#astronomical calculations

[alokkhandelwal]

Creating Harmonious Spaces with Astrological Influences

Your home is more than just a bodily area; it’s miles a mirrored image of your personality, emotions, and aspirations. It’s in which you are trying to find comfort, peace, and idea. Did you already know that astrology can play a sizable role in shaping the electricity of your living spaces? By harnessing the strength of planetary influences, you may create harmonious and balanced environments that resonate with your soul. In this blog, we can explore the captivating connection between astrology and domestic decor, unveiling the secrets to designing areas that align with your particular astrological make-up.

Learn more about Creating Harmonious Spaces. Get an online astrology consultation by the world-renowned astrologer Mr. Alok Khandelwal.

Understanding Planetary Influences

In astrology, every planet exerts its distinct strength, and understanding these impacts allows you to make intentional alternatives while adorning your property.

Let’s explore some of the important things about planets and their related features-

Sun: The Sun represents energy, leadership, and self-expression. When incorporating Sun- inspired elements, choose bright colourings, ambitious patterns, and declaration portions to infuse your space with self-assurance and heat.

Moon: The Moon symbolizes feelings, intuition, and nurturing. To create a comfortable and comforting environment, focus on smooth textures, pastel sun shades, and factors that evoke a sense of tranquility and emotional connection.

Mercury: Mercury governs conversation, intellect, and adaptableness. Embrace smart organizational solutions, include books and mastering materials, and use vibrant shades to stimulate intellectual agility.

Venus: Venus embodies love, beauty, and artistic sensibility. Infuse your area with artwork, stylish decor, and calming colourings to sell a feel of love, concord, and aesthetic appreciation.

Mars: Mars represents power, ardor, and motivation. Introduce colorful accents, ambitious shapes, and dynamic artwork to create an invigorating and active ecosystem.

Jupiter: Jupiter indicates expansion, abundance, and optimism. Incorporate spacious layouts, seating regions, and elements of journey and cultural range to rouse an experience of increase and positivity.

Saturn: Saturn symbolizes structure, discipline, and understanding. Embrace minimalism, clean lines, and earthy tones to create a grounded and organized surrounding.

Uranus: Uranus embodies innovation, speciality, and independence. Add unconventional decor elements, contain modern era, and test with sudden layout choices for an area that celebrates individuality.

Neptune: Neptune represents creativeness, spirituality, and dreaminess. Use ethereal colorations, flowing fabric, and soft lighting fixtures to create a dreamy and provoking atmosphere.

Pluto: Pluto symbolizes transformation, rebirth, and regeneration. Embrace elements of renewal, comprise sustainable materials, and include feng shui standards to create an area that encourages personal growth and transformation.

Read Also:- Cosmic Connection of Zodiac Signs and Vastu, that Align for Harmonious Living

Designing Your Astrologically Aligned Home:

Now that you have information on planetary effects, it’s time to use this information for your private home decor. Here are a few sensible guidelines for growing a harmonious and astrologically aligned dwelling space:

Birth Chart Analysis:

Consult your birth chart with an astrologer to discover your dominant planets and their respective energies. This will provide precious insights into the most impactful planets for your home decor.

Element Balancing:

Astrology finds every zodiac signal with one of the four elements: fireplace, earth, air, and water. Incorporate decor elements that balance these elements in your space to foster equilibrium and harmony.

Colors and Textures:

Choose colourings and textures that resonate with the features of your dominant planets. Integrate them into your partitions, fixtures, and decor add-ons.

Personal Altar:

Create a private altar or sacred area that displays your non-secular beliefs and honors the celestial energies that guide your life.

Crystals and Gemstones:

Use crystals and gemstones associated with your dominant planets to extend their energies and sell nicely.

Art and Symbolism:

Display artwork and logos that preserve personal importance and evoke the traits you wish to cultivate in your lifestyle.

Natural Elements:

Incorporate herbal factors like flowers, flora, and herbal substances to bring the grounding energies of nature into your space.

Read Also:- Astrological Remedies for Finding Inner Peace and Calm

[alokastrology1]

Creating Harmonious Spaces with Astrological Influences

Your home is more than just a bodily area; it’s miles a mirrored image of your personality, emotions, and aspirations. It’s in which you are trying to find comfort, peace, and idea. Did you already know that astrology can play a sizable role in shaping the electricity of your living spaces? By harnessing the strength of planetary influences, you may create harmonious and balanced environments that resonate with your soul. In this blog, we can explore the captivating connection between astrology and domestic decor, unveiling the secrets to designing areas that align with your particular astrological make-up.

Learn more about Creating Harmonious Spaces. Get an online astrology consultation by the world-renowned astrologer Mr. Alok Khandelwal.

Understanding Planetary Influences

In astrology, every planet exerts its distinct strength, and understanding these impacts allows you to make intentional alternatives while adorning your property.

Let’s explore some of the important things about planets and their related features-

Sun: The Sun represents energy, leadership, and self-expression. When incorporating Sun- inspired elements, choose bright colourings, ambitious patterns, and declaration portions to infuse your space with self-assurance and heat.

Moon: The Moon symbolizes feelings, intuition, and nurturing. To create a comfortable and comforting environment, focus on smooth textures, pastel sun shades, and factors that evoke a sense of tranquility and emotional connection.

Mercury: Mercury governs conversation, intellect, and adaptableness. Embrace smart organizational solutions, include books and mastering materials, and use vibrant shades to stimulate intellectual agility.

Venus: Venus embodies love, beauty, and artistic sensibility. Infuse your area with artwork, stylish decor, and calming colourings to sell a feel of love, concord, and aesthetic appreciation.

Mars: Mars represents power, ardor, and motivation. Introduce colorful accents, ambitious shapes, and dynamic artwork to create an invigorating and active ecosystem.

Jupiter: Jupiter indicates expansion, abundance, and optimism. Incorporate spacious layouts, seating regions, and elements of journey and cultural range to rouse an experience of increase and positivity.

Saturn: Saturn symbolizes structure, discipline, and understanding. Embrace minimalism, clean lines, and earthy tones to create a grounded and organized surrounding.

Uranus: Uranus embodies innovation, speciality, and independence. Add unconventional decor elements, contain modern era, and test with sudden layout choices for an area that celebrates individuality.

Neptune: Neptune represents creativeness, spirituality, and dreaminess. Use ethereal colorations, flowing fabric, and soft lighting fixtures to create a dreamy and provoking atmosphere.

Pluto: Pluto symbolizes transformation, rebirth, and regeneration. Embrace elements of renewal, comprise sustainable materials, and include feng shui standards to create an area that encourages personal growth and transformation.

Read Also:- Cosmic Connection of Zodiac Signs and Vastu, that Align for Harmonious Living

Designing Your Astrologically Aligned Home:

Now that you have information on planetary effects, it’s time to use this information for your private home decor. Here are a few sensible guidelines for growing a harmonious and astrologically aligned dwelling space:

Birth Chart Analysis:

Consult your birth chart with an astrologer to discover your dominant planets and their respective energies. This will provide precious insights into the most impactful planets for your home decor.

Element Balancing:

Astrology finds every zodiac signal with one of the four elements: fireplace, earth, air, and water. Incorporate decor elements that balance these elements in your space to foster equilibrium and harmony.

Colors and Textures:

Choose colourings and textures that resonate with the features of your dominant planets. Integrate them into your partitions, fixtures, and decor add-ons.

Personal Altar:

Create a private altar or sacred area that displays your non-secular beliefs and honors the celestial energies that guide your life.

Crystals and Gemstones:

Use crystals and gemstones associated with your dominant planets to extend their energies and sell nicely.

Art and Symbolism:

Display artwork and logos that preserve personal importance and evoke the traits you wish to cultivate in your lifestyle.

Natural Elements:

Incorporate herbal factors like flowers, flora, and herbal substances to bring the grounding energies of nature into your space.

Read Also:- Astrological Remedies for Finding Inner Peace and Calm

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Antikythera Mechanism

Researchers claim breakthrough in study of 2000 year-old Antikythera mechanism, an astronomical calculator found in sea.

From the moment it was discovered more than a century ago, scholars have puzzled over the Antikythera mechanism, a remarkable and baffling astronomical calculator that survives from the ancient world.

The hand-powered, 2000 year-old device displayed the motion of the universe, predicting the movement of the five known planets, the phases of the moon, and the solar and lunar eclipses.

But quite how it achieved such impressive feats has proved fiendishly hard to untangle.

Now researchers at UCL believe they have solved the mystery – at least in part – and have set about reconstructing the device, gearwheels and all, to test whether their proposal works.

If they can build a replica with modern machinery, they aim to do the same with techniques from antiquity.

“We believe that our reconstruction fits all the evidence that scientists have gleaned from the extant remains to date,” said Adam Wojcik, a materials scientist at UCL.

While other scholars have made reconstructions in the past, the fact that two-thirds of the mechanism are missing has made it hard to know for sure how it worked.

The mechanism, often described as the world’s first analogue computer, was found by sponge divers in 1901 amid a haul of treasures salvaged from a merchant ship that met with disaster off the Greek island of Antikythera.

The ship is believed to have foundered in a storm in 1st Century BC, as it passed between Crete and Peloponnese en route to Rome from Asia Minor.

The battered fragments of corroded brass were barely noticed at first, but decades of scholarly work have revealed the object to be a masterpiece of mechanical engineering.

Originally encased in a wooden box one foot tall, the mechanism was covered in inscriptions – a built-in user’s manual – and contained more than 30 bronze gearwheels connected to dials and pointers.

Turn the handle and the heavens, as known to the Greeks, swung into motion.

Michael Wright, a former curator of mechanical engineering at the Science Museum in London, pieced together much of how the mechanism operated and built a working replica, but researchers have never had a complete understanding of how the device functioned.

Their efforts have not been helped by the remnants surviving in 82 separate fragments, making the task of rebuilding it equivalent to solving a battered 3D puzzle that has most of its pieces missing.

Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the UCL team describe how they drew on the work of Wright and others.

They used inscriptions on the mechanism and a mathematical method described by the ancient Greek philosopher Parmenides to work out new gear arrangements that would move the planets and other bodies in the correct way.

The solution allows nearly all of the mechanism’s gearwheels to fit within a space only 25mm deep.

According to the team, the mechanism may have displayed the movement of the sun, moon and the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn on concentric rings.

Because the device assumed that the sun and planets revolved around Earth, their paths were far more difficult to reproduce with gearwheels than if the sun was placed at the centre.

Another change the scientists propose is a double-ended pointer they call a “Dragon Hand” that indicates when eclipses are due to happen.

The researchers believe the work brings them closer to a true understanding of how the Antikythera device displayed the heavens, but it is not clear whether the design is correct or could have been built with ancient manufacturing techniques.

The concentric rings that make up the display would need to rotate on a set of nested, hollow axles, but without a lathe to shape the metal, it is unclear how the ancient Greeks would have manufactured such components.

[dean-boese-universe]

On this episode, we discuss the Antikythera Mechanism, a device found in a Roman shipwreck off the Greek Island of Antijythera.  Retrieved with several other treasures, due to it's advanced state of petrification and other issues, it wasn't even looked at much after it was initially brought up.  But over time, people have discovered this uncanny device that simulates the movement of the heavens created in the time of Before Common Era using a differential gear which otherwise doesn't show up for another 1300 years.  We discuss the devices discovery and the theories about it in this man learning stuff is fun episode of the Family Plot Podcast!

