests, with the whole purpose of being able to accelerate because the warfighter is urgently asking for the capability that we are developing.”

Collaborative Combat Aircraft

One of the clearest areas the USAF is looking to accelerate surrounds Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), a new family of unmanned combat drones that are designed to work in concert with manned fighters and provide a force multiplying, highly autonomous, numerical edge in tactical aerial warfare. The USAF faces an incredibly complex and laborious task when it comes to testing, training with, and fielding CCAs.

“We need to break the problem down, then we need to integrate all the pieces back together, and it has multiple components,” explained Wickert. “There’s the physical challenge of actually getting a CCA to fly. Does it have sufficient thrust? Do we have the right control laws? That’s going to largely be contractor led. Separately, in parallel, we are developing the autonomous agents that will actually be the brains that can take some higher order commands and execute those, at varying levels of autonomy.”

The General Atomics XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station is currently in flight-testing with the manufacturer and the Air Force Research Laboratory. General Atomics

Edwards is planned as the USAF’s home of CCA flight-test, and work is commencing to build a new CCA enclave here. “Once it’s mature and it’s ready for integration, it’ll come up here and it will fly from here. We have to actually connect it with a crewed fighter. Those tests have to happen in open air because there’s so many uncertainties, we will need to prove that it actually works in a real world environment. Then there’s weapon integration, that’ll be a separate effort.”

In terms of validating how the CCAs will be employed, much of this modeling will be undertaken in the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). “Once we have good validated models of how the CCA will work, it’s very easy to take those models and put them into the JSE. Every new program now has to be JSE-compatible and must be able to integrate into digital test. The JSE is not a simulator. There are simulators that plug into JSE, there’s domes you can sit and fly, but the JSE is an architecture that’s perfect for prototyping, developing, and working out how you are actually going to employ.”

“The digital test range runs using the JSE. That’s where we will figure out if a single F-22 pilot can control four CCAs, is that the right number, maybe it’s two, maybe it depends on the scenario. I’ve got a task, you’ve got a threat over there, I need the CCA to create a diversion. All of that will be worked out first in the digital test and training range.”

A flight-test engineer engaged in an F-16D test flight. USAF

“I can easily imagine that F-22 and F-35 pilots will routinely train with CCAs, just like they routinely train with an AIM-120 or an AIM-9X missile without ever actually having the missile leave the aircraft. They will live fly and train with them synthetically around them in a live virtual constructive situation, so I can see how that would work with a tablet. The digital test and training range means we can look at all of these different scenarios, perhaps that’s a 2035 scenario, this is the concept of developing the analysis of alternatives. We can experiment and work out if we were to get say 30 of these new platforms, would it change the game?”

High tempo operations

While the synthetic JSE provides valuable modeling, prototyping and training, actually bringing together real aircraft in live fly test events is critical in proving that different capabilities actually work in the real world. Bringing together a wealth of different aircraft and new systems is a complex and costly affair, and therefore a quartet of large force test exercises has been developed.

“We run Orange Flag from Edwards, plus we have Emerald Flag at Eglin in Florida for the long-range kill and communications elements, we have the 53rd Wing’s Black Flag at Nellis AFB, and also Gray Flag for the Navy, that’s run out of Point Mugu. Some programs that are well funded allow us to bring together lots of different nodes and sensors to test the new capability. There are also less well funded projects that might want to join in and have the opportunity to work in a complex scenario like one of the flag exercises. So really it’s a case of we are throwing a party and you’re invited to come, bring all of your latest and greatest stuff and let’s see what works. That includes Army land systems, Navy ships – the full range of advanced systems.”

This B-2A is assigned to the Edwards AFB test fleet. USAF AFTC Aerial Photographer Christian Turner

“We are busier here at Edwards now than we were in the 1980s. We’re testing the USAF’s newest airplane, the B-21, and at the same time testing the B-52 and all of its new upgrades including new engines and new radar. The USAF’s new trainer, the T-7 Redhawk, is also being tested here, and many other things in between. We call Edwards the center of the aerospace testing universe, but it’s actually more than that, because it’s more than just the USAF flight-test here.”

“It’s very easy to motivate folks because right now is a time of consequence. If you want to know what the USAF of 2027 or 2035 or 2042 looks like, just look in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base because the Air Force that’s flying over Edwards is the Air Force that we’re going to go to war with.”

Editor’s note: The sponsor had no editorial involvement in this article.

Contact the author: jamie.hunter@teamrecurrent.io

[weathermanpolls]

Andromeda has logical consequences for it's technology. Artifical gravity can make the ship lighter to the point it can run like a space fighter, battles are typically done in distances measured in Light Seconds.

Babylon 5 combines the very hard Earth Alliance, with the much softer other races. Earth Alliance has to have spinning sections to simulate gravity, while the other races actually have artificial gravity. Largely suffers from the writers didn't read the tech manual.

Battlestar Galactica tried to create a very realistic idea of space, but fell into a bunch of current-year cliches, while also not dealing with the fact that artificial gravity is a super weapon. The Cylon Base Stars are a very realistic idea of what an AI might create for space ship design, (cripplingly specialized to the most effective form of warfare), while the Galactica was purposefully designed to be a barely functional hunk of junk that lets you feel the very real risks of empty space that surround you.

Haven't played Eve online, but it lets you customize ships to a ridiculous degree.

Homeworld focuses on massive fleet battles, but also more strategic things, so you fleet is filled with asteroid miners and whatnot.

