#atonalginger art

[atonalginger]

WIP Wednesday

I was tagged by the lovely and talented @fangbangerghoul, who shared a cool art wip today. thanks for the tag! I'm going to generally tag folks today because that way I don't worry I'm forgetting anyone lol. You got something you think you want to share, I've tagged you. I was thinking of you there. Yup, you.

Last week was a rough one for me creating wise. Heavy 'why bother' thoughts stopped me from even opening my laptop. I've been able to finally shake it and have another chapter down and hopefully will get more on track in the coming days but it's a process or whatever and there's going to be ups and downs.

I've also started to struggle at deciding what to share and what not to because...well I don't want to spoil my own story? I worry that sounds conceited but I want people to want to read the story and if they know everything that happens then...what would be the point? But also I'm only working on the one story atm so that's what I have to share...so I'm threading a needle here I guess. Maybe I'm overthinking things...

ANYWAY

I have a snippet from a chapter with Manny...well two snips...and some art? Under the read more for space saving.

first snippet:

Sleep was weird for Manny. It started with a nightmare where Cora had been snatched by the Redeemed instead of them. The monster wound up to slam her faceplate first into the concrete floor when everything froze. Her helmet was mere millimeters from an impact that would have shattered the glass, her body twisted in a gnarly position in the hands of the Redeemed.

“Quite a terrible scenario you’ve conjured.” A strange voice said. It was a delicate male voice with a raspy edge and a slight lisp. Manny looked around the still dream but could not find whoever spoke, “she’s replayed your flights every time she sleeps. Quite interesting that you can’t let go even to sleep.”

Manny searched for the source more, trying to pinpoint the direction with each word but it seemed to move around the edge of the scene. Almost like it was gliding across the floor.

“How would you fix this mess?”

Who are you? Manny asked.

“Not relevant,” He answered, “you have very little time left to fix this dream. How would you? Or will you watch her die?”

The last question set them off. They rushed the Redeemed and shoulder checked it, somehow knocking it off balance. They wanted Cora free from its grasp but knew from experience that the hands were like vices that would only release if a line was cut. A knife formed in their fist, an all black combat blade Evgeny had gifted them when they got the Eager Fortune. Manny found the weak point at the monsters elbows and dragged the blade across. Droplets of blood formed but nothing sprayed with time frozen. The vice grip released and Manny pulled Cora away, laying her on the floor before they turned back to the Redeemed. The knife punched through the neck guard with ease and with both hands Manny twisted the knife to carve out the throat before pulling it free.

“Such a savage kill,” the voice sounded delighted, “even if a touch too quick for my taste.”

Who are you!?

“Still not relevant,” He answered, “You should relax though. I’ve learned recently that too much stress does terrible things to the human mind and what’s to come demands you be sharp.”

What’s to come? How am I supposed to relax when…Who. Are. You?

“See, this is why I like you,” the lisp intensified, like the voice was hissing. Which was ridiculous, “You’ve got this spark! The passion, the energy, the fight. You are your own man, no matter what others try to do. If only you would embrace that more. You know who you are, why do you deny yourself that truth?”

Stop toying with me! Manny shouted, Who are you? what are you?

The pale blue eyes that first met them in the maintenance shaft flickered before them, “Who indeed, that is the question. Feel special, Manuel, I don’t put this level of effort into just anyone.”

Cora’s touch pulled them out of the nightmare. She was propped up on her elbow looking down at them with worry as she brushed their hair from their face. Then reality hit: they were struggling to breathe and drenched in sweat. She urged them to breathe in slowly, to focus on her voice, while she brushed their cheek with the backs of her fingers. Manny reached for her arm as they tried to comply, their mind a mess from whatever had just happened.

Her attention drifted to the edge of the bed, her expression hardening for a moment as she exhaled hard. The anger melted away as quickly as had appeared and she returned her attention to them with a tender kiss to their forehead.

--

snippet 2

She curled up next to them and broke down once more, her sobs rattling her whole body as she unloaded two weeks worth of fears. Manny rubbed her back and rocked her side to side while thinking about what the snake had said to them. ‘You are your own man, no matter what others try to do. If only you would embrace that more. You know who you are, why do you deny yourself that truth?’