[nasa]

5 Unpredictable Things Swift Has Studied (and 1 It’s Still Looking For)

Our Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory — Swift for short — is celebrating its 20th anniversary! The satellite studies cosmic objects and events using visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray light. Swift plays a key role in our efforts to observe our ever-changing universe. Here are a few cosmic surprises Swift has caught over the years — plus one scientists hope to see.

#BOAT

Swift was designed to detect and study gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe. These bursts occur all over the sky without warning, with about one a day detected on average. They also usually last less than a minute – sometimes less than a few seconds – so you need a telescope like Swift that can quickly spot and precisely locate these new events.

In the fall of 2022, for example, Swift helped study a gamma-ray burst nicknamed the BOAT, or brightest of all time. The image above depicts X-rays Swift detected for 12 days after the initial flash. Dust in our galaxy scattered the X-ray light back to us, creating an extraordinary set of expanding rings.

Star meets black hole

Tidal disruptions happen when an unlucky star strays too close to a black hole. Gravitational forces break the star apart into a stream of gas, as seen above. Some of the gas escapes, but some swings back around the black hole and creates a disk of debris that orbits around it.

These events are rare. They only occur once every 10,000 to 100,000 years in a galaxy the size of our Milky Way. Astronomers can’t predict when or where they’ll pop up, but Swift’s quick reflexes have helped it observe several tidal disruption events in other galaxies over its 20-year career.

Active galaxies

Usually, we think of galaxies – and most other things in the universe – as changing so slowly that we can’t see the changes. But about 10% of the universe’s galaxies are active, which means their black hole-powered centers are very bright and have a lot going on. They can produce high-speed particle jets or flares of light. Sometimes scientists can catch and watch these real-time changes.

For example, for several years starting in 2018, Swift and other telescopes observed changes in a galaxy’s X-ray and ultraviolet light that led them to think the galaxy’s magnetic field had flipped 180 degrees.

Magnetic star remnants

Magnetars are a type of neutron star, a very dense leftover of a massive star that exploded in a supernova. Magnetars have the strongest magnetic fields we know of — up to 10 trillion times more intense than a refrigerator magnet and a thousand times stronger than a typical neutron star’s.

Occasionally, magnetars experience outbursts related to sudden changes in their magnetic fields that can last for months or even years. Swift detected such an outburst from a magnetar in 2020. The satellite’s X-ray observations helped scientists determine that the city-sized object was rotating once every 10.4 seconds.

Comets

Swift has also studied comets in our own solar system. Comets are town-sized snowballs of frozen gases, rock, and dust. When one gets close to our Sun, it heats up and spews dust and gases into a giant glowing halo.

In 2019, Swift watched a comet called 2I/Borisov. Using ultraviolet light, scientists calculated that Borisov lost enough water to fill 92 Olympic-size swimming pools! (Another interesting fact about Borisov: Astronomers think it came from outside our solar system.)

What's next for Swift?

Swift has studied a lot of cool events and objects over its two decades, but there are still a few events scientists are hoping it’ll see.

Swift is an important part of a new era of astrophysics called multimessenger astronomy, which is where scientists use light, particles, and space-time ripples called gravitational waves to study different aspects of cosmic events.

In 2017, Swift and other observatories detected light and gravitational waves from the same event, a gamma-ray burst, for the first time. But what astronomers really want is to detect all three messengers from the same event.

As Swift enters its 20th year, it’ll keep watching the ever-changing sky.

Keep up with Swift through NASA Universe on X, Facebook, and Instagram. And make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[breelandwalker]

2025 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here’s a handy list of the 2025 dates for the solstices, some commonly-referenced holidays, full and new moons, and special astronomical events. I’ve listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area.

On a related note, readers are encouraged to create their own seasonal calendars, holidays, and observances based on your local biome and personal preferences. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, Quarter Days, Some Common Dates

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas / High Winter

March 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day / Walpurgisnacht

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 13 - Wolf Moon ♋

February 12 - Snow Moon ♌

March 14 - Worm Moon ♍ (Lunar Eclipse)

April 12 - Pink Moon ♎

May 12 - Flower Moon ♏

June 11 - Strawberry Moon ♐

July 10 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 9 - Sturgeon Moon (aka Corn Moon) ♒

September 7 - Harvest Moon ♓ (Lunar Eclipse)

October 6 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon) ♈

November 5 - Frost Moon (aka Beaver Moon) ♉ (Supermoon)

December 4 - Cold Moon ♊ (Supermoon)

* The full moons in September and October are almost EXACTLY equidistant from the Autumn Equinox this year, so whether you'll have a Harvest Moon in September or October depends on where you live!

New Moons

January 29 ♒

February 27 ♓

March 29 ♈

April 27 ♉

May 26 ♊

June 25 ♋

July 24 ♌

August 23 ♍

September 21 ♍ (Seasonal black moon, second new moon in Virgo)

October 21 ♎

November 20 ♏

December 19 ♐

Special Celestial Events

March 14 - Worm Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

March 29 - Solar Eclipse

September 7 - Harvest Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

September 21 - Seasonal Black Moon / Solar Eclipse

November 5 - Frost Moon Supermoon

December 4 - Cold Moon Supermoon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

March 14 to April 6

July 17 to August 10

November 9 to November 29

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree’s Lunar Calendar Series

Bree’s Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2025

Calendar-12 - 2025 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2025 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2025 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2025

Old Farmer’s Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2024-2025

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2025

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Patheos - 2025 Wheel of the Year Astrological Calendar

Image Source - How Stuff Works

=

If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, tune in to my podcast Hex Positive, or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

[eccentric-objects]

can't believe I read a post saying "what if jupiter doesn't actually exist and telescopes just cause us to hallucinate it" with my own two eyes bc 1 jupiter can be seen with the naked eye. ppl have known about jupiter since before telescopes existed 2 if we could only see jupiter with telescopes then it would a mirage not a hallucination 3 if jupiter didn't exist then none of the inner planets would have formed the way they did and we have actual spacecraft on other planets

[neil-gaiman]

(first off: I'm not an astronomer, and I may be wildly off, but…) I had always assumed that "This too was incorrect. By almost a quarter of an hour", on the first page of Good Omens, was a throwaway joke. Today I realised it might actually be a reference; was it?

AIUI, Ussher said that although the creation occurred on the autumn equinox (22 September), he gave the date as 21 October to account for the drift caused by the Julian calendar, which was in use in Ireland at that time. I think he also said that it occurred at 9am Irish time, because that's noon in Jerusalem.

What just occurred to me is that Irish civil time is calculated from the Greenwich meridian. But Ussher lived in Armagh, 6.55° west of Greenwich. The solar time in Armagh at noon in Jerusalem is 9:19am and on 21 October is 9:11am. So 9am is off by almost a quarter of an hour.

Thanks for all the happy memories and the solidarity over the years.

I just want to show this to Terry Pratchett.

[ltwilliammowett]

Glossary of Nautical Terms - as used in the late 18th and early 19th centuries

Aft: at or towards the stern or after part of a ship, the opposite of bow.

Aloft: overhead, or above.

Athwart: across.

Bank: a rising ground in the sea, differing from a shoal, because not rocky but composed of sand, mud or gravel.

Becalmed: to halt through lack of wind.

Bow: the foremost end or part of a ship, the opposite of stern.

Bowsprit: a large mast or piece of timber which stands out from the bow of a ship.

Burthen: the older term used to express a ship's tonnage or carrying capacity. It was based on the number of tuns of wine that a ship could carry in her holds, the total number giving her burthen.

Chase, to: to pursue a vessel in wartime with the aim of capturing, acquiring information from her, or destroying.

Colours: the name by which the national flag flown by a ship at sea is known, used to determine nationality.

Dead reckoning: a system of navigation where the position of a ship is calculated without the use of any astronomical observation whatever.

Fair wind: a wind favourable to the direction a ship is sailing.

Fathom: a measure of six feet, used to divide the lead (or sounding) lines in measuring the depth of water; and to calculate in the length of cables, rigging, etc.

Fore: the forward part.

Hail, to: to call to another ship.

Helm: the instrument by which the ship is steered, and includes both the wheel and the tiller, as one general term.

Jib: a triangular sail set by sailing ships on the boom which runs out from the bowsprit.

Jury-mast: a temporary makeshift mast erected to replace a mast that has been disabled or carried away.

Jury-rudder: a makeshift arrangement to give a ship the ability to to steer when she has lost her rudder.

Keel: the lowest and principal timber of a wooden ship - the single strongest member of the ship's frame.

Knot: the nautical measure of speed, one knot being a speed of one nautical mile (6,080 feet) per hour. As a measure of speed the term is always knots, and never knots an hour.

Landfall: the discovery of the land.

Land-locked: sheltered all round by the land, so that there is no view of the sea.

Lead: an instrument for discovering the depth of water, attached to a lead-line, which is marked at certain distances to measure the fathoms.

Lee: the side of a ship, promontory, or other object away from the wind; that side sheltered from the wind. It is the opposite side to windward.

Lee shore: a coastline on to which the wind blows directly - consequently it can be dangerous as the wind tends to force the sailing ship down on it.

Leeward: with the wind; towards the point to which the wind blows.

Letter of Marque: a commission issued in Britain by the Lord High Admiral or Commissioners of the Admiralty authorizing the commander of a privately owned ship to cruise in search of enemy merchant vessels. The letter of marque described the ship, her owners and officers, the amount of surety which had been deposited and stressed the necessity of having all prize vessels or goods seized condemned and valued at a Vice Admiralty Court for the payment of 'prize money'.

Lie-to: to prevent a vessel from making progress through the water - achieved by reducing sail in a gale. The objective is to keep the vessel in such a position, with the wind on the bow, as to ensure that heavy seas do not break aboard.

The Line (or 'Crossing the Line') Sailing across the Equator. Nautical tradition where seamen celebrate the crossing of the equator by dressing up and acting out a visit by King Neptune. Those who have not previously crossed the line are summoned to the court of Neptune for trial, followed by a ritual ducking (in a bathing tub of seawater) and sometimes lathered and roughly shaved.

Mainsail: the principal sail of a sailing vessel.

Mizzen (or mizen): the name for the third, aftermost, mast of a square-rigged sailing ship or of a three-masted schooner.

Muster: to assemble the crew of a ship on deck and call through the list of names to establish who is present and accounted for.

Muster-book: the book kept on board a vessel in which was entered the names of all men serving in the ship, with the dates of their entry and final discharge from the crew. It was the basis on which victuals were issued and payment made for services performed on board.

Pintle: a vertical metal pin attached to the leading edge of the rudder; it is fitted into the metal ring or 'gudgeon' bolted to the sternpost of a vessel. This provides the means for hinging the rudder on the sternpost and allows a rudder to be swung or turned as desired (by use of the tiller); where necessary (ie. when the rudder needs to be removed or repaired) the pintles can be unshipped quickly and the rudder detached.

Port: the left-hand side of a vessel as seen from the stern; also a harbour or haven.

Privateer: a privately owned vessel armed with guns which operated in time of war against the trading vessels of an enemy nation. Each privateer was given a a 'letter of marque' which was regarded as a commission to seize any enemy shipping as a 'prize'. The name 'privateer' has come to refer to both the ship and the men who sailed in her.

Prize: name used to describe an enemy vessel captured at sea by a ship of war or a privateer; also used to describe a contraband cargo taken from a merchant ship. A 'prize court' would then determine the validity of capture of ships and goods and authorize their disposal. 'Prize' in British naval history always acted as considerable incentive to recruitment with many men tempted to join the navy in anticipation of quick riches.