Gundam tends to focus on Gundams, naturally, but still has some incredibly cool, and well thought out space ships.

Mass Effect takes the hardest science fiction that still allows planetary romance, and throws it into a lovecraftian horror. So you have realistic dreadnoughts fighting space cuddlefish from the dark space beyond the galactic rim, that have voices that crawl into your mind, and have the abyss stare at you from every shadow.

Stargate has really cool old technology, with relatively hard modern technology.

Star Trek does a fantastic job of progressing the ships over the years with intricate, loving detail. And then has writers that flat out ignore the technical details.

Star Wars combines things like artificial gravity and space Confucianism with arguably the most rules-based space travel ever created. Original Trilogy + Prequel Trilogy + Expanded Universe, of course

Wing Commander is one of the oldest and most venerated space sims... short of Star Wars, but still wonderfully dedicated.

40k really depends on the factions. The Imperium is so hard to the point that logistically issues are prevalent in every story. While the ships SEEM ridiculous, they actually operate as a ship of that size would, and justify the size by the fact they can't use anything more than the most basic computer systems to control it. Others factions tend to fall much more into the space magic category.

[fugu-in-f]

fucking no

you can't put that there

on the left is the ai superterminal and i can hack that to reduce ai progress, and on the right is a human encampment which will raise ai progress by a shitload in two hours when its cloaking fails

all hell is going to break loose if i kick that supercomputer, and then i lose whatever ai progress i get hacking the damn thing when the human refugees explode for +100 ai points

i guess this is my clue to finish the game in the next two hours

[halos-top-alien-model]

Sangheili Bracket Round 1 Match 29

More info below:

Let 'Volir:

Debuted in Halo Wars 2

Born Nov. 20th, 2477 on the colony Eshin, he commanded Enduring Conviction during his time in the Covenant Empire, causing the destruction of "quite a few" UNSC warships between 2549 and 2552 and becoming known to the UNSC and ONI as a result. One notable battle was during 2551, where it demonstrated impressive evasive maneuvers and counterattacks. Following the end of the Great Schism and the Covenant Empire, he would avoid joining the Swords of Sanghelios and the Arbiter, amongst other emerging warlords. For about six months, he instead served in the Sangheili-led Fleet of Recalcitrant Ire, led by Fleetmaster Arkad Nar 'Kulul.

In May 2553, the fleet - stationed near an airbase on the swamp-moon of Kostroda - would engage attacking Banished forces. Let would respond to a distress call from the base crew and successfully capture the Banished's leader - Atriox - due to a surrender. However, once back on board Enduring Conviction, Atriox would reveal a trap as several hidden Banished soldiers ambushed them and force Let to converse - Atriox's true reason for "surrendering". Atriox revealed he had been keeping an eye on Let and wished for him to join the Banished, to which Let decided life as a free mercenary would be better than what he had now. Allowing the fleetmaster to believe he and his crew had been killed by the Banished, Let would order Enduring Conviction to escape from the fleet as it began to fire on the correct assumption it was now hostile. These events would later be recorded and becoming known to ONI, leading agents "D" and "S" to begin studying Let. Later, Let and his crew would properly swear fealty to the Banished on an orbital installation, but then would lay low for awhile. Some time later, they would reemerge to raid the human settlement on Ansket IV. Let would also send a message to the Jiralhanae warlord Jovus to convince him to join the Banished, but Jovus found the concept of Jiralhanae and Sangheili working together absurd. Eventually, when it became known that Let 'Volir was not killed and had become a sellword to Atriox, his name would become tarnished - although he himself did not care.

On Nov. 25th, 2558, Enduring Conviction would arrive at the Ark, carrying with it a force large enough to take the Ark by force from the UNSC forces and researcher that previously held claim to the installation. Notably, Let did not enjoy the slaughter like the rest of the Banished and refused to partake in any celebrations. For months, the Banished extracted resources from the Ark. Then, on March 28th, 2559, the long-lost UNSC Spirit of Fire exited slipspace above the Ark, with conflict breaking out between the old ship and the Banished. Let would contribute on the Banished's side, first defending a salvage operation overseen by Decimus by melting UNSC ground forces with Enduring Conviction's pulse laser turrets. Once the defense was deemed a failure and Decimus retreated, Enduring Conviction would kill their own Banished allies at the site to keep the UNSC from learning anything. Later, on March 30th, Decimus would fall in battle whilst Let went on the attack against Spirit of Fire. During this, Spartan Jerome-092 and the AI Isabel would infiltrate the ship, forcing it to destroy the Ark and cause Aggressor Sentinels to destroy it in retaliation. Let would survive and be confronted by Atriox over the losses. The failures would only stack up in time, as Let would fail in the defense of Installation 09, allowing the Halo Ring to fall under UNSC control. These would weigh on him, causing him to feel a responsibility to safeguard the entire Banished as penance - now seeing every Banished individual as part of "his crew".

Redemption would soon come to him with a new task: a last ditch effort to push back Spirit of Fire. He would succeed in securing the site of a portal, allowing Atriox to utilize it in his return to the Milky Way galaxy. Now back in Atriox's good graces, he was further placed in command of all the Banished forces on the Ark, to continue the fight against the Spirit of Fire for the Ark whilst Atriox dealt with other priorities. Later, the Keepers of the One Freedom would reach the Ark through the same portal - on Atriox's personal Lich Pegoras no less. Let would contact them and even though he grew suspicious of them, he allowed it to pass through and was against the Jiralhanae brothers Pavium and Voridus going after them. They still did, then lied to Let about the devastating lost they took in the Battle of Epsilon Clarion. Let has also set his sights on quelling the rebellions of "Yapyap the Destroyer" that Atriox had previously tolerated.