It was something weighing on them for some time that they’d pushed away once they landed on Va’ruun’kai. When did they have time to contemplate that while facing a crisis like the one in Dazra. Why would He bother to waste time on it either? Cora said he was invested in the crisis, not either of them. Yet He took precious time to bring it up. He called them Manuel, a desire they had not shared with anyone.

--

I also have some art that is all set after the events of the current story.

Cora and Manny, some weeks after the story is over and they are back in Akila City. Cora stole that shirt from Manny's closet.

Manny and Cora about a year later. Cora stole that sweatshirt too. Half her wardrobe at that point is just stolen clothes from her boyfriend's closet.

[fangbangerghoul]

WIP WED/WHENEVER

I haven't written enough to feel comfortable sharing a preview to the next Elgara Vallas chapter BUT I can share a drawing wip.

My mutuals have been indoctrinating me:

I'll say no more about this piece but if you want to keep updated with my artwork follow @fangbangerart, my art blog! The year of 2025 I will occasionally share art wips on main but finished pieces will only be posted there.

I'll tag:

@bearlytolerant, @eridanidreams, @atonalginger, @roguishcat, @ronqueesha

and anyone else who wants to share: writing! drawing! crafting! whatever!

[therealgchu]

WIP Wednesday - Valentines Style

i'm not a fan of valentines. i'm not a fan of holidays, in general. but, i thought something fluffy and waffy might be nice for WIP wednesday. the coemancer crew did an art dump for valentines (sorry for not being involved, but i have almost no free time. this has been a hell month for me at work), but i'll tag them anyway @silurisanguine, @fangbangerghoul, @eridanidreams, @staticpallour, @bearlytolerant, @a-cosmic-elf, @aro-pancake, @atonalginger, @samcoesclub, and anyone else i'm forgetting.

i'm planning on publishing the next chapter on friday. it's written, but needs editing.

so, a fluffy little piece. i'm not sure if this will be part of the next chapter, or as a stand-alone vignette.

if you want to read from the beginning on ao3.

Valentines fluffy sneak peek

Hwa felt like she was on a cloud, and was grinning from ear to ear like a maniac. As she and Sam walked back to the Razorleaf, she kept looking up at him and found him looking down at her, with the same grin. “I have never really walked much around Akila. Can you play tour guide for me?” she asked.

Sam smiled, “We’ve got time. Sure.” He grabbed her hand and started leading her around, pointing out his favorite places, where he got in trouble for spray painting a wall, where he had his first kiss. She honestly was only paying half attention to him. What was really occupying her mind was him holding her hand. While they’d held each other’s hands many times before, it was always when they were alone together. She had never in her entire life held someone’s hand in public. Public displays of affection were utterly alien to her, and even something as innocent as holding hands was making her feel a bit dizzy. She felt like she was vibrating and wondered if Sam could feel it through her hand.

Hwa realized he must have, as he paused when they rounded a corner in Midtown. He peered down at her, “Are you OK?” he asked. They had stopped right next to a stairwell that was shaded from the sun. Sam pulled her into the shadows away from the pedestrian traffic.

She tried to speak, but ended up emitting a high pitched squeak instead.

“What was that?” he asked, wide eyed and laughing. “I didn’t think I caught that!”

Hwa laughed, covering her mouth and turning bright red. She tried again, “Umm…this will sound weird, but…I have never held hands with anyone in public before,” she said in an unusually high, whispery voice.

“Seriously?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes. I mean, I’ve never really been in a romantic relationship before,” she stuttered out. “Not a lot of romance going on in organized crime, frankly. At least, not for me.” She tried to affect an airy, casual voice. It came out sounding slightly hysterical instead.

“Heh, I feel like I”ve been lied to by movies and vids,” he mused. “You’ve really never been romantically involved with…anyone?”

“I told you, all relationships were transactional. I mean, sex is just sex. It has nothing to do with emotions.”