Prize Court: Captured ships were to be brought before prize courts where it was decided whether the vessel was legal prize; if so, the whole value was divided among the owners and the crew of the ship.

Prize Money: the net proceeds of the sale of enemy shipping and property captured at sea - these proceeds were distributed to the captors on a sliding scale from highest rank to lowest seaman.

Road or Roadstead: a stretch of sheltered water near land where ships may ride at anchor in all but very heavy weather; often rendered as 'roads', and does not refer to the streets of a particular port city but rather its anchorage, as in 'St Helens Roads', the designated anchorage for shipping located between St. Helens (Isle of Wight) and Portsmouth, or 'Funchal Roads' at the island of Madeira. (see Elizabeth Macquarie's 1809 Journal).

Quarter: (1)the direction from which the wind was blowing, particularly if it looked like remaining there for some time; (2)the two after parts of the ship - strictly speaking a ship's port or starbord quarter was a bearing 45° from the stern.

Ship: from the Old English scip, the generic name for sea-going vessels (as opposed to boats). Originally ships were personified as masculine but by the sixteenth century almost universally expressed as as feminine.

Shoal: a bank or reef, an area of shallow water dangerous to navigation. Sounding: the of operation of determioning the depth of the sea, and the quality of the ground, by means of a lead and line, sunk from the ship to the bottom, where some of the sediment or sand adheres to the tallow in the hollow base of the lead.

Sound: (1) to try the depth of the water; (2) a deep bay.

Sounding: ascertaining the depth of the sea by means of a lead and line, sunk from a ship to the bottom.

Soundings: those parts of the ocean not far from the shore where the depth is about 80 to 100 fathoms.

Spar: a general term for any wooden support used in the rigging of a ship - includes all masts, yards, booms, gaffs etc.

Squall: a sudden gust of wind of considerable strength.

Starboard: the right-hand side of a vessel as seen from the stern.

Stern: after-part of a ship or boat.

Tack: the nautical manouevre of bringing a sailing vessel on to another bearing by bringing the wind round the bow; during this manouevre the vessel is said to be 'coming about'.

Tide of Flood: the flow of the tidal stream as it rises from the ending of the period of slack water at low tide to the start of the period of slack water at high tide; its period is approximately six hours.

Trade Winds: steady regular winds that blow in a belt approximately 30 N. and 30 S of the equator. In the North Atlantic the trades blow consistently all year round, from the north-east; in the South Atlantic they blow from the south-east, converging just north of the equator. The meeting of the trade winds just north of the equator created the infamous 'doldrums', where sailing ships could be becalmed for days or weeks waiting for a wind to carry them back into the trades.They were known as trade winds because of their regularity, thereby assisting sailing vessels in reaching their markets to carry out trade.

Under way: the description of a ship as soon as she begins to move under canvas power after her anchor has been raised from the bottom; also written as 'under weigh.'

Voyage: a journey by sea. It usually includes the outward and homeward trips, which are called passages.

Watch: (1) one of the seven divisions of the nautical day; (2) one of two divisions of the seamen forming the ship's company.

Wear: the nautical manouevre of bringing a sailing vessel on to another tack by bringing the wind around the stern.

Weather: in a nautical sense (rather than a meteorological) this is the phrase used by seamen to describe anything that lies to windward. Consequently, a coastline that lies to windward of a ship is a weather shore; the side of a ship that faces the wind when it is under way is said to be the weather side a ship, etc.

Weigh: to haul up.

Weigh anchor: the raising of the anchor so that the ship is no longer secured to the sea or river bottom.

Windward: the weather side, or that direction from which the wind blows. It is the opposite side to leeward.

Yard: (1) a large wooden spar crossing the masts of a sailing ship horizontally or diagonally, from which a sail is set. (2) a shortened form of the word 'dockyard, in which vessels are built or repaired.

Sources: JEANS, Peter D. Ship to Shore: a dictionary of everyday words and phrases derived from the sea. Santa Barbara: ABC-Clio, 1993.

The Oxford Companion to Ships & the Sea. (ed.) Peter Kemp. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1976.

[ef-1]

Torger Wolff starting off 2024 with the biggest fumble in the history of mankind, haven't had a fumble this size since an asteroid struck earth and fumbled the dinosaurs into extinction and plunged the entire planet into the ice age, this fumble is so astronomical it cannot be quantified, counted or calculated

[todays-xkcd]

Their calculations show it will 'pass within the distance of the moon' but that it 'will not hit the moon, so what's the point?'

Asteroid News [Explained]

Transcript Under the Cut

[Close-up of Blondie as a newscaster speaking, alongside an image to the left of an asteroid passing by Earth. The path of the asteroid is shown as a dashed line near the top-left, with the Moon orbiting the Earth below it.] Blondie: Astronomers initially said there was a one-in-6,000 chance that the newly-discovered asteroid might "do something cool" in 2063, but further observations determined it will be "just a boring dot like all the others."

[binarystarhero]

Happy Binary Star Explosion Day 🌠⭐️🌟

https://gizmodo.com/an-astronomer-calculated-the-exact-day-a-star-will-blow-and-its-this-week-2000580309

(A big thankyou to Yinny @helloyinny for letting me know about this 💕)

[velvetvisionsaurora]

Pairing: Hongjoong x reader, Seonghwa x reader, Yunho x reader, Mingi x reader, Wooyoung x reader.

Summary: Five eight-year-old boys aboard the slave ship Crimson Serpent form an unbreakable bond with five-year-old y/n. before she's sold at auction. Despite their failed rescue attempt, they swear a blood oath on her teddy bear to find her. Fifteen years later, now feared pirates leading the ATEEZ

Warnings: Slavery/Human Trafficking, Separation/Loss, Violence, Eventual Smut. SA(not by any main characters) y/n gets switched to a real name but it has a purpose. More warnings to be updated.

Want to be notified when a chapter is updated? Join the Taglist!

<<Previous Next>>

Masterlist

Chapter 4

Echoes of Memory

Morning light filtered through the small porthole of Ella's cabin, waking her from the deepest sleep she'd experienced in years. For a disorienting moment, she couldn't place where she was—the gentle rocking motion familiar yet the comfort of the bed entirely foreign. Then yesterday's events crashed back: the auction, the astronomical bid, the pirate captain with intense eyes who had purchased her freedom rather than her person.

She rose quickly, years of conditioning making her anxious about being caught sleeping late. Slave habits died hard, if they died at all. The clean clothes provided yesterday were supplemented by new garments on the small desk—practical attire suitable for ship life rather than the restrictive clothing typically given to female captives. Another unexpected consideration.

Ella ran her fingers over the fabric, allowing herself a small smile at its softness. Fifteen years of coarse cloth against her skin made this simple comfort feel like extraordinary luxury. On impulse, she twirled once, feeling the fabric swish around her legs, before catching herself with a startled laugh. Such frivolous movement had been dangerous in Blackwell's household, where any sign of spirit invited unwanted attention.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Breakfast will be served on deck in ten minutes," came Wooyoung's cheerful voice through the door. "Captain's orders—he wants to begin the interviews with a full stomach and fresh air."

"Thank you," she replied, relieved to hear no impatience in his tone despite her oversleeping. "I'll be ready."

"No rush! Pirates aren't exactly known for punctuality." His laughter faded as he moved away down the corridor.

The casual kindness continued to unsettle her. Fifteen years of captivity had taught her to expect hidden motives behind every gentle word, calculating strategy behind every apparent consideration. Yet something in Wooyoung's genuine warmth defied her practiced cynicism.

As she dressed and prepared herself, Ella deliberately loosened some of her usual rigid control. If she truly was free, perhaps she could begin allowing small pieces of herself to emerge from behind the protective walls she'd constructed. Not complete vulnerability—never that—but tiny openings to test the atmosphere of this strange new world.

She whispered her nightly ritual once more, like a talisman against the day's uncertainties: "Joongie, Hwa, Woo, Yuyu, Puppy."

The ATEEZ's main deck bustled with morning activity when Ella emerged from below. Sailors moved with practiced efficiency, adjusting sails to catch the favorable wind that had carried them well away from Halazia's harbor overnight. The black sails, now fully unfurled against the clear sky, gave the vessel an ominous silhouette that belied the cheerful calls and occasional laughter of its crew.

She paused momentarily, breathing deeply of the clean sea air—another simple pleasure denied during years of confinement. The vastness of ocean and sky created a sensation of expanding possibility that made her heart beat faster.

"There you are!" Wooyoung waved from a small table set near the stern, where Captain Hongjoong and Quartermaster Seonghwa were already seated. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost."

"The ship is... larger than it appears from shore," she replied, a partial truth to explain her hesitation. In reality, she had been cataloging escape routes and defensive positions—habitual survival behavior she couldn't switch off despite her apparent freedom.

As she approached the table, a sudden gust of wind caught her hair, loosening strands from her severe bun. Instead of immediately securing them as she normally would, Ella let them dance momentarily around her face, enjoying the sensation of wind against her skin.

Captain Hongjoong rose slightly as she approached—a courtesy normally reserved for ladies of quality, not former slaves. The gesture caught her off-guard, another unexpected consideration that made her wary even as part of her responded to the simple dignity it afforded her.

"I trust you slept well?" he inquired as she took the seat indicated.

"Very well, thank you." Better than she had in years, though she kept this admission to herself. The soft bed and absence of fear had combined to produce a depth of rest she'd forgotten was possible.

The breakfast spread surprised her—fresh bread, preserved fruits, even small portions of smoked fish. Wooyoung placed a cup of steaming tea before her with flourish.

"My special blend," he said with a wink. "Secret ingredients."

As she took a cautious sip, the flavor struck her with unexpected force—cardamom, cinnamon, and something else she couldn't quite identify. A flash of memory surfaced: a small boy with bright eyes crushing spices between stones, whispering that he was "making magic" while she watched with fascination.

"It's wonderful," she said, letting genuine pleasure show in her expression. "Like drinking sunlight."

Wooyoung's eyes widened slightly at her poetic description before his face split into a delighted grin. "Exactly! That's exactly what I've always thought but could never explain." He leaned forward conspiratorially. "The secret is a pinch of saffron—criminally expensive but worth every coin."

His enthusiasm was contagious, and Ella found herself smiling in response—a real smile that reached her eyes rather than the carefully calibrated expression she typically maintained. "Then I'm honored by your generosity," she replied, taking another appreciative sip.

Wooyoung beamed with pleasure before settling into his own seat. "The captain says you're going to help us understand Blackwell's operation. You'll find no more attentive audience—we've been tracking him for years."

"Years?" Ella asked, genuine curiosity breaking through her caution. "Why focus on one particular slave trader among so many?"

A subtle tension rippled through the three men, brief but unmistakable. Captain Hongjoong's expression remained carefully neutral as he replied.

"The Southern Trade Company represents everything we oppose. Their methods are particularly brutal, their influence unusually extensive. Dismantling their operation would significantly disrupt the slave trade throughout the region."

The explanation was logical, yet something in his tone suggested personal motivation beyond strategic objectives. Ella filed this observation away for later consideration.

"I'll share what I know," she offered, "though my perspective was necessarily limited. Slaves aren't privy to business operations."

"You'd be surprised how much one can observe from the shadows," Seonghwa countered, his elegant features arranged in perfect composure. "Those who own others often forget they have eyes and ears."