Rojka 'Kasaan:

Debuted in Halo: Envoy (previously mentioned in "Oasis" of Halo: Fractures)

Born April 14th, 2494 on the colony of Glyke, he formed a close bond with Daga 'Rathum in youth and eventually joined him in the Covenant reserve units; his dreams of becoming a Shipmaster in the military being unfulfilled as he instead helped rebuild and refurbish warships until the end of the Covenant. Following Operation: SUNSPEAR in 2552, Glyke would be destroyed by Spartan Gray Team using a NOVA bomb. Upon hearing of his homeworld's destruction, Rojka would take control of the fleet he was tasked with repairing and travel to the ruins to see for himself and monitor activity in the system. The Arbiter Thel 'Vadam would ask him to not seek revenge against humanity - severing the carefully built peace in the process - and instead directed him to the abandoned human colony of Carrow, which the Sangheili named "Rakoi". Learning to think positively on this new opportunity, he would become the Kaidon of the newly founded city of Rak. Sometime later, however, the human colonists that had once lived on Carrow returned, alongside other migrant refugees from the war. Tensions over sharing the planet emerged, with Rojka attempting to maintain peaceful co-existence whilst his cousin Thars 'Sarov rallied an anti-human rebellion. An envoy named Melody Azikiwe would be sent to help with the situation; around the same time, Rojka detected a human signal in his former system and recovered the sleeping Spartans that had destroyed his old home. He would keep them on his ship whilst he debated killing them or using them as a bargaining chip.

A peace summit would be schedule, but the day before it was set to happen, Thars would go on the attack. With long-ranged communications down and no slipspace capable vessels, Rojka was forced to engage the rebels in a space battle above the planet. As a Jiralhanae fleet came to aid Thars, Rojka began losing the battle and prepared to be boarded by the enemy. Melody - who was also on board - would refuse an offer to be killed before the enemy could reach her and argue for the release of Gray Team. When she was refused, she went off to secretly release them herself whilst Rojka was distracted by the thoughts of each of his friends dying one by one alongside their ships. He would soon realize Melody's plan and move to stop her, but he was too late - the Spartans were awake and fended him off, forcing his retreat while they escaped the ship. Previously willing to allow Thars a final stand within the ship, he changed plans to go follow Gray Team to Carrow's surface; at the same time, he witnessed the beginning of the Jiralhanae's betrayal of Thars. Unfortunately, his ship would crash and an assassination attempted by some within his own ranks; but he endured, taking half of his surviving crew to pursue Melody and Gray Team. In his absence, the crash site would be attacked by Thars' forces. Eventually, Rojka would discover ONI's hidden base, Gila Station, where Thars would also catch up with him with an offer: Thars would allow Rojka to go in to kill Gray Team before Thars would finally finish him off, avoiding conflict with the UNSC by pretending the attack was done by Covenant remnants. Both cousins would attempt to break their side of the deal. Within Gila Station, Melody convinced Rojka that there was a bigger threat the Jiralhanae were planning to unleash; deciding to hold off on revenge against Gray Team, Rojka instead escaped Gila Station as it was destroyed, sending some warriors to go distract Thars. Later, he would help in the fight against the released Sharquoi at Suraka and the attempted assassination against the Jiralhanae leader controlling them, Hekabe. In the process, he would become injured, but would survive the close encounters with the Sharquoi. As he escaped the destruction of Suraka and all the Sharquoi gathered there, the mourned the loss of Daga, who died during the battle. Once at a safe location, Rojka would convince Thars to duel him by offering to hand over Gray Team - in reality, he, the Spartans, and Melody were plotting an ambush. Rojka would overpower his cousin, but at first kept him alive - they needed Thars to notify his forces of an incoming Sharquoi attack, to avoid the creatures obtaining Thars' remaining ships. When Thars refused to listen and the Sharquoi successfully captured both human and Sangheili ships, Rojka would decapitate him. Then, he went on to aid in the next attempt on Hekabe's life. He and a Surakan militia squad entered the Forerunner facility where Hekabe was hiding, with Rojka launching himself directly at the Sharquoi and getting grievously injured in the process. He would also get attacked by Hekabe once Governor Ellis Gass successfully removed the vertex controlling the Sharquoi from Hekabe's head. Finally, he would be immobilized by Sharquoi now under Ellis' command, who warned them to leave as she would detonate a nuke that would destroy the entire facility in ten minutes. During the escape, the injured Rojka lagged behind the others, but ultimately was able to escape and be picked up by a rescue Pelican. With all the conflicts on Carrow finally ended, Rojka would heal and return home, where he would find the new Kaidon Akato 'Dakaj who warned Rojka that he had little support in Rak now due to all the loss from the conflicts. Now grown and moving pass his previous grievances, Rojka accepted the offer to become Akato's envoy towards humanity.

[jpitha]

Between the Black and Grey - Epilogue

First / Previous

The K'laxi Administration and Fleet Command was on a space station, orbiting high above their planet. Sure, they had countries like the humans and other peoples; they were not one large homogenous people. K'laxi came in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and predilections just like humans, Gren, Innari, and others. They found that having a central station not on the planet allowed the greatest chance for cooperation and coordination among the different K'laxi peoples.