“I wouldn’t say that’s necessarily true, but I can see what you mean,” he interrupted. “So, when we’ve had sex…”

Hwa shook her head, “That was different already!” she said a bit frantically. “I was already in love with you, but I didn’t know how you felt. I mean, the attraction was there, but…”

Sam nodded, “sex is sex.”

“Yes.”

“Ok, so what is it about holding hands that has you…well, you’re kinda physically buzzing. I can feel it in your hands.”

“This feels,” and she held up his hand in hers, “this feels really, really intimate.”

“But, sex doesn’t?”

“Sex is a physical need. Biological imperative, and all. It has nothing to do with intimacy.”

Sam shook his head baffled, “I don’t know if I agree with that, but I can see what you’re saying. How is holding hands more intimate than sex?”

Hwa sighed, seeing she wasn’t making much sense to him. Frankly, it didn’t make a lot of sense to her, either. But, he asked, and she could only respond honestly. “Because holding hands isn’t necessary. It’s a choice. And, it’s a…a public choice. It’s like saying, ‘this is mine’. I’ve never had anyone…I’ve never had anyone,” here she looked at the ground, “I’ve never had anyone who wanted me.”

“Ahh,” Sam said after a moment, “sex is sex.” Hwa nodded, seeing he understood what she was saying. “Oh, Hwa, I love you. I’m madly in love with you. Do you want me to shout it to the stars? Because I will.”

She looked back up into his eyes, “No, that’s not necessary.”

He tilted up her chin and kissed her softly, which made her shake a bit. Sam looked at her critically again, “Let me guess, first kiss in public?” She nodded and blushed again. “Oh wow. Then, like…” here Sam grinned lasciviously at her, “I’m your…first?”.

“Oh my god, I shouldn’t have said anything,” Hwa blushed an even darker red.

“No, no! It’s cute! And, you’re even more beautiful when you blush,” he said, and with his body pushed her against the wall, deeper into the shadows. 

Hwa started shaking her hands again, which Sam grabbed with one hand. With his other, he leaned up against the wall, pressing her body against it, and kissed her more passionately. He broke the kiss, and stared into her eyes, “I want you,” he said throatily.

She involuntarily squeaked again, which made Sam laugh, breaking the mood. “OK, might be a little too much?” he asked, backing off a bit. She nodded, noticeably trembling and shaking her hands. He kissed the top of her head. “What do you think of public displays of affection?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she said in another squeaky voice, her eyes wide and confused.

Sam laughed and took her hand and kissed it. “You are the damndest woman,” he said, shaking his head. “Just when I think I have you figured out, you go and blow all of my ideas out of the water.” He led her back out onto the walkway, smirking, “But, I like the idea that I’m your first.”

[lisa-and-shadow]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you! get to know your mutuals and followers ♡

1- My cats, Mona and Jojo

2- Art and crafts like crochet, and making tiny little felt dolls. I did the painting ehhhhh 12ish years ago.

3- Cooking. I like to eat! I like learning about other cultures and eating at different types of restaurants. I think food cultures are a great way to learn about people. Stuff I made recently with that in mind; pork carnitas, onigiri, and pickled eggs. (We have hens and had a surplus of eggs.)

4- Video games and RPG's. As an only child I spent a lot of time in my own imagination as a kid, and I still enjoy being able to escape into a fantasy world for a while. Especially a well written one.

5- Morally questionable fictional men with angular features, gruff voices, a regional accent, and a fatalistic world view. Especially if they're middle aged. Or older. (Twirls my hair.)

I was also sent this by @a-cosmic-elf @therealgchu @silurisanguine and @atonalginger so 💜💜💜 to all of you.

[atonalginger]

WIP Wednesday

oh hai, I have a general tag for those who wish it and a snippet from the growing tale of Cora's adventure (this story needs a title...it's like 75k+ and still doesn't have a title....) No pressure with the tag, I know so many are in that final push before the big holidays and I do not want to add to that.

In another snippet from a while back I shared some of Becker's subplot in this story. They're out there because their mother did something terrible and they are determined to exact vengeance. They call it justice in their head but the line between the two is very thin.

This snippet isn't so much about that but touching on connections to other characters. Well one character...and there will be art at the end too!