The assessment was accurate. Throughout her captivity, Ella had cultivated the art of invisibility while remaining acutely aware of her surroundings. Over time, she'd pieced together considerable knowledge about Blackwell's business practices, ship movements, and trade connections. The question was how much of this information to share, and how quickly.

"Perhaps we could begin with the basic structure of Blackwell's organization," Hongjoong suggested, seamlessly shifting into the interview portion of their breakfast. "His key lieutenants, primary trading routes, largest holdings."

The topic was safe enough—factual information without personal disclosure. Ella organized her thoughts, then began a methodical description of Blackwell's company structure. As she spoke, she noticed Seonghwa making precise notes in a small leather-bound book, his handwriting remarkably neat despite the ship's gentle rolling.

"His primary residence is a fortified estate ten miles inland from Halazia's eastern district," she explained. "The property includes holding facilities for 'premium merchandise' before auction."

A muscle tightened in Hongjoong's jaw at this clinical terminology, though she was merely quoting Blackwell's own words. His controlled reaction revealed genuine moral outrage beneath his carefully maintained composure.

"You should see his private garden, though," she added, allowing a hint of sardonic humor to color her tone. "He's terribly proud of his imported roses—fusses over them more than any human in his possession. Once spent an entire dinner describing the precise soil composition required for blue-tinted blooms."

Wooyoung snorted into his tea, while Seonghwa's lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. Even Hongjoong's serious expression lightened momentarily.

"Priorities of a true gentleman," the captain remarked dryly, his tone matching her ironic delivery.

The small moment of shared humor loosened something in Ella's chest—a tight knot of tension she hadn't fully recognized until it began to unravel. Humor had been another luxury denied under Blackwell's ownership, where laughter could be interpreted as insolence.

"The estate is guarded by approximately thirty men at any given time," she continued, finding her voice flowing more naturally. "Blackwell himself travels frequently between his three main bases of operation—Halazia, Port Westerly, and the southern islands."

"His flagship is the Meridian," Hongjoong noted. "Fast brigantine, heavily armed but disguised as a merchant vessel. We've tracked it through southern waters but never engaged directly."

Ella nodded. "He typically travels with a small fleet—the Meridian plus two escort vessels crewed by his most loyal officers." She hesitated, then added with a touch of mischief, "Though 'loyal' might be overstating matters. His first mate, Coleman, has been skimming profits for years. Blackwell suspects but can't prove it, which makes their interactions rather entertaining to observe."

Seonghwa's eyebrow arched with interest. "Internal discord is always useful information."

"Coleman maintains a separate ledger," Ella elaborated, warming to her subject. "Keeps it hidden beneath a loose floorboard in his cabin—not particularly imaginative, but effective enough. If one were inclined toward mischief, that ledger would make excellent leverage."

"One might indeed be so inclined," Wooyoung remarked with a conspiratorial grin that reminded her painfully of a young boy planning kitchen raids for forbidden treats.

The conversation continued in this vein through breakfast—professional exchange of information increasingly colored by Ella's personal observations and occasional flashes of wit. She found herself relaxing into the interaction despite her habitual caution, drawn by the evident appreciation these men showed for both her knowledge and her perspective.

As they finished eating, a sailor approached with a message for the captain. After a brief exchange, Hongjoong turned back to the table.

"Duty calls. Seonghwa, please continue our discussion with Ella in the chart room. I'll join you shortly." He rose, offering her a slight bow. "Your insights are invaluable. Thank you for your candor."

As he departed, Seonghwa gathered his notes with meticulous precision. "The chart room will be more comfortable for an extended conversation. If you're amenable?"

"Of course," she agreed, rising to follow him.

"I'll bring fresh tea!" Wooyoung called after them, already clearing the breakfast dishes with efficient movements.

As Ella followed Seonghwa below decks, she noticed how crew members they passed showed the quartermaster respect without fear—a stark contrast to the enforced deference she'd witnessed in Blackwell's organization. The ATEEZ might be feared by enemies, but its own crew operated with evident loyalty rather than intimidation.

The chart room proved to be a spacious cabin dominated by a large table where navigational maps were secured beneath a sheet of clear glass. Various instruments lined the walls—sextants, compasses, and measuring tools arranged in perfect order. The space reminded her of a meticulous scholar's study rather than a pirate's workplace.

"Please, sit," Seonghwa indicated a chair positioned to view both the maps and the doorway—a courtesy that acknowledged her need for situational awareness.

As they settled into a more detailed discussion of Blackwell's trading routes, Ella found herself unexpectedly relaxing. The quartermaster's precise questions were clearly designed to extract maximum useful information, yet there was nothing threatening in his approach. He simply presented problems, absorbed her responses, and occasionally made annotations on the appropriate maps.

Their conversation flowed with surprising ease. When she mentioned a particular cove Blackwell used for clandestine transfers, Seonghwa immediately located it on the chart, adding small marks to indicate patrol patterns based on her description. His memory was exceptional—he never needed her to repeat information, and quickly integrated new details with existing knowledge.

During a brief pause while Seonghwa adjusted a map, Ella found herself absently rearranging the navigation tools near her edge of the table, aligning them in perfect parallel lines. Catching herself in this unconscious action, she glanced up to find Seonghwa watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Sorry," she said, gesturing to the tools. "Force of habit."

To her surprise, his lips curved in a small but genuine smile. "No apology necessary. They're now in their proper positions."

The simple acknowledgment of shared precision struck a chord of recognition so powerful that Ella had to look away momentarily. When she glanced back, Seonghwa had returned to his maps, the brief connection seemingly forgotten though its effects lingered in her awareness.

"You have a remarkably ordered mind," he observed after another period of productive discussion. "Most witnesses struggle to provide such coherent intelligence."

The compliment, delivered without flattery, caught her off guard. "Observation was necessary for survival," she replied simply.

Seonghwa's gaze met hers with unexpected intensity. "Yes. It often is."

Something in his tone suggested personal understanding rather than theoretical knowledge. Before she could respond, Wooyoung arrived with the promised tea service, his entrance dispelling the moment of connection.

"Special delivery!" he announced, setting down a tray laden with not just tea but small honey cakes. "Brain work requires sustenance."

"We're conducting serious intelligence gathering, not hosting a social gathering," Seonghwa remarked, though without genuine irritation.

"Intelligence flows better with honey cakes," Wooyoung countered, setting cups before them. "Even quartermaster brains need sweetening occasionally."

Their familiar bickering triggered another wave of déjà vu so powerful that Ella had to focus on the teacup before her to maintain composure. Something about their dynamic, the precise way Seonghwa's eyebrow arched in response to Wooyoung's teasing, resonated with half-forgotten memories.

Unable to resist the temptation, she picked up a honey cake and deliberately broke it in half before eating—a small childhood habit she'd maintained whenever possible. Wooyoung's eyes widened fractionally, his gaze following the movement of her hands with curious intensity.

"Too large to eat in one bite," she explained with a light shrug, though the justification felt strangely important to offer.

"Exactly!" Wooyoung exclaimed with disproportionate enthusiasm. "That's exactly how they should be eaten. I always break mine in half too."

It was a small thing—trivial really—yet the shared preference created an unexpected sense of connection. Ella found herself smiling again, the expression becoming less foreign with each occurrence.

"Will you be continuing the interview?" Wooyoung asked, clearly hoping to join them.

"Actually," Seonghwa replied, glancing at the chronometer on the wall, "we've covered considerable ground already. Perhaps Ella would appreciate seeing more of the ship? A tour might provide context for our discussions."

"An excellent idea!" Wooyoung agreed enthusiastically. "Though the galley is currently off-limits—mid-morning bread preparation makes for poor sightseeing."

"Perhaps Yunho could serve as guide," Seonghwa suggested. "As boatswain, he can provide the most comprehensive overview of ship operations."

The proposal seemed casual, but Ella sensed underlying purpose. Were they deliberately cycling her through different officers, each assessing her from their unique perspective? Or was there another motive for ensuring she spent time with each of them?

"I would welcome a tour," she agreed, curious to observe more of the ship's operations. Knowledge of her surroundings was always valuable, regardless of intent.

Wooyoung departed to locate Yunho, leaving Ella briefly alone with Seonghwa. The quartermaster organized his notes with methodical precision, each page aligned perfectly before being secured in a leather folio.

"Thank you for your assistance," he said formally. "Your knowledge of Blackwell's operation is impressively detailed."

"I merely observed what was before me."

"Few develop such clarity of perception, even when survival depends upon it." His tone remained neutral, but something in his eyes suggested deeper meaning. "Perception requires both intelligence and courage."

Before she could formulate a response, the door opened to admit Yunho's tall frame. The boatswain's gentle smile immediately lightened the atmosphere.

"I hear you're interested in ship operations," he said, ducking slightly as he entered the low-ceilinged room. "I'd be happy to show you around, if you'd like."

"Thank you," Ella replied, rising from her seat. "I appreciate the opportunity."

Seonghwa nodded acknowledgment as they departed, already returning to his annotations on the charts. His focused dedication to task reminded her of another careful boy who had created safety through meticulous planning—a memory she pushed aside as she followed Yunho into the corridor.

The boatswain moved with surprising grace for his size, adjusting his stride to accommodate her shorter legs without making the consideration obvious. As they emerged onto the main deck, he gestured broadly at the ship surrounding them.

"The ATEEZ is a modified brigantine—fast enough to outrun larger vessels, maneuverable enough to navigate shallow waters, but with sufficient firepower to defend herself when necessary," he explained, pride evident in his voice. "We've made considerable alterations to her original design over the years."

Ella followed as he conducted a comprehensive tour of the vessel, from bow to stern. Yunho explained each area's function with clear enthusiasm, introducing crew members they encountered with casual warmth that revealed the ship's strong community bonds. Throughout, he displayed not just technical knowledge but genuine love for the vessel and its operations.

"The rigging system is custom designed," he explained, pointing to the complex arrangement of ropes and pulleys above them. "We can adjust sail configuration more quickly than standard vessels, giving us advantage in pursuit or evasion."

"You designed this?" she asked, genuinely impressed by the ingenious system.

A slight flush colored his cheeks. "With Mingi's help. He created the pulley mechanisms that make it work."

"It's brilliant," she said sincerely, then added with playful challenge, "Though I wonder how it performs in squall conditions with rapid wind shifts."

Yunho's eyes lit up at the technical question. "That's where the secondary stabilizing lines come in," he explained, pointing to a supplementary rigging arrangement. "They allow for quick rebalancing without compromising structural integrity."

"Clever," she acknowledged, then surprised herself by adding, "I'd love to see it in action sometime."

"Are you familiar with sailing mechanics?" he asked, evident curiosity in his tone.

The question required careful navigation. Her knowledge came primarily from observation aboard various vessels during her captivity, but explaining this might reveal more of her history than she wished to share.

"I've observed various ships in operation," she replied, a truthful if incomplete explanation. "The principles fascinate me, though my understanding is purely theoretical."

Yunho nodded acceptance of this answer. "Theory and practice often differ at sea. The elements have little respect for human calculations."

"Nature rarely does," she agreed. "Though humans can adapt if they're clever enough."

"And humble enough," he added with unexpected wisdom. "Pride makes poor companions with waves and wind."

The observation, delivered without pretension, reminded her of starlit conversations long ago—a tall boy explaining natural elements with reverent wonder rather than technical mastery. The memory created an ache of recognition she couldn't fully suppress.