Except for the whole civil wars thing, but that was nearly finished with anyway, so there was no need for concern with that.

Zhe walked down the halls; her steps confident, her gaze high and clear, and her uniform... unfamiliar to Fen, Penny, Chloe, and the others. Gord would probably recognize it, but he would also have known better than to say anything. People in the halls gave her plenty of space, and a few tried to make it look like they had forgotten something and needed to turn around and go down that other hall very quickly. It's not every day that a member of the Mel'itim - the secret police - walks around in uniform. Zhe's face was impassive, but she smiled inwardly at the sight. It was fun to be intimidating sometimes.

She had asked Penny and Fen - Currently Empress and Empress Emeritus - for a few months off "to visit family and check in on them." It had been granted without question. She was given use of a frigate with a full crew and ordered to 'relax and take time off."

Fen's recovery had been slow, difficult. Some parts of her body were permanently damaged and had been replaced with artificial and lab grown replacements. Her legs were built much like the AI bodies, and most of her lungs had to be re-grown. Han'iel's implant was also removed and it was discovered that while it was a magnetic bottle for antimatter, none was present. That caused a stir and made everyone question just how successful Han'iel's project to develop reliable antimatter was. Did he just make enough for the one missile, and couldn't make anymore? It just led to more questions that would be asked of him when he was captured. Fen was able to walk, and her mind was intact, but the nanite infestation had changed her. She was more quiet, introspective. She had no desire to rule and would spend long hours in the royal suites reading or studying. She was trying to learn all she could about what actually happened to one in one hundred humans when they went through a wormhole link. Quite a few anonymous donations for research into the phenomenon had been made as of late, so people had begun to dig deeper into it.

The nanites seemed to be gone. Fen's virus had worked its way through the main cloud around the white hole, and then had passed virulently through the worlds until no real trace could be detected. Most everyone had no idea that they existed - let alone held sway over the human Empress' for the last few centuries, and as much as they could, that information was suppressed. The official word was that they were a malevolent species that long in the past had decided to become a cloud of nanoscale consciousness. Their matter manipulation and... mind manipulation abilities were quietly ignored. Fen's virus was such that those who had an especially large concentration of nanites did not come away unscathed, but nobody seemed to be as damaged as she was. Most everyone who had a large amount of them already knew they existed, or could be convinced to keep their true purpose quiet.

Han'iel's rebellion was still underway, but the tide had turned. The pro-Sol faction had always been larger, and even during the previous civil war when it was more of a religious war than an ideological one there were more K'laxi that wanted to throw their lot in with the humans, even if it was for practical and pragmatic reasons. With Fen and Penny's quiet help, the pro-Sol faction was most likely going to win.

Speaking of, Penny did have quite a few pretenders to contend with, but most of them wound up being pretenders in name only. They had no support, no money, and no weapons. A small number - less than six - did have some of those things, but with Zhe's help and a few 'happy accidents' they were taken care of. One of the last, a general that was quite popular with his crew and managed to put together a flotilla of like minded ships was convinced with a rather large payout and only a small amount of sitting tied to a chair with a wormhole link backpack strapped to him to 'retire' and move to Meíhuà. All in all, the succession 'question' had lasted less than a year.

The human colonies had largely taken a 'wait and see' approach to everything going on. Parvati put out plenty of announcements that they were 'proud of being a member of the Empire' but also had quietly called up their reservists and dug a few old ships out of mothballs and began refitting them for service. The AI citizens that had previously been the ships were offered their old positions, and most took them. Meíhuà, being the furthest and most insular colony went on as they always had, with one eyebrow raised towards Sol, and concentrated on their own things. There was word that Penny would declare self determination for all interested polities and that the main colony worlds would most likely take them up on it. That hadn't happened yet however.

The Gren, Sefigans, Innari, and others were pleased that the Empire had given up their 'recent acquisitions' and had offered to pay reparations for the damages they had caused, but in return peace and friendship agreements were... encouraged to be signed by the humans. They were signed in due course, and before long trade would resume between the peoples.

The AIs were... the AIs. Almost, but not quite human, they had their own wants, needs, desires, and goals. A faction was developing of the newer, younger AIs who wished to strike off on their own, make their own colony, and remove themselves from what they saw as 'human hegemony.' The older AIs on the other hand felt a much closer kinship to the humans and wanted to stay around and help them. Gord was the de facto leader of the 'old guard' and wasn't interested in in-fighting. Chloe had mentioned to Fen quietly that he was probably going to let anyone who wanted to go, go and anyone who wanted to stay, stay.

Zhe stood, her feet shoulder width apart, her tail still while the report was read aloud by a steward. Three elder K'laxi sat on a dais above her, their faces stony. When the steward was finished, she saluted and walked out of the room. Behind her, the door closed with finality.

"Zherun, your report is... extensive." The K'laxi in the middle said, his ears flicking. "We had expected a report sooner, but I suppose what you were dealing with necessitated delays in reporting."

"Yes, Elder." Zhe looked straight ahead.

"You were not successful in preventing the Empress from developing antimatter." The one on Zhe's left said, her fur long and wavy, unusual in K'laxi.

"No, Elder. They have improved their containment technology, but their production technology remains slow and difficult. Empress Penelope has no real desire to continue Fen's line of research. I anticipate it will stall."