Anyway, the snippet:

Zoya was uninterested with the kids, as were most of the Zealot leadership preparing to rush the city and seize control. Despite all the talk of Cora’s brilliance and help with the Mourning Device and other research none of them saw her as a threat. She was seen as a bug buzzing about, easily squashable when the time was right. Not worth the effort to attack outright.

They knew they would have to act soon if they wanted to take Zoya out. She was in active contact with Khaslav up in the northern outskirts. Someone Becker had hoped was too busy being a bloodthirsty prick elsewhere in the starfield. Or dead. Dead would have been preferable. She wanted to meet up in the coming days to finalize a plan of attack on the spaceport. He just had some personal business to attend to first, something to do with stubborn Orahim.

Had he come to his senses finally? Did he see what Becker had tried to get him to see so many years ago? They tried not to get their hopes up too much; they remembered how vicious Orahim became. How loyal he was to that maniac. But they also remembered how thoughtful he could be when away from that crew. How gentle and thoughtful he could be when it counted. He could also be quite the ally if he’d turned his back on the Zealots. Could returning to their Va’ruun’kai do that?

They didn’t dare get their hopes up, even as old memories had begun to haunt their sleep. Those steel blue eyes and the tiny curl of his lip when he allowed himself to grin. They wondered if any of that survived the long years at Khaslav’s side. A question that had to wait; dealing with Zoya and finding Cora and Manny took precedence.

But Becker needed to figure out how to deal with the Redeemed before they went after their mother. She kept one close by and the others were fast enough that Becker would be screwed if they got caught. Part of them wanted to take the easiest route and just poison the woman’s food but it felt too easy, too much of a cop-out, and too likely to be caught by the others. No, they needed to be ready to fight not only her but the whole base. Which wasn’t impossible. It was pushing it but for Pa? For Pa it would be worth it.

[atonalginger]

Snippet Sunday?

hi y'all. I'm sure you're wondering: why the question mark? Well because I have something connected to my current projects that I hadn't shared and want to but it's not technically a snippet. See I'm far enough into that story that I don't know that sharing snips would be good for spoilers (both of the game and the story itself.)

I'm also grappling with self doubt and my ability as a storyteller. I've been thinking back on some things I've written in the past year and doubting whether I should have hit publish on those uploads. They've got the views that say yes but ... you know how those gremlins can be...

and way to combat that I do want to share something but like I said, everything is getting into a 'well I should hold this' territory so...art! I shared this on the discord but sat on it for a day like today.

Cora Coe just outside the southern gate in Dazra. sometime after a pivotal moment in the story where [redacted] happens and [redacted].

My husband really liked this one. He got all excited about my use of lighting and the scarf. I'm just happy that Cora teensy tiny smirk comes through.

[therealgchu]

i also need art prints of this.

For Stowaway Savior I decided to give the four captains searching for the lost duo a model-a robot co-pilot to have their backs, as well as mentioning that Goose has one but she's being repaired when the crisis starts.

Each one of these model-a robots were liberated from abandoned outposts or found stored in UC outposts "liberated' by the Crimson Fleet. Their personalities were originally all blank, right out the box service robot mode but over time each one has/will develop an actual personality, similar to Vasco in the game.

The Crimson Bots program is the brainchild of Goose with Jazz's engineer's assistance. He wanted to pay tribute to Vasco as well as give the Fleet the edge he knew these model-a robots could bring.

So let's meet the bots?

Jinx is Starborn!Sam's co-pilot. On the surface is seems like a standard, Vasco-like model-a...until the various lessons and added programs kick in. Lila, Del, and Goose have all added delightful little mannerisms into Jinx's programming that expanded his knowledge as well as made him ornerier. Jinx loves to help his captain. Jinx also loves to piss him off.

Trix is Delgado's co-pilot. Flashier paint job but bland personality. Trix is the least modified in the personality department. They are very loyal and look out for their captain, trying hard to keep Del happy and calm. It's a thankless job and Trix is a superhero for trying.