As they continued their tour, the sun climbed higher in the sky, its warmth pleasant against Ella's skin after years of limited access to fresh air and daylight. The vastness of the ocean surrounding them stirred complex emotions—freedom and opportunity mixed with awareness of isolation and dependency.

"The crow's nest provides the best view," Yunho remarked, following her gaze upward. "Would you like to see?"

The invitation surprised her—access to high vantage points was rarely granted to captives, given the tactical advantage height provided. Yet another reminder that her status aboard this vessel was fundamentally different from her previous existence.

"Is it permitted?" she asked cautiously.

"Of course. You're not a prisoner here." His gentle assertion held no condescension, just simple truth. "Though the climb can be challenging for those unaccustomed to ship rigging."

"I'd like to try," she decided, the prospect of expansive visibility appealing to instincts honed by years of restricted movement and sight lines.

Yunho nodded approval. "I'll follow behind—not because I doubt your capability, but safety protocols apply to everyone aboard."

His consideration—acknowledging her agency while maintaining practical safety—struck another chord of familiarity. She followed his instructions for navigating the rigging, finding her body remembered climbing skills she hadn't used in years. The physical exertion felt surprisingly good, muscles engaging in movements long denied.

When they reached the small platform high above the deck, the view stole her breath. Endless blue stretched in all directions, the horizon a perfect circle unbroken by land. The ATEEZ's black sails billowed below them, crew members reduced to small figures moving with coordinated purpose across the deck.

"It's magnificent," she admitted, the word inadequate for the expanse of freedom before her.

"I've always found peace up here," Yunho said quietly, settling beside her with respectful distance. "The stars at night are even more spectacular—no city lights to dim their brilliance."

Unable to resist the childlike impulse, she closed her eyes and spread her arms slightly, letting the wind flow around her body in a sensation of near-flight.

When she opened her eyes, she caught Yunho watching her with a soft expression that vanished quickly into his usual gentle smile. "It's the closest we get to flying," he remarked, as if understanding her unspoken thought.

"Better than flying," she replied. "Birds don't appreciate what they have."

Yunho laughed, the sound carrying freely in the open air. "I've never thought of it that way. Poor ungrateful birds, taking flight for granted."

His laughter was contagious, and Ella found herself joining in—genuine mirth bubbling up from a place she'd thought long silenced. The sound of her own laughter startled her almost as much as the sensation itself, unfamiliar after years of careful restraint.

"You mentioned the stars," she said once their laughter subsided. "Are they particularly clear from here?"

Yunho's expression brightened with genuine enthusiasm. "Extraordinarily so. On cloudless nights, the sky becomes a canopy of light—constellations so vivid they seem close enough to touch."

"I've always loved the stars," Ella admitted, the confession slipping out before she could reconsider. "During my years with Blackwell, my bedroom had a small window high in the wall. Too small for escape, but perfect for viewing a small patch of night sky. I taught myself the constellations from that limited view—piecing them together night after night like a puzzle."

The personal revelation surprised her as much as it seemed to surprise Yunho, whose expression reflected both interest and compassion.

"Self-taught astronomy under such conditions," he remarked softly. "That shows remarkable determination."

Ella shrugged, momentarily embarrassed by her openness. "It gave me something beyond my immediate circumstances—something vast and constant that couldn't be owned or controlled."

"The stars have been sailors' companions for thousands of years for similar reasons," Yunho agreed. "They offer direction when all else is chaos."

Impulsively, she pointed toward a particular section of sky. "Is that where Orion would be visible at night?"

"Yes, exactly!" Yunho's face lit with even greater enthusiasm. "You do know your stars. He's not visible now in daylight, but he guards that quadrant after sunset. How did you determine his position?"

"Hemisphere and season," she explained, warming to the subject despite her usual caution. "And I remember he travels with his loyal hound, Canis Major, who carries the brightest star in our sky."

"Sirius," Yunho confirmed, his expression reflecting delighted surprise at finding an unexpected fellow enthusiast. "The Dog Star."

For several minutes, they discussed the constellations visible from their current position, Ella sharing her self-taught knowledge while Yunho contributed the practical applications used in navigation. It was the most unguarded conversation she'd engaged in for years—a subject that connected to her deepest self yet revealed nothing dangerous about her history or identity.

"Would you be interested in seeing them properly tonight?" Yunho suggested. "Weather permitting, of course. The night watch wouldn't mind company in the crow's nest for an hour."

The invitation represented more than simple stargazing—it was an offer of trust, an acknowledgment of her as a person with interests and desires rather than merely a source of intelligence about Blackwell. Ella found herself nodding before prudence could intervene.

"I'd like that very much," she replied, surprised by her own sincerity.

They remained in the crow's nest for several more comfortable minutes, the silence between them lacking the tension Ella had grown accustomed to in most human interactions. Eventually, Yunho gestured toward the deck below.

"We should continue our tour. The captain will want to resume interviews this afternoon."

As they descended, Ella found herself wondering at the ease she felt in Yunho's presence. His gentle manner and straightforward communication created space for relaxation she rarely permitted herself. It was dangerous—comfort led to complacency, and complacency to vulnerability—yet the familiar quality of his kindness resonated with something deep within her.

Back on deck, Yunho led her toward the bow, where several crew members were engaged in maintenance work. As they approached, Ella spotted a figure she recognized instantly—Mingi's broad shoulders and focused attention unmistakable as he inspected a section of railing.

The master gunner looked up at their approach, his dark eyes meeting hers briefly before shifting away. Unlike the captain's searching gaze or Wooyoung's open curiosity, Mingi's glance contained something deeper—a wary recognition that suggested he, too, experienced the strange resonance she felt in their presence.

"Mingi's checking the gun port mechanisms," Yunho explained. "We modified the design to conceal our firepower from distant observation."

"Clever," she acknowledged, studying the seamless integration of practical function and deceptive appearance. "Most merchant vessels wouldn't recognize the threat until within range."

"Exactly," Yunho confirmed. "Though we prefer to avoid conflict when possible. The modifications simply ensure favorable terms when negotiation fails."

As he spoke, Mingi completed his inspection and straightened, acknowledging them with a slight nod. His movements held the careful precision she'd noticed yesterday—a man constantly aware of his size and strength, moderating both to avoid intimidation.

"Is everything functional?" Yunho asked his friend.

"Yes," Mingi replied, his deep voice soft despite its resonance. "Port-side mechanism needs minor adjustment."

"I can assist after the tour," Yunho offered.

Mingi nodded agreement, his eyes flickering briefly to Ella before returning to Yunho. Something unspoken passed between them—a communication developed through years of friendship and collaboration.

"The forecastle next?" Yunho suggested, apparently understanding whatever silent message had been conveyed.

"Actually," Ella interjected, curiosity overcoming caution, "I'd be interested in learning more about the gun ports, if permitted. The design seems uniquely practical."

Both men looked momentarily surprised by her interest. Mingi recovered first, giving another slight nod that might have been approval.

"I can demonstrate," he offered, the words emerging with careful deliberation.

Yunho smiled, as if pleased by this development. "Excellent. No one understands the mechanisms better than their designer. I'll check in with the captain and return shortly."

With that diplomatic withdrawal, Ella found herself alone with the taciturn gunner—a situation that triggered both wariness and that same inexplicable sense of familiarity. Mingi led her to the nearest gun port, his movements unhurried but efficient.

"External appearance," he began, indicating the seemingly solid hull planking. "Conceals armed capability."

He pressed a recessed panel, revealing a cleverly disguised latch mechanism. With smooth precision, the "solid" section of hull swung inward, exposing a medium-caliber cannon mounted on a specially designed track.

"Rotation and elevation adjustable," he explained, demonstrating with minimal movement how the weapon could be positioned for various targeting scenarios. "Quick deployment essential in confrontation."

His explanation was technical but clear, each word carefully chosen and precisely delivered. The efficiency of his communication reflected both respect for her intelligence and his own preference for verbal economy.

"The counterweight system is ingenious," she observed, noting how the heavy cannon could be moved with relatively little physical effort. "Your design?"

He nodded once, a flicker of quiet pride crossing his features before disappearing behind his usual reserved expression.

Ella studied the mechanism with genuine curiosity. Unlike the stars, which had provided solace during her captivity, weapons systems represented knowledge she'd never had opportunity or reason to acquire. Yet she found herself intrigued by the practical ingenuity represented in Mingi's design.

"How do you synchronize the firing sequence if multiple ports are deployed simultaneously?" she asked, genuinely curious about the operational logistics. 

The question seemed to surprise him. Mingi studied her for a moment, as if reassessing his understanding of who she was and what she knew.

"Coordinated signaling," he explained, then indicated a series of speaking tubes and bell-pull mechanisms integrated into the gun port housing. "Precise timing essential for maximum effect."

His explanation remained concise but thorough, respecting her question without condescension. Unlike mathematics, which would have required formal education she clearly couldn't have received as a slave, weapons operation represented practical knowledge that might reasonably be acquired through observation.

Ella found herself engaging in the technical discussion with unexpected interest. Though she lacked the theoretical foundation to fully understand the underlying principles, she could appreciate the elegant functionality of the design.

Finding herself genuinely curious, Ella leaned forward to examine a particular gear mechanism. "This compensates for lateral motion?"

Mingi nodded, then surprised her by gently adjusting her viewpoint with a light touch on her shoulder, directing her attention to a secondary system. "Additional stabilization."

The brief contact lasted only a moment, but Ella noticed how quickly he withdrew his hand afterward, as if concerned about overstepping. His caution touched something in her—this powerful man so careful not to frighten or impose.

On impulse, she pointed to a small carved symbol nearly hidden within the mechanical housing. "Is that your maker's mark?"

Mingi's eyes widened slightly before he nodded, something vulnerable flashing across his usually stoic features.

"It's beautiful," she said sincerely, studying the simple but elegant design. "Functional components shouldn't sacrifice aesthetic consideration."

The observation drew what might have been the ghost of a smile—a subtle softening around his eyes that transformed his face momentarily.

As they continued examining the gun port mechanisms, Ella found herself relaxing into the interaction despite its technical nature. Though she couldn't match Mingi's expertise, her genuine interest seemed to encourage him to demonstrate aspects of the system he might otherwise have omitted.

"Designed for minimal crew," he explained at one point, showing how a single operator could manage functions that typically required multiple gunners. "Efficiency important with limited personnel."

"That's remarkably practical," she acknowledged. "Most naval vessels require three or four men per cannon."

"Necessity drives innovation," he replied with unexpected eloquence.

"You've clearly given great thought to these systems," Ella observed. "Have you designed other mechanisms for the ship?"

This question seemed to please him, though his expression remained reserved. With slightly more animation than he'd shown previously, Mingi led her to several additional innovation points throughout the nearby section—hatches with counterbalanced opening mechanisms, specialized tool storage integrated into structural elements, even water collection systems that utilized the ship's natural drainage patterns.

Each design reflected the same core principles: efficiency, functionality, and elegant simplicity. Though Mingi's explanations remained concise, his evident pride in the work revealed a depth of passion that transcended his reserved demeanor.

"Your work is extraordinary," Ella said sincerely as they concluded the impromptu tour. "You've created an integrated system where every component serves multiple purposes."

Mingi ducked his head slightly at the praise, uncomfortable with direct acknowledgment yet clearly pleased by her genuine appreciation. "Practical necessities," he murmured, though the faint color in his cheeks betrayed his satisfaction.