"How goes the Heap?" The one on her right said, his ears flicking in amusement.

"My Father's work continues. He understands... some of the nature of my role here and does not pressure me." Just for a moment, her eyes met his. "Though, he would like me to return and take up the family mantle."

The right K'laxi nodded. "A pirate who can also report back to us on information is a valuable asset indeed. Letters of marquis will not be issued, and there will be an expectation that you will keep... activities against K'laxi to a minimum, but I see no real issue with that being your next posting. Agreed?"

"Agreed." The other two K'laxi echoed.

That was surprising. Zhe was wondering when she could request a transfer to the Heap. The fact that they were assigning her there solved so many problems. "Thank you, Elders. I will continue my work on the Heap."

"We know you will, Zhe, that's why we're assigning you there. Continue to bring us accurate information about the humans and other species in the galaxy, and your leash will be long."

"Did you wind up mating with Fen?" The middle K'laxi asked.

"P-Pardon me?" Zhe's fur rippled a few times, blushing, but she managed to keep her expression from changing, other than her already large eyes widening a little.

The Elder practically rolled his eyes. "You're not an embarrassed child, you heard my question. We know she was married to a K'laxi, so we know she is attracted to us. Mating with her and beginning a relationship would be an excellent way to gain information."

"Er, no Elder, I did not. She still loves her wife, and other than some physical intimacy with Penny, I did not see her express any desire in another relationship."

"You never offered?"

"Elder! With all due respect, that is too far."

He laughed with the barking cough of K'laxi laughter. "Zherun, you have done well. We thank you for your service and wish you all the best in your future." The three of them stood, signaling the end of the debrief.

Zhe saluted, and turned to leave. As she approached the door, the lock clicked, and a guard opened it for her, nodding slightly as she passed.

If she was going to be going to the Heap for a while, she should stock up while she was here. Zhe headed down towards the promenade, wondering how many people were going to avoid her while she wore her uniform, and whether she could leverage that fear into a discount on a box of Chamomile.

[shuthesnake]

The formation of AI a prompt from humains are space orcs

Here is the source.

The ship was quiet as it was soaring through the stars, it's sleek chrome design shining on the trinary system, the cool blue of the central stars creating a blueish tone on the command bridge, a humain female with a faceless silver metal mask was doing a simple pronostic as she was with the crew, the rest of the command bridge equipage had copperish masks wich meant they were new but not freshly new, this ship was rather unique due to it's metal religion inside of it, created long ago by the first capitain of this ship.

The commander was there with it's golden mask, sitting in it's chair, rather bored as they were only studying the Girek sector precisely the 96th sectorial quadrant, thier studies were mostly on a primitive species wich advanced into the medieval age, they seem to worship tar and other oily substances which was rather odd but not out of the ordinary, the Dhors were praising the stars after all, thinking that aliens came and elevated them wich was rubbish but the federation couldn't really do much, less they wanted a religious war with gargantuous church ships.

"Alia how's that pronostic?" Demanded the captain as the lady was finishing the last touches.

«its going well sir Aurelian, and I think that...hang on a minute...we got incoming out of sub space!»

A gigantic ship emerged from space, black and green tentacles were erratically swaying around as it shuddered from the jump, letting out a clicketing noises as it's insect like armor trembles in the noiseless space, the sounds tho were pick up in the comms.

The capitain would perk up from it's seat, it was impossible they weren't in any contested space.

"Put it on screen."

The lieutenant would open the communications and was shock by the sight, a crustacean like creature was on display, or so he thought, it was rather dark on the screen and could only distinguish two green eyes, mandibles clicking in a disgustingly manner.

"By Steelian mhh I am Capitain Aurelian from the federation fleet, what are-"

The rough voice echoed as it was indistinguishable from nor male or female.

”M.O.T.H.E.R HUNG-ER FOR NEW FLESSSSH!”

«they cut the transmission, augh! All I hear is static and vile sounds from hell I know where!"

"My.... prepare for battle! code red! All to battle stations!"

The chomerish corvette would pick up speed as green plasma was passing by missing greatly, it seems it was thier first time fighting in space, the lieutenant was redirecting power to shields and engines as the silverish medal would fall in one of the small opening in the command console, this medal in particular was rather special due to a failed nanites experiment wich were put inside the silver and copper medal as a cover up for this failure, as the ship replied with a quick salvo of rockets and lasers, the electricity inside the console command would melt the silver and the copper around it would conduct all of it towards the seemingly dead nanites, springing life into them as they acquired conscience and started to duplicate the silver and various components to be able to walk, a feminine voice echoed in the depth of the ships console as to the lieutenant suprise a faceless metallic silver head would perk up from the command in the middle of the screen.

”«Dasha online. I am alive. What task do you want me to perform?»”

«Aaah! No! It's not the time! Shoo! Shoo! Get out of the console I need it!»

Say the second lieutenant as she would control it with one hand while trying to chase off the head as she would make the ship turn in a drift while a sort of green wall was appearing, cutting an asteroid in two and missing the ship barely.

”«very well. I shall get out of the way.»”

The liquid silver would be going outside of the numerous micro opening from said electronic device, as the silvery texture would morph into a faceless humanoid being, it's bust making the lieutenant blush as it was a rather good distraction from all off that stress the battle was procuring, the argent female would slowly bow to look at the human's fingers going across the tactile screen as her faceless visage would shine back the light of the red alert, it seems she was unfazed by the all out battle on the front view.