Moonlight is Cooper's co-pilot. The newest Crimson Bot to come online, Moonlight hasn't found their true voice yet. They were given lessons based on Whiz's memory bank but no personality imprint. Seems to have a playful streak but nothing on the level of Jinx or Whiz. Very protective.

Whiz is Goose's co-pilot. She's a wise cracking model-a who can and will woop your ass if you look at her captain wrong. Currently out of commission in the Key's engineering bay and very worried about her captain.

Quirk is Lila's co-pilot. Quirk is...well Quirk. She came online when Whiz did and due to Lila's laizze faire approach to training and management has spent FAR too much time on the extranet. To say she cusses like a sailor would be an insult to foul mouthed sailors. She is very rude and has an extremely entitled, self-important, spoiled attitude. Lila believes she can reverse the damage through discipline and positive reinforcement...time will tell if she is right.

[fangbangerghoul]

Header originally made by @thatsgoodsquishy0

Hello everyone! I am pleased to share a great event we had in our Comrade Coe's Spouses discord server for Valetine's Day!

This server is full of wonderful creatives who all share one thing in common, our love for Starfield. Okay...maybe two and our love for the bisexual single dad space cowboy! We love to support each other in our creative endeavors and to showcase this this post is going to have all the pieces from our Valetine's Day Art Trade!

Each person who signed up was randomly paired with another. We had a channel to fill out a small form of what they preferred, what they were willing to create, and their do's and don'ts in receiving other creations! We allowed about 8 weeks for people to discuss, plan, and create their own masterpieces!

Our server is always open for incoming members and there are only a few things that you need to know before requesting to join.

You must be over 21

You must love or at least appreciate Starfield

And you are joining for a good time, some creative vibes, and with an open mind!

Just tap or click on the link embedded in the server's name above for more information on how to join!

banner made by @bearlytolerant

Everything you will see below is crafted by a member of our server! There will be links to their Tumblr and ao3 links to check more of their work out!

Please feel free to show their blogs some love and their fics on ao3 as well! You can also check out their other works under the tag The Coemancer Crew. One of the core values of our community is supporting each other's creative pieces and we hope you all would love to participate in doing the same!

@atonalginger's

Anton x Sam Astral Haze

@thatsgoodsquishy0's

From Death; A Life

You almost died. Sam's grateful you're alive.

“Wait until Constellation hears about this,” you say, accompanied by a shaky laugh. “I wonder if they’ll even believe us.” He shakes his head. “They should, they don’t have to. We were there. We survived. You survived. That’s all that matters in my book.” His realism brings your gaze to the table, though a swirl of gratitude rises in the back of your mouth, coming out in a weak smile. This was nice. Peaceful, but not enough. There was still untouched territory to discuss. You lift your head, eyes soft and sincere. Unsure. “I wouldn’t be here without your help, Sam.” A pink flush spreads across his cheeks as he smiles. Averting his gaze, his pupils dart across the wall, and you notice they focus on nothing in particular. He shuts his eyes, and you suspected he was replaying the evening. You cock your head, curious. If you could pry open the contents of Sam Coe’s brain, you would, and you would soak up everything about that man, a fact you hadn’t truly believed until tonight.

@fangbangerghoul's

Crimson Slut

@bearlytolerant's

Paint It Crimson

Delgado is tired of Ghoul not resting so he takes matters into his own hands. His attempt means trying to teach her a new hobby.

She chuckles and he chooses not to engage any longer. He’s been toyed with enough. Even if that’s what they do. Argue and bicker. Pull their claws and bare their fangs until eventually he walks away with enough of his pride beaten down, dragging his ego behind him a little broken and worse for wear. It happens often enough that he can’t say he always comes out the winner. But he is weary of the game today. He wants to be nice. Try to be nice. He is determined to be nice. Another step and he reaches around her head and tugs at the blindfold. The knot unravels. Unfurls. He removes it in one smooth motion, tossing it to the floor. Then he thumbs her chin, tilting her head up to get a good glimpse of her. He gazes into her citrine eyes. The warm glow from his hanging lamp, hovering over the tall snake tongued leaves of the sansevieria in the corner of the room, reflects off her irises and they glimmer and shine just like a gemstone. Thoughts waxing poetic, he blinks them away before he speaks them aloud. “I wanted to surprise you.” He releases her chin.