Before she could respond further, Yunho returned, accompanied by the captain.

"I see Mingi's revealed our secret weapons," Hongjoong remarked, his tone light though his eyes watchful as always.

"The design is exceptional," Ella replied truthfully. "Both practical and deceptive."

"Mingi's mechanical genius extends beyond weapons systems," the captain acknowledged, giving his gunner rare public credit. "Much of what makes the ATEEZ unique comes from his innovations."

The quiet man ducked his head slightly at this praise, discomfort with attention evident in his posture. Hongjoong seemed to recognize this, smoothly shifting focus.

"If you've concluded your tour, perhaps we could continue our discussion from this morning? There are several aspects of Blackwell's operation I'd like to explore further."

"Of course," Ella agreed, recognizing the request as politely phrased command.

As she prepared to follow the captain, a sudden impulse made her turn back to Mingi. "Thank you for the explanation. Your work is... remarkable."

Mingi met her eyes directly for the first time, holding her gaze for a breathtaking moment before offering a single nod of acknowledgment. The brief connection felt strangely significant, as if some important message had passed between them without words.

As she followed the captain toward his quarters, she glanced back to see Mingi and Yunho already absorbed in discussion of the port-side mechanism that needed adjustment. Their comfortable partnership spoke of years of mutual trust and understanding—another echo of something half-remembered from a time before captivity had taught her the danger of such bonds.

The morning's interactions had left her with conflicting impressions. The

The morning's interactions had left her with conflicting impressions. The ATEEZ's officers treated her with consistent respect and consideration, yet she sensed underlying currents beyond their stated interest in Blackwell's operations. Their coordinated movement through her day—breakfast with Hongjoong and Seonghwa, then Seonghwa alone, followed by Yunho's tour and Mingi's technical explanation—suggested deliberate strategy rather than coincidental scheduling.

Were they testing her? Evaluating her responses to different approaches? Or was there something else behind their careful attention?

As she entered the captain's cabin for the afternoon interview, Ella reinforced her mental guards. Whatever game was being played aboard the ATEEZ, she would maintain her vigilance until she understood the true stakes and players involved. Freedom—real freedom—required more than physical escape from captivity. It demanded clarity about the forces surrounding her and the nature of her place among them.

Yet beneath this caution, something else stirred—a sense of recognition that transcended logical explanation. Something about these five men resonated with her most deeply held memories, echoing from a time before Blackwell, before slavery had defined her existence.

Like fragments of a forgotten dream, these echoes teased at the edges of consciousness, suggesting connections she couldn't yet fully comprehend or trust. For now, she would watch and wait, gathering her own intelligence while providing theirs, until the truth—whatever it might be—emerged from the shadows of memory and time.

But perhaps, she admitted to herself as she took the seat offered by the captain, she could allow small moments of her true self to emerge from behind her protective walls. Testing the waters of this strange new freedom one ripple at a time.

From his position on the quarterdeck, Hongjoong observed Ella's departure from the gun port demonstration, noting the subtle change in her posture following her conversation with Mingi. Something in the interaction had affected her—a slight relaxation of the constant vigilance she maintained, perhaps, or a moment of genuine engagement beyond calculated cooperation.

More striking was the transformation he'd witnessed throughout the morning—small but significant shifts in her demeanor with each officer. With Seonghwa, she'd displayed unexpected humor and methodical thinking. With Yunho, she'd shown curiosity and even momentary playfulness in the crow's nest. With Mingi, she'd revealed genuine interest in mechanical systems that had drawn the reticent gunner into extended explanation.

"Well?" he asked as Seonghwa approached, the quartermaster's arrival precisely timed as always.

"She has exceptional knowledge of Blackwell's organization," Seonghwa reported. "Details that would be difficult to fabricate or misremember. Her understanding of shipping routes and security protocols is particularly comprehensive."

"And your impression beyond the information provided?"

Seonghwa considered carefully before responding. "She organizes information with remarkable clarity. Methodical, precise, attentive to detail in ways that suggest trained observation rather than casual awareness."

"She arranged the papers on the chart table," he added after a moment, his voice lowering slightly. "In perfect right angles. Exactly as I would have done."

The implication hung between them, neither man giving voice to the hope that continued to build despite their cautious restraint.

"Yunho reports she expressed specific interest in celestial navigation," Hongjoong noted. "Self-taught astronomy, she claimed—learned through a window in her quarters under Blackwell."

"Wooyoung is convinced she recognized the cardamom tea," Seonghwa added. "He claims she had the same reaction to his spiced honey cakes that she did fifteen years ago—though I reminded him that confirmation bias affects perception."

"And breaking them in half before eating," Hongjoong mused. "Wooyoung mentioned that specifically."

Seonghwa nodded, the gesture acknowledging significance without confirming conclusion. "Small behaviors that could be coincidental."

"Or could be memory fragments," Hongjoong countered. "Habits that survived when explicit memories were suppressed."

The quartermaster inclined his head slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. His caution balanced Hongjoong's growing conviction—a partnership dynamic established through years of shared decision-making.

"We proceed as planned," Hongjoong decided. "Systematic exposure to familiar elements without direct confrontation. If she is y/n, there must be reasons for her concealment. We'll respect that until she chooses otherwise."

"And if she isn't?" Seonghwa asked, voicing the question that haunted them all.

Hongjoong's hand moved unconsciously to the inner pocket where Mr. Hugs had traveled for fifteen years—now empty, the teddy bear secured in his sea chest until certainty was established.

"Then we've gained valuable intelligence about our primary target while freeing someone who deserved liberation," he replied firmly. "Either outcome justifies our investment."

As Ella appeared on deck, moving toward his cabin for their scheduled interview, Hongjoong observed the subtle but significant changes in her demeanor since yesterday—her posture slightly more relaxed, her interactions with crew members less guarded, occasional genuine expressions breaking through her careful composure. Small changes that nonetheless suggested growing comfort despite continued caution.

"Time will reveal truth," he murmured, more to himself than Seonghwa. "One way or another."

But deep within, in the quiet spaces where the captain's mask occasionally slipped, Hongjoong nursed the growing hope that they had finally, improbably, fulfilled the blood oath that had defined their lives since childhood. That the treasure he had sworn to protect had somehow found her way back to them against impossible odds.

The afternoon interview proved less formally structured than Ella had anticipated. Rather than continuing the systematic interrogation from their morning session, Hongjoong guided the conversation toward more nuanced aspects of Blackwell's operation—the power dynamics within his organization, the patterns in his decision-making, the vulnerabilities in his security protocols.

"You mentioned Coleman's separate accounting," the captain noted, referencing her breakfast revelation. "How extensive is this embezzlement?"

"Substantial enough to purchase a modest estate in the southern islands," Ella replied. "He's been methodically diverting funds for at least five years, primarily from the less documented transactions."

"Which Blackwell suspects but hasn't confirmed?"

"Correct. He knows the numbers don't align but can't identify the specific discrepancies. Coleman is careful to spread his theft across multiple accounts, never taking enough from any single source to trigger obvious concern."

Hongjoong nodded thoughtfully, clearly integrating this information into some larger strategic framework. "And the relationship between them?"

"Strained but functional," Ella explained. "Blackwell values Coleman's competence while distrusting his integrity—a common paradox in his organization. He surrounds himself with people effective enough to be valuable but corrupt enough to be controlled through their own misdeeds."

"A sound strategy for someone in his position," Hongjoong observed.

"But ultimately self-defeating," Ella countered. "It creates an organization of people seeking advantage rather than serving common purpose. In crisis, such bonds fracture quickly."

The captain's eyebrow raised slightly at this analysis. "You've given this considerable thought."

Ella shrugged, trying to appear casual despite the significance of her observation. "When your survival depends on predicting how power will shift, you learn to identify structural weaknesses."

"A valuable skill," Hongjoong acknowledged, his tone suggesting genuine respect rather than mere courtesy.

The conversation continued in this manner for over an hour—Hongjoong probing specific aspects of Blackwell's operation while Ella provided increasingly nuanced insights. Unlike the morning session, which had focused primarily on factual information, this discussion ventured into more interpretive territory, revealing Ella's understanding of the psychological and organizational dynamics underlying Blackwell's business practices.

Throughout, she maintained careful boundaries around her personal experiences, sharing analytical observations without disclosing how this knowledge had been acquired. To her surprise, Hongjoong respected these limitations, never pressing for details about her specific position within Blackwell's household or the treatment she had endured.

This restraint reinforced her growing impression that these pirates operated according to principles beyond mere self-interest. Their opposition to slavery appeared principled rather than opportunistic—a moral stance rather than a convenient justification for profit-seeking violence.

As the interview concluded, Hongjoong leaned back in his chair, studying her with that same searching gaze she'd noticed during their first encounter. "Your insights are extraordinarily valuable," he said finally. "Not just the factual information, but your understanding of Blackwell's organizational weaknesses."

"I hope it proves useful in your campaign against him," she replied neutrally.

"It already has," he assured her. "You've confirmed several strategic vulnerabilities we suspected and identified others we hadn't recognized."

He rose, signaling the end of their session. "You're free to move about the ship as you wish, within reasonable safety parameters. Dinner will be served in the officers' mess at sunset. Until then, your time is your own."

The casual grant of freedom—temporary and limited though it might be—caught Ella off guard. "Thank you," she managed, rising from her own seat. "That's... generous."

"It's not generosity," Hongjoong replied, echoing Wooyoung's breakfast statement. "It's recognition of your status as a free person rather than property."

Before she could formulate a response to this matter-of-fact declaration, a knock at the door announced Seonghwa's arrival with additional maps for the captain's review. Ella took the opportunity to make her exit, mind already considering how best to use this unexpected period of independence.

As she emerged onto the main deck, the afternoon sun warm against her skin, Ella experienced a momentary sense of disorientation. Freedom to choose her own actions, even within the confined context of a ship at sea, represented luxury so unfamiliar it bordered on overwhelming. What did one do with unfettered hours after fifteen years of regimented existence?

The answer came with surprising clarity: she would watch the ocean. During her captivity, horizons had been her most consistent deprivation—views blocked by walls, windows, or the constant press of supervisory presence. Now, with permission to move freely and an endless horizon surrounding her, she could indulge the simple pleasure of unobstructed sight lines.

Finding a relatively quiet section of railing, Ella positioned herself to observe both the open sea and the ship's operations. The dual focus served both her immediate desire for expansive views and her habitual need for situational awareness. From this vantage point, she could track crew movements while appearing to simply enjoy the scenery.

For nearly an hour, she remained in this contemplative state, absorbing the ship's rhythms while allowing her mind to process the day's interactions. The ATEEZ operated with remarkable efficiency—crew members moving purposefully through their tasks with minimal supervision yet evident coordination. Unlike Blackwell's household, where fear motivated performance, these sailors appeared driven by competence and mutual respect.

More puzzling were her own reactions to the ship's officers. Their familiar yet unfamiliar presence continued to trigger emotional echoes she couldn't fully explain. The easy banter between Seonghwa and Wooyoung, Yunho's gentle instruction, Mingi's quiet competence, Hongjoong's careful leadership—all resonated with memories just beyond conscious reach.

"Enjoying the view?"

The voice startled her from her reverie. Ella turned to find Wooyoung approaching, his characteristic smile brightening his features.

"Very much," she acknowledged. "It's... liberating."