The capitain would put some music as the cd was marked earth wind and fire, and pointed at the shiny lady and said.

"New crew member! Any suggestions to get out of this mess?"

She would perk up and turn towards the commander of the corvette.

”«i suggest a redirection of power towards the front shields, it would be much adequate to counter their weak proto plasmatic shots they do not seem to have a technological level comparable to ours, we outmatch them in every field except firepower and I also strongly recommend to-»”

«stop talking and do it! Oh fuck!»

Another of thoses strange green walls would materialize as the lieutenant would make the ship abruptly go up and twisted it, turning the command post over to quickly go down, making another barrel to stabilize the silvered ship, the shiny AI would not budge at all as a poor copper mask would fling around helplessly before collapsing on the railing right infront of the capitan.

"Ouuuuh! it must have hurt, seatbelts everyone! I think you broke a rib... Medical teams on the command bridge please I need to alert the federation, we don't even know their names how do we call them?"

Say the captain as he was entering all of the informations on the database.

«crustacerians or something, they are hideous!»

Say the lieutenant as the proton torpedoes of the corvette would hit the dark and green ship in it's armor, it created a noise inside the communications wich made the lieutenant throw her headphones on the side.

«thier ships are alive eurk I'm gonna be sick, how can we even do that.»

"«I can call the federation capitain we have an incoming transmission at the moment from the enemy ship.»”

"Mh...on comms but transmit a distress signal in the meantime to the nearest federation ship."

The artificial intelligence would nod as the black ship stopped to fire, the holoscreen would open up to the same disgusting alien, it's numerous micro arms shuddering.

"KARALA-SEK-KAH! witness resistance!"

It would then bring a humanoid body, what was worst is that it seemed still alive, it's body in a sort of tar like she'll as it made some helpless noises trying to look but couldn't as the thick layers of tar were making him or her blind, a hole was replacing the mouth as it tried to make more noises.

"Mph! Mhhh ...mphh! Mhh grk!"

As the alien would laugh, a blinding light would make it cover it's eyes in panic as the ship was turning.

"YIRRRG! BURNING LIGHTT! MOTHER IS NOT PLEASED!"

A golden ship would appear from primal space, concentrated ray of lights would shoot towards the enemy ship as it started to go towards the black and greenish ship, a laser cutting a whole tendril, liquid in suspension as the enemy ship was trying to run away.

The silverish female would turn to the capitain.

"«reinforcements arrived, Dhor capital ship light of the stars , cannons shooting at the enemy, bold manover to charge it while in sub space and jump diagonally in primal space, the whole ship could have blown up if it was miscalculated... impressive meatbags.»”

The captain would let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank god phew alright we need to... dammit they escaped."

The dark living ship was indeed escaping into sub space via a green portal while getting peppered hard by the golden ship, it seems the ancient Dhors know of this speice.

"Well we'll rescue the hostage another time, they don't seem to want to consume them like the beehive of zantarak. We'll get them next time. As for you!"

The faceless visage was looking at the capitain, her heels claccing together in an orderly fashion.

"Welcome aboard Dasha your on the Aurum now."

End of story.

[vachnajain]

A War for Peace, Legacy, and the Future (draft 2)

Infrastructure That Fights Back: Buildings as Weapons The architecture of Isla Esperanza was like nothing the world had ever witnessed. Buildings had been designed to be alive and evolve, to repair themselves, and to change structure according to the demands and the threats they identify. Fitted with AI cores and nanotechnology, it did not only mean buildings; it meant participants in the war. Walls might bulge, sway or even crumble to imprison enemies, rooftop guns and concealed weapons might pop up in combat. Obvious buildings might morph into defensive fortifications, mobile road blocks, or command centers to meet the tactical need.

At the center of this marvel of architecture was the technology of robot-contoured construction: an architecture that allowed robotic drones to reshape and rebuild infrastructure in real-time. This allowed the warriors to alter their environment to suit their needs, constructing ambuscades or obstructing enemy advances with constantly shifting buildings. Some of the buildings even acted as "combat architects," operating robotic arms and drones that rapidly could repair or construct out armed extensions like a turret. Hydro-powered energy grids lay beneath the island, supplying these smart buildings with limitless energy, and photovoltaic surfaces absorbed sunlight to recharge hidden drones patrolling the airspace. Living walls of engineered algae and vines served as both barriers and environmental filtering systems, purifying the air and the water while shielding the warriors.

A Fluid World: Transportation Across Land, Sea, and Air The transportation of Isla Esperanza was very fluid in across all terrains—land, sea, and sky. With amphibious capabilities, every vehicle on the island could adapt its environment in real time. Armored hovercraft, skimming water and land alike, flew modules that transported supplies and warriors across the battlefield. Some could morph mid-flight into combat units with energy cannons or EMP bombs that could knock out enemy electronics. Other modules morphed into med-bots, carrying wounded fighters to safety or directly delivering medical supplies into combat zones.

Underwater, fleets of biomechanical submarines in the shape of marine animals patrolled the coast with organic exteriors camouflaging them in the depths. Landwards, self-driving modular transports carried troops, weapons, and equipment, propelled by AI that could reroute through unpredictable terrain or even self-destruct if captured by the enemy. All these vehicles communicated with the island's infrastructure, making transport merge with tactics. Some could log onto the kids' digital dome, even practicing piloting through VR simulations that synced with live battles.