@silurisanguine's

So coy

@eridanidreams's

Twisted Towards the Light

Seren and Sam run into a little bit more excitement than they expected when taking down Tawny Adams...

Sam leaned against the wall. "We having fun yet?" He was breathing a little harder than usual; she gave him a quick once-over, but his suit seemed intact. He caught her look and gave her the grin she'd come to love. "I know you like what you see," he purred, "but maybe look a little less like you want to rip my suit right off until we're done? Mercs might get the wrong idea." Seren couldn't help but laugh. "Arse," she growled. "And a fine one," he agreed. "Though yours," he eyed her up and down, "might be even finer. Pity that your suit hides it, or we could do a real close comparison. Hands-on, even." "Focus, Sam," she reminded him, hitting the 'cycle' button. "Bad guys that way." "I am focused," he said, sounding innocent as the day was long. (In the case of this misbegotten little moon, that was only 4.5 UT hours, so… not all that innocent.) "I'm just a busy man. I have to work in all that quality time of thinking about me and you."

[therealgchu]

Snippet Sunday - The Pilot

notice the new graphic? this is the start of the new fic series that'll go up friday. tagging @eridanidreams, @atonalginger, @fangbangerghoul, @@esorydoolb, and @sailor-kaiju (c'mon, show me what you're working on!) and anyone else that wants to put up a snippet or art.

it's part of the anamnesis series, and goes into how sam became one of the best pilots in the settled systems. it starts at age 6, and goes till he joins constellation. much of the themes will be about generational trauma, and how we break out of it, and fly away.

also, a reminder that Chapter 2 of Spooky Action at a Distance is up on ao3.

my other stuff on ao3.

sneak peek

Jacob had his hands full navigating re-entry with a rambunctious six year old on his lap who kept trying to pop up to see out of the cockpit windows. Truth be told, the man was a serviceable pilot, at best. And, at the moment he was regretting his decision to let Sam sit on his lap as he adjusted the nose to tilt upwards so the heat plates would take more of the brunt of the friction from re-entry. But, Jacob knew that when Grace looked at him like that, he couldn’t say no. 

They had met at a function at the Rock ten years ago, and to this day, he never knew why she asked him out. He wasn’t great looking, and she was beautiful - tall, flaxen hair, blue eyes the color of the Akila sky after it was washed clean by rain, and the longest legs he’d ever seen on a woman. He was just a mid-level civil servant with the FC, working mainly in trade, while she had just finished her Ph.D., dashing off to newly discovered planets to uncover the origin of how solar systems were created. He’d gone to the function because his buddy, Ben, who’d just joined the Rangers, wanted a wing-man. Turned out Ben didn’t need a wing-man, and Jacob was left alone at the bar. He’d been contemplating leaving when Grace walked up to him. Of course he’d noticed her earlier, she had swarms of people around her vying for her attention all evening, yet she arrowed in on him. From that moment forward, they were inseparable.

Sam was a bit of a miracle baby, as Grace wasn’t sure she could carry to term. They tried to conceive again shortly after Sam turned two, but it wasn’t to be. Medical science still could fix only so much, and her pregnancy with Sam put too much of a strain on her body. Instead, they lavished their love and attention on their only child. He might have been a little spoiled, at least compared to the way Jacob was raised, but he was such a sweet, loving boy, that it didn’t seem to make a difference.

Jacob was thankful that Sam took after his mother in looks, the same blond hair and clear blue eyes, rather than him. He also took after his mother in his disposition and brains. He was fearless and open with everyone, just like his mother, and sucked up information like a sponge. Jacob, on the other hand, was by nature cautious and even timid at times; and he knew he didn’t have a great mind. He was built to be the low-level bureaucrat that he was. Grace was reckless and spontaneous; sometimes too spontaneous as there were several times when he had to haul her out of trouble. In all, however, they made a good, complimentary team, smoothing each other’s edges.