"The endless horizon?" he asked, joining her at the railing. "Or the lack of walls?"

The perceptive question revealed unexpected insight beneath his playful demeanor. "Both," she admitted. "Though I hadn't consciously distinguished between them."

"The sea offers many forms of freedom," he replied, his tone unusually philosophical. "Absence of confinement is only the most obvious."

For several minutes, they stood in comfortable silence, watching the sun's gradual descent toward the western horizon. The moment felt strangely significant—shared contemplation without purpose beyond present experience.

"I'm heading to the galley to begin dinner preparations," Wooyoung said eventually. "Would you like to join me? I could use an extra pair of hands, and cooking offers its own kind of freedom."

The invitation surprised her, though perhaps it shouldn't have. Wooyoung had been the most openly welcoming of the officers, his warmth seemingly uncomplicated by whatever undercurrents flowed between the others.

"I'm not much of a cook," she warned. "Blackwell's household had professional kitchen staff."

"All the more reason to learn," he countered cheerfully. "Everyone should know how to prepare at least one delicious meal. It's a fundamental life skill, like swimming or lying convincingly to customs officials."

The casual inclusion of deception among essential capabilities startled a laugh from her. "Is that part of your official duties as ship's cook?"

"Cook and intelligence officer," he corrected with exaggerated dignity. "The roles complement each other beautifully. People reveal all sorts of secrets when they're enjoying good food."

"Is that your strategy with me?" she asked, only half-joking. "Culinary interrogation?"

Wooyoung's expression shifted to one of mock offense. "I would never! Well, not with honey cakes at least. Those are sacred."

His theatrical indignation drew another laugh from her—genuine amusement that felt increasingly natural with each occurrence. "In that case, I accept your invitation. Though I can't promise culinary competence."

"Enthusiasm counts more than expertise," he assured her, leading the way below decks. "And you already have the most important qualification."

"Which is?"

"You break honey cakes correctly," he replied with complete seriousness. "That demonstrates fundamental good judgment."

The galley proved more spacious than she had expected, with clear organization and surprisingly modern equipment. Various cooking implements hung from overhead racks, while ingredients were stored in labeled containers secured against the ship's movement. The space reflected the same attention to practical efficiency she'd observed throughout the vessel.

"Welcome to my domain," Wooyoung announced with theatrical flourish. "Less glamorous than the captain's quarters but infinitely more satisfying to the senses."

Under his cheerful guidance, Ella found herself drawn into collaborative food preparation—chopping vegetables, measuring spices, stirring simmering pots. Wooyoung's instruction proved surprisingly effective, his explanations clear despite his apparent haphazard approach.

"The secret to good cooking is confidence," he declared, demonstrating a technique for quickly dicing onions. "Ingredients can smell fear. They only behave for those who approach them with authority."

"Is that official culinary science?" she asked, attempting to mimic his rapid knife work with considerably less skill.

"Absolutely," he confirmed with complete conviction. "Passed down through generations of fearless cooks facing rebellious vegetation."

His playful absurdity created an atmosphere where mistakes became opportunities for humor rather than sources of anxiety. When Ella accidentally added too much salt to a sauce, Wooyoung immediately incorporated the error into a revised recipe, declaring it "fortuitously enhanced" rather than ruined.

This forgiving approach gradually eroded her habitual cautiousness. By the time they began preparing dessert—a simple fruit compote with spiced syrup—Ella found herself suggesting modifications to the recipe without first calculating potential negative consequences.

"Cinnamon might complement the apples," she ventured, then added more boldly, "And perhaps a touch of that cardamom from breakfast?"

Wooyoung's face lit with disproportionate delight. "Exactly what I was thinking! Great minds clearly think alike about spice combinations."

As he reached for the suggested ingredients, Ella noticed him exchanging a brief glance with someone behind her. Turning, she discovered Hongjoong standing in the galley doorway, observing their interaction with unreadable expression.

"Captain," Wooyoung acknowledged, his tone maintaining its cheerfulness despite the sudden tension in his posture. "We're preparing a feast worthy of your most distinguished guest."

"So I see," Hongjoong replied, his eyes moving from Wooyoung to Ella and back again. "I apologize for the interruption. Please continue."

As he departed, Ella noticed how Wooyoung's shoulders relaxed incrementally, though his smile never wavered. The brief exchange suggested complexity beneath the surface of the officers' interactions—dynamics invisible to outsiders yet deeply significant to those involved.

"The captain doesn't cook?" she asked, keeping her tone casual despite her curiosity.

"Tragically, no," Wooyoung replied, resuming his food preparation with characteristic animation. "His talents lie elsewhere, though he appreciates good food with appropriate reverence."

"And the others?"

"Seonghwa can cook but insists on measuring everything with scientific precision—beautiful results but painfully methodical process. Yunho manages basic sustenance but lacks creative flair. And Mingi..."

He paused, a fond smile crossing his features. "Mingi actually has natural talent but gets uncomfortable with praise, so he pretends incompetence to avoid being drafted into kitchen duty."

This casual insight into the gunner's character caught Ella's attention. "He dislikes attention that much?"

"He prefers his work to speak for itself," Wooyoung explained, his typical humor giving way to thoughtful assessment. "Recognition makes him self-conscious, though he deserves it more than most."

The observation aligned with her own impressions of Mingi—his evident discomfort when Hongjoong had praised his mechanical innovations, the way he deflected attention even while taking evident pride in his work. These characteristics seemed unlikely to be recent developments; they spoke of deeply ingrained personality traits rather than temporary circumstances.

As they completed dinner preparations, delivering steaming dishes to the officers' mess where the others had begun to gather, Ella found herself studying each man with renewed attentiveness. Their individualized mannerisms, their established dynamics, the subtle ways they accommodated each other's strengths and sensitivities—all suggested relationships developed over years rather than months.

These were not men who had recently formed alliance for convenience or profit. They functioned as a cohesive unit built on profound mutual understanding and trust. Such bonds required time to develop, particularly among people shaped by the harshness of pirate existence.

When had their journeys intersected? How had five such different personalities forged such seamless collaboration? And why did their presence trigger such persistent sense of familiarity in her own consciousness?

As they settled around the dinner table—the same configuration as the previous evening, with Hongjoong at the head, Seonghwa to his right, and the others arranged accordingly—Ella found herself watching their interactions with new intentness. Something connected these men beyond current circumstance, something that predated their present roles and responsibilities.

"The compote was Ella's inspiration," Wooyoung announced as dessert was served. "Specifically, the spice combination."

All eyes turned briefly toward her, reactions varying from Seonghwa's raised eyebrow to Yunho's warm smile. Most interesting was Hongjoong's response—a flash of something that might have been recognition quickly masked by polite acknowledgment.

"It's excellent," the captain noted, his voice carefully neutral. "You have good instincts for flavor harmony."

"Wooyoung deserves the credit," she demurred. "I merely suggested; he executed."

"Creative collaboration," Yunho offered, his gentle voice carrying surprising authority. "Often produces results neither party could achieve alone."

"Like our rigging system," Mingi added unexpectedly, the rare voluntary contribution drawing momentary surprise from his companions.

"Exactly," Yunho agreed, evident pleasure in his expression. "Or Seonghwa and Hongjoong's navigation innovations."

The conversation shifted naturally to other examples of collaborative success aboard the ATEEZ, revealing an organizational culture that valued combined expertise over individual achievement. Throughout, Ella observed how easily these men communicated, their interactions reflecting years of shared experience and mutual understanding.

As the meal concluded and the officers began discussing watch schedules and navigational matters, Ella found herself stifling a yawn. The day's activities—physical, intellectual, and emotional—had drained her more thoroughly than she'd realized.

"You should rest," Seonghwa observed, his attention to detail apparently extending to others' well-being. "Today has been demanding."

"I'm fine," she began automatically, then caught herself. In Blackwell's household, acknowledging fatigue invited exploitation of perceived weakness. Here, such calculation seemed unnecessary. "But perhaps you're right," she amended. "It has been an eventful day."

"Wooyoung and I will handle cleanup," Yunho offered. "You've done more than your share in food preparation."

"And I promised you stargazing," he added with a gentle smile. "Though perhaps tomorrow night would be better, when you're properly rested."

The considerate rescheduling touched her unexpectedly. Throughout her captivity, her preferences and physical limits had been irrelevant to those with power over her. This simple acknowledgment of her needs—without exploitation or judgment—represented novel respect for her humanity.

"Thank you," she said simply. "Tomorrow night would be perfect."

As she rose to depart, Hongjoong addressed her directly. "We'll continue our discussion of Blackwell's operations tomorrow morning, if you're amenable. There are several strategic aspects I'd like to explore further."

"Of course, Captain," she agreed, recognizing the return to their formal arrangement. Whatever moments of casual interaction had occurred today, the underlying purpose of her presence remained clear: she was valuable primarily for her knowledge of their target.

Yet as she made her way to her cabin, nodding acknowledgment to crew members she passed, Ella found herself questioning this straightforward assessment. If information about Blackwell was their sole objective, why the careful consideration of her comfort? Why the grant of relative freedom within the ship? Why the personal interactions beyond formal interrogation?

The paradox troubled her as she prepared for sleep, removing her shoes and outer clothing but maintaining sufficient attire for quick movement if necessary. Fifteen years of captivity had taught her never to be completely vulnerable, even during rest. Yet for the first time in memory, she felt secure enough to consider genuine relaxation rather than merely strategic recuperation.

As she settled onto the small but comfortable bed, Ella whispered her nightly ritual—the five names that had sustained her through fifteen years of survival: "Joongie, Hwa, Woo, Yuyu, Puppy."

Tonight, the childish nicknames carried new resonance, echoing with the day's experiences aboard the ATEEZ. The careful, strategic captain with his searching gaze. The methodical quartermaster with his precise movements. The cheerful cook with his playful instruction. The gentle boatswain with his star knowledge. The quiet gunner with his eloquent designs.

Five men, five boys, five names preserved through fifteen years of determined recitation.

Coincidence? Or something more significant?

Ella drifted toward sleep with these questions circling through her consciousness, no closer to certainty than when the day began. Yet something had shifted within her—a cautious openness to possibility that transcended her habitual suspicion.

Tomorrow would bring further interaction, additional observation, more opportunities to assess the true nature of her situation aboard the ATEEZ. For tonight, she would allow herself the luxury of dreamless sleep, secure in the knowledge that whatever game was being played, she remained an active participant rather than merely a pawn.

In the quiet darkness of her cabin, with the gentle rocking of the ship beneath her and the vast starlit sky above, Ella surrendered to rest more complete than she had known since childhood.

[wonders-of-the-cosmos]

On the night 177 years ago on Sept. 23-24, 1846, astronomers discovered Neptune, the eighth planet orbiting our Sun. The discovery was made based on mathematical calculations of its predicted position due to observed perturbations in the orbit of the planet Uranus. The discovery was made using a telescope since Neptune is too faint to be visible to the naked eye, and astronomers soon discovered a moon orbiting the planet. More than a century later, a second moon was discovered orbiting the planet. Our knowledge of distant Neptune greatly increased from the scientific observations made during Voyager 2’s flyby in 1989, including the discovery of five additional moons and confirmation of dark rings orbiting the planet.

This image of Neptune was taken by Voyager 2 less than five days before the probe's closest approach of the planet on Aug. 25, 1989, and shows the "Great Dark Spot" — a storm in Neptune's atmosphere — and the bright, light-blue smudge of clouds that accompanies the storm.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

[nasa]

Navigating Deep Space by Starlight

On August 6, 1967, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell noticed a blip in her radio telescope data. And then another. Eventually, Bell Burnell figured out that these blips, or pulses, were not from people or machines.