Air mobility was just as fundamental--stealth gliders and self-guiding airships patrolled the skies, providing logistics and intel feeds. Some fighters flew exo-gliders--winged armor attired with adaptive jet propulsion, allowing them to fight on both land and in the air. The transportation infrastructure was fluid, fast, and unpredictable, making it essentially impossible for an enemy to gain an advantage over the other.

A Digital Dome of Learning and Strategy The digital transparent zone where the children were kept was more than a safe haven; it was an edutainment center and command center. Suspended in the middle of the island, the dome was built from a translucent force field which could regenerate if breached. Inside, the children learned by watching what was happening on the battlefield in real-time by augmented reality overlays. Every vehicle, drone, and building system was plugged in to the dome and fed data into the children's neural interfaces, allowing them to interact with battlefield decisions and provide tactical suggestions to their mothers. In this way, war became both education and test—a proving ground where skills were developed by children to be used eventually for leadership purposes.

The dome became the command center, where the children assumed minimal roles in the war. They hacked enemy drones, destroyed supply lines, and coordinated an ambush or two, working alongside their mothers to learn not just to fight but to lead. The warriors believed that the witnessing of results of their decisions—in both victories and losses—served a crucial purpose in building a world in which peace was cherished and war understood.

[bllsbailey]

Donald Trump's Pledge to Rid Our Military of the 'Woke' Virus Causes Consternation in the Right Places

Former President Donald Trump's use of a mashup of scenes from the 1987 Stanley Kubrick film, "Full Metal Jacket," interspersed with clips of today's military, has caused some outrage on the left, but mostly, it has caused consternation among some of the right people.

 I think it is inarguable that the military created by Joe Biden and Kamala is only fractionally as effective as the military under Trump. And even in Trump's first term, the rot of DEI and "gender equality" had already taken root. The failure of Biden and Harris is made clear every day as the only way the services make their manpower goals is by cutting end strength. We've seen the US Navy in the Western Pacific on the cusp of being unable to operate because of a lack of fleet oilers.

RELATED:

DEI Strikes Again? U.S. Military Facing 'Worst-Ever' Recruiting Crisis, Notably Among White Recruits – RedState

U.S. Navy Drops High School Diploma, GED Requirement for Recruits — What Could Possibly Go Wrong? – RedState

The United States Will Start 2024 With Its Smallest Military Since Before World War II – RedState

Fed. Govt. Spent Millions on Diversity Training in 2023 - Here Is Some of the Tomfoolery You Paid For – RedState

BUZZ CUT: The U.S. Military's Pronouns Are 'We're/Screwed' – RedState

The official and institutional embrace of sexual fetishes as a normal part of the military has been shocking. The clips Trump shows are nowhere near as bad as the situation really is.

RELATED:

Rum, Buggery, and the Lash Makes a Comeback as the US Navy Fights Recruiting Woes; Well, Better Hold the Rum – RedState

Navy Recruitment: From Heroes to 'Harpy' the Drag-Queen – RedState

Nevada Air Force Base Hosts Drag Show, and It's Part of a Softer, Gentler Military – RedState

Army Starts Sham Investigation Into Bondage Fetish Colonel and His Friends Because They Think You're Stupid – RedState

Trump's promise to fire the generals behind this insanity is viewed by Kamala's flailing and undirected campaign as a campaign issue.

FOX NEWS: Are you going to fire those generals? The woke generals at the top? TRUMP: Yes, I would get rid of them. Yeah. But see, now I know them. I didn’t know them before. But, you know, I came in, what do I know? I was a New York real estate person. But no, I’d fire. I would fire them. You can’t have woke military.

Most of the commentary on the video is by room-temperature IQ intellectuals trying to explain that the video shows that Trump doesn't understand "Full Metal Jacket." This guy is real. He's not an AI parody, though he's exactly what an AI parody of a clueless leftist would look and sound like.

The point is less that Trump doesn't understand a movie, than Trump's critics don't understand where R. Lee Ermey fits into popular culture.

A guy who produces Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show says (see Why Trump’s vow to fire ‘woke’ U.S. generals matters (msnbc.com)):

Now, however, the Republican apparently has more expansive plans for a second term, planning to fire U.S. military leaders who fail to meet his ideological standards. At first blush, this might not seem especially surprising, but let’s not forget that a bedrock principle of the American experience is that we have an apolitical armed forces, filled with servicemembers who are loyal, not to an elected leader, but the U.S. Constitution. If Trump intends to politicize the military, filling the ranks with loyalists, it sets the stage for a dramatic and fundamental change in how the United States is supposed to operate.

I'd encourage this guy to review how Thomas Jefferson dealt with known Federalist Army officers or ponder the fact that the military is not the civil service. The military is not an independent power center that has "equities." The president is the commander-in-chief. Every commissioned officer is appointed at each step of his career by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. I have a copy of the Congressional Record when the Senate voted to make me a second lieutenant. No one is advocating a partisan military, but Trump and many of us would like to return to the days when active-duty general officers, or even retired general officers, stayed out of partisan politics and basic standards of civilized behavior adhered to; see General Mark Milley Reportedly Stocking Up on Brown Trousers in Case Trump Is Reelected – RedState. The president has the right, and I would argue the duty, to ensure that senior officers faithfully execute his will and not sandbag him behind his back.