The blips were constant. There was something in space that was pulsing in a regular pattern, and Bell Burnell figured out that it was a pulsar: a rapidly spinning neutron star emitting beams of light. Neutron stars are superdense objects created when a massive star dies. Not only are they dense, but neutron stars can also spin really fast! Every star we observe spins, and due to a property called angular momentum, as a collapsing star gets smaller and denser, it spins faster. It’s like how ice skaters spin faster as they bring their arms closer to their bodies and make the space that they take up smaller.

The pulses of light coming from these whirling stars are like the beacons spinning at the tops of lighthouses that help sailors safely approach the shore. As the pulsar spins, beams of radio waves (and other types of light) are swept out into the universe with each turn. The light appears and disappears from our view each time the star rotates.

After decades of studying pulsars, astronomers wondered—could they serve as cosmic beacons to help future space explorers navigate the universe? To see if it could work, scientists needed to do some testing!

First, it was important to gather more data. NASA’s NICER, or Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer, is a telescope that was installed aboard the International Space Station in 2017. Its goal is to find out things about neutron stars like their sizes and densities, using an array of 56 special X-ray concentrators and sensitive detectors to capture and measure pulsars’ light.

But how can we use these X-ray pulses as navigational tools? Enter SEXTANT, or Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology. If NICER was your phone, SEXTANT would be like an app on it.  

During the first few years of NICER’s observations, SEXTANT created an on-board navigation system using NICER’s pulsar data. It worked by measuring the consistent timing between each pulsar’s pulses to map a set of cosmic beacons.

When calculating position or location, extremely accurate timekeeping is essential. We usually rely on atomic clocks, which use the predictable fluctuations of atoms to tick away the seconds. These atomic clocks can be located on the ground or in space, like the ones on GPS satellites. However, our GPS system only works on or close to Earth, and onboard atomic clocks can be expensive and heavy. Using pulsar observations instead could give us free and reliable “clocks” for navigation. During its experiment, SEXTANT was able to successfully determine the space station’s orbital position!

We can calculate distances using the time taken for a signal to travel between two objects to determine a spacecraft’s approximate location relative to those objects. However, we would need to observe more pulsars to pinpoint a more exact location of a spacecraft. As SEXTANT gathered signals from multiple pulsars, it could more accurately derive its position in space.

So, imagine you are an astronaut on a lengthy journey to the outer solar system. You could use the technology developed by SEXTANT to help plot your course. Since pulsars are reliable and consistent in their spins, you wouldn’t need Wi-Fi or cell service to figure out where you were in relation to your destination. The pulsar-based navigation data could even help you figure out your ETA!

None of these missions or experiments would be possible without Jocelyn Bell Burnell’s keen eye for an odd spot in her radio data decades ago, which set the stage for the idea to use spinning neutron stars as a celestial GPS. Her contribution to the field of astrophysics laid the groundwork for research benefitting the people of the future, who yearn to sail amongst the stars.  

Keep up with the latest NICER news by following NASA Universe on X and Facebook and check out the mission’s website. For more on space navigation, follow @NASASCaN on X or visit NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation website.  

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[sweet-honey-fruit]

Wanted

Boothill x reader

Synopsis: Boothill has a wanted poster with your face on it

This is a snippet from what I was going to do. I might turn this into a series.

Warnings: boothill typical violence, cussing, boothill’s substitute cuss words, use of guns, mentions of splattered brains (but doesnt happen)

Masterlists: xxx

Out of bullets. Out of backup. Shit shit shit. You’re normally better than this. You are better than this. You wouldn’t have secured a job to personally work beside the Ten Stonehearts if you sucked at it. So why now? When it truly mattered, why start losing grip now?

The hallway on the space station was long and agonizing. It’s slim but somehow you still feel like prey in an open field. The grip you have on your gun is tight despite the blasphemous thing being out of ammo. How the metal is digging into the palm of your hand is the only thing keeping you grounded and focused. Focused on making it to the safe room. Focused on sending out that distress signal. Focused on the little hope you have left. Just focus.

The distant sound of gunshots urges you to run faster. Each round of shots fuels not only your need to escape but your overwhelming guilt as well. Normally you stay back and handle the threat. You stay back to help your agents and get them to safety. That's what you wanted to do. Yet the sight of seeing bodies upon bodies being thrown to the side by him, you started to, selfishly, second guess if you should.

What pushed you to get out was Jade's voice speaking through your earpiece. She specifically ordered you to run and to get to the safe room. She all but hinted that this was surely a fight you couldn’t win and you needed to get out now. She's normally calm and collected, tactical and calculating. Jade isn't one to order you to retreat for she has trust in your abilities. So when she told you to run, you ran like hell was after you.

For once, you prayed to the Amber Lord. Praying that your colleagues will make it out alive. Although, you doubted that.

The weight of your conscious is almost enough to weigh down your speed but once the familiar doors of the safe room enter your sight, all weight is washed away and it’s replaced with relief.

Finally, after minutes of running and dodging bullets, you’ve made it. You take deep breaths to calm your breathing as a shaky hand swipes your keycard over the mechanical padlock. With a loud beep that makes you internally cuss it out, you slip into the room. The moment the door shuts you collapse to your knees.

“Holy fuck.” You mumble, letting out a nervous laugh. Your gun clatters to the floor beside you as your hand loses the strength to continue the death grip. You run your hand over your uniform to try and soothe the ache that replaces the cold metal. What a shit show.

You have faced an astronomical amount of enemies throughout your line of work. Anywhere from the Anti-Matter Legion to Galaxy Rangers. All of them were a pain to deal with, sure, but this? This is something different. You have never seen someone so precise, so quick with a gun, and so cocky. Recalling everything just made your blood boil. It’s not even because he ambushed your crew. It was more of the fact that he was moonwalking while doing so. Honestly, who acts so casually in a fight?

Pass it off with humor all you want, but you know exactly why you’re left shaken. This was the work of one individual. The same individual that made eye contact with you in the lobby. His grin widened when you locked eyes, and his bullseye pupils seemed to have made you the target. It was chilling. The way your body tensed and the hairs on the back of your neck stood was foreign to you. You’re normally the hunter but in the moment you felt like prey. That feeling was followed up by Jade's command and it felt too much like an omen. Like all of this was for you. All of this was because of you.

You shake your head to get rid of those thoughts. No. There’s no reason why you should dwell on the situation. Only doing so will drag you down. With weakened legs you stand, stumbling over to the command terminal to send a distress signal out. You hesitate for a moment as you stare down at the screen. The blinking red of the button haunted your memory.

The bodies of your coworkers. The blood of the agents you were supposed to watch over on Jade's behalf. The screams of pain and terror as they tried to take down the threat that snuck onboard. No matter how hard you try, you can't push down that culpability. Your mind races at a million miles per hour, from one thought to the next, all about your irresponsibility. You tried to save who you could. You tried to take down the threat yourself. You shot so, so many bullets all for naught. Then he looked at you. Made a beeline for you. Was he here for you? Was this all your fault? Where did you go wrong? Why didn't you try harder to save the agents that were trusted to your care? Are you even worthy of saving?

Your breath hitches at the last question.

'Am I worth saving?'

Even so, that decision isn't up to you. It's up to the Ten Stonehearts. With reluctance, you press the button. There's a gentle ping that was supposed to reassure you that the distress signal was successfully sent. But all it did was make your gut twist with anguish. It shouldn't only be you in this room.

Your sorrowful eyes stare out the window with a glaze. In all of your times of need, it has always been the stars that brought you comfort. Always a shining, shimmering light in the dreadful place of your mind. For the first time since this morning, your mind goes quiet as you imagine yourself walking among the stars. You enjoy the tranquility of the safe room, taking the opportunity to worship the silence. No screaming, no commands, no gunshots.

Wait.

.

.

.

No gunshots.

Your moment of peace is ripped out of your hands and replaced with your heart dropping. Your breathing stops and slowly, ever so, you turn your head to look behind you.

Oh fuck.

There he is in all of his cowboy glory. The barrel of his gun is pointed right between your eyes and there isn’t a hint of hesitation on his face.

“Don’t tell me ya hidin’ from my welcome party.” His thick southern accent lays on thick at the realization of it all; you haven’t been fucked like this in a long time. Your gun is left on the floor. Even if it is out of ammo, you still could’ve potentially used it as an empty threat. You quite literally backed up against a wall. Alone. The only exit is being blocked by the blood-thirsty cyborg man in front of you. There’s no one left to provide backup.

That feeling creeps up your spine again as his eye pierces through you, just itching to pull the trigger on you.

"Is this what they consider southern hospitality?" You sarcastically ask, a glare settling into your eyes in hopes of masking that premonition deep within your bones.

There's a skip of a beat in your heart when there’s silence. A thick, heavy silence that only grows louder the longer you stare down the barrel of the pistol. It’s only broken by his boisterous laugh. A laugh that feels mocking. A laugh that makes you feel offended that you opened your mouth. You go from scared, to confused.

“Oh shucks! You got me gatherin’ tears in my eye! Holy fudgin shirt on a rag! It’s been a while since I had someone tell me a one-liner like that. You’re a hoot and a holler!”

He finds this humorous. He has a gun pointed between your eyes, eager to splatter your brains across the window behind you, and he finds this funny. You go from scared, to livid.

“Are you fucking serious?”

“Ha! At least one of us can say it-“

“Are you fucking serious? You murdered my coworkers, you’re threatening me, and you’re laughing?”

“Don’t go actin’ all high and mighty now, you IPC scum.” His mood switch gave you whiplash. What was once a lighthearted tone was turned into a low growl. He took one step forward, then another, and another until his chest was pressed up against yours. His breath fans over your face. Your back presses up against the command terminal. The soft red blinking of the distress button reflects off the shiny metal of the gun as he presses it against your forehead. Even so, the indignation coursing through your body is enough to fuel a stellaron.

“You shouldn’t be acting all righteous either. Wanted criminals don’t deserve to act so pompous.” You snap back, huffing out a breath.

“So ya know who I am?”

“Unfortunately.”

Boothill might as well be a cursed name among the IPC. A name that brings both fear and a migraine. You never had the courtesy to meet him until now. His wanted poster has been sitting on your desk for a while along with his list of crimes. The stack was so big that his crimes were used as a paperweight for a while. While he was annoying, the Ten Stonehearts put you on missions that were ‘more important.’ His information served more as a warning rather than a task.

Now you regret not going after him when you got the chance.

“It appears my ruckus has paid off.” He whispers, lowering the gun. You had a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, that that was a sign he was leaving. That the distress signal wasn’t needed after all. He only allowed you enough relief to let out a shaky sigh.

The tip of the gun is pressed under your chin, tilting your head back to fully look up at his smug smirk.

“It’s a shame your wanted poster says wanted alive.”

Your eyes widen in his swift movements. With harsh movements, he slams the grip against your temple. There’s a burning, aching pain that spreads throughout your head and down the back of your neck. Your body falls to the floor with a harsh thud. You couldn’t help but think this is what you deserved for failing them all.

‘Am I worth saving?’ It appears the universe made that decision before your higher-ups.

Boothill kneels beside you, placing his gun back into his holster.

“Don’t ya worry. Ima take good care of ya.”