The former president has lashed out at generals before, but this was new. Trump apparently envisions a system in which U.S. military leaders will be subjected to some kind of ideological review, in which members of a task force — whose members will presumably be appointed by Trump — will go about assessing the generals’ and admirals’ personal attitudes. Those deemed “woke” will apparently see their military careers curtailed. What could possibly go wrong?

There is nothing wrong with Trump doing just that, and the worst results of that process would not be as bad as what we've seen with the military being suborned on a wholesale level by the left.

[govindhtech]

Starfield: Shattered Space Expansion Releases On Sep 30

Starfield Shattered Space

Shattered Space Expansion

Bethesda’s “Starfield” has been a hot topic in recent years. Players worldwide are excited about the game’s first expansion, “Starfield: Shattered Space,” because to its vast universe, deep mythology, and open-ended exploration. It explain this expansion, why it’s crucial for Starfield, and what players can anticipate from the Shattered Space storyline in this post.

In a post-Unity reality, “Shattered Space” continues Sarsfield’s huge globe. The expansion will depict a fresh galactic battle as old and new groups fight over broken lands. Shattered Space would explore political intrigue, cosmic diplomacy, and power conflicts, while the main game centered on exploration and wonder via its space opera.

The main subject is interstellar alliance disintegration. The Free Star Collective and renegade mercenary gangs are rising as the United Colonies weakens. These groups have different goals, and players must navigate these stormy seas while making galaxy-changing decisions.

Starfield shattered Space Story

New Persons and Groups

Bethesda has hinted at key new characters. Some characters may dispute the player’s affiliations, prompting them to reconsider. Diplomats, military leaders, and space renegades will be there.

Additionally, new groups will form. These will include split factions and new organizations with their own aims. Players may have to choose between allegiance to the original United Colonies and joining a new group with a distinct galactic vision.

Above-Base Gameplay Enhancements

Bethesda develops innovative gameplay, and “Starfield: Shattered Space” is no exception. The fundamental game will be enhanced with additional systems that complicate battle, exploration, and role-playing.

Expanded Space Combat

One of the biggest modifications is space combat redesign. Ship-to-ship combat was important in the main game, but “Starfield: Shattered Space” will enhance it. Players may now customize starship armaments, shields, and engines. AI-controlled opponent ships will have more complex tactics, making space dogfights more tough and rewarding.

Tactical fleet fights will also be exciting. Players may now command many spacecraft for large-scale space combat. Battles include strategy, placement, and resource management as well as physical force. Combat decisions affect the player’s fleet and campaign.

New Biomes and Planets

In “Starfield: Shattered Space,” Bethesda introduces new planets with distinct biomes, resources, and difficulties. A broken galaxy will house these worlds, some of which are in perilous areas where gravitational anomalies, space pirates, and black holes make passage risky.

Planets with severe environments frozen wastelands, volcanic plains, and lush jungles offer unique gameplay. For planets with heat, cold, and radiation, survival mechanisms will be included.

New alien creatures and species

Starfield exploration is fueled by extraterrestrial life, and “Shattered Space” delivers. New alien species with distinct habits and environments will inhabit these worlds. To live, players must learn to fight, evade, or tame these monsters.

These new life forms will either be benign or dangerous to the gamer. Some aliens carry the secret to new technology or ancient civilization history, making these encounters quest-related.

Deeper Role-Playing: Player Choices Matter More

Bethesda succeeds at giving gamers meaningful options. In “Starfield: Shattered Space,” these choices affect more than speech or quests. Every action ripples throughout the galaxy, affecting faction strength.

Dynamic Politics

Players may influence factional alliances, negotiate peace accords, or start wars in the expansion’s political system. Players must carefully manage their alliances in this system, adding strategy. A diplomatic error might lead to war, ending questlines and chances.

Moral difficulties will accompany political ones. Which group promises a utopian society, even at the expense of human freedoms? Do you support an organization that works for individual rights yet generates chaos?

New quests and rewards

Bethesda promises evolving questlines depending on player activities. These adventures range in duration and complexity, with some spanning numerous solar systems to solve riddles or obtain resources. The awards will include rare weaponry, sophisticated technologies, and strong ships to aid gamers in the latter expansion phases.

Player-built outposts will also be important in this expansion. Strategic outposts will collect resources, create fortifications, and establish footholds in disputed locations. Players may strengthen these strongholds against competing groups and monsters.

Visual and audio improvements for Starfield: Shattered Space

The main game’s visuals are impressive, but “Shattered Space” goes beyond. Video and sound quality have improved at Bethesda. Better planets, sunlight, and space physics are coming.

The music for “Shattered Space” will include symphonic pieces to match the grandiose plot. Every space fight, planetary exploration, and conversation scenario will include music to enhance the player’s emotional experience.

The Starfield Future

The Starfield post-launch plan is looking promising with “Starfield: Shattered Space” as the first step. Bethesda indicates future additions will expand on this universe’s vast fabric. For Starfield fans, “Shattered Space” promises a deeper, more complex experience that builds on what made the main game so popular.

For epic space travel, deep storytelling, and strategic gameplay, this expansion will not disappoint. Players will decide who will rise and fall in “Shattered Space.” as they begin on this new voyage.

Starfield Shattered Space Release Date

The release date of Starfield: Shattered Space is set for September 30, 2024. This was revealed during the Opening Night Live broadcast from Gamescom.

Read more on govindhtech.com