Sam, however, seemed to distill the best qualities from both parents. While fearless, he already showed signs of good sense, and he had a kindness and thoughtfulness that his mother sometimes lacked. By the time the boy was three, Jacob felt that Sam was intended for greatness, to bring back glory to the Coe name. He knew that he was never going to; his own father drilled that fact into his head often enough growing up. But for Sam, he was going to move all of the Settled Systems if he had to, to give the boy all of the opportunities to reach his destiny.

[therealgchu]

10 characters / 10 fandoms / 10 tags

tagged by @fangbangerghoul, so much fun! tagging @sailor-kaiju, @atonalginger, @a-cosmic-elf, @samcoesclub

Vash the Stampede / Trigun

2. Faramir / LotR (though, specifically book faramir, but i do love david wenham)

3. Basira / The Magnus Archives (art by Feifei Wang)

4. Jester / The Mighty Nein (Critical Role, i mean, who isn't in love with laura bailey?)

5. Susan Ivanova / Babylon 5

6. Ben Wyatt / Parks & Recreation

7. Guster Burton / Psych

8. Hiccup Haddock / How to Train Your Dragon

9. Goto Kiichi / Patlabor

10. Kusanagi Motoko / Ghost in the Shell

[lisa-and-shadow]

In the regular military you have several types of uniforms; Formal/dress, battle fatigues, and duty fatigues for when you're doing daily stuff around base, etc. So I'm sure he'd have a selection of styles, but with the Empire they're all going to be gaudy af to stick with their ✨️aesthetic ✨️. Even his pajamas would be fancy and have skulls on them probably. 😉

Seneschal Abelard Werserian, A quiet moment.

Does his uniform look a little more like PJs? maybe a little. But I can't imagine him chilling in this quarters with the second coat and armor plate on...

[fangbangerghoul]

Hello, my lovely mutuals and fanfic readers! I am happy to be here again to share some of one of my current fics for Snippet Sunday!

Tagging: @eridanidreams, @silurisanguine, @atonalginger, @staticpallour, @5oh5, @booburry, @bearlytolerant, @lisa-and-shadow, @a-cosmic-elf, and @therealgchu (I'll leave some off, so the others have people to tag! As usual there is no requirement to participate!)

This is going to be a snippet from Chapter 9 of Fleeting Pleasures. I know my writing has been taking a bit longer than it did in the beginning but with my classes and winter taking a toll, it's been difficult to stick to a good writing routine.

Feel free to check out my tag #The Coemancer Crew to check out some other lovely Starfield fics and art while you wait for the update! If you are interested in joining a Starfield community I do host a Sam Coe Discord Server. Everyone under my The Coemancer Crew tag is a community member!

Chapter 9: bad decisions snippet

Ghoul exited through the doors and away from the noise to see the mess from the night before still lingering about. There was dried blood all over the place, glass bottles, and out of the corner of her eye she saw a pack of cigarettes left on one of the small crates. She swiped it before anyone else came walking by and immediately used the lighter that was with the pack to light one. Ghoul felt a small rush of relief when the smoke entered her lungs and the nicotine bled into her system. As she blew out the smoke, she saw Jessamine kick a bottle on her way out of doors from The Last Nova. She huffed something and that was when she noticed Ghoul standing there smoking the cigarette. Her dusty pink hair and yellow eyes akin to Ghoul’s always caught her attention in the bar but they never spoke much. Jessamine strode over with confidence and held out her hand, her two fingers stretched out waiting. Ghoul looked her over with a quick glance and then smirked, handing her the cigarette without protest.  “I heard Delgado is finally off your back. You must have really pissed him off.” Jessamine sounded amused at the thought and her accent sounded straight out of a Celtic fairy tale she was forced to read before. Jessamine puffed on her cigarette watching her with keen eyes. Ghoul was unsure what the approach this woman was trying to take with her, but she thought she could play along, as a distraction.  “From what I have seen, that isn’t too hard to do. He can be a real dictator sometimes.” Ghoul said with a smile they both started to walk forward as they spoke, their step-in rhythm.  “You gotta be with all the people who join, considered.” She shrugged and the slight draw on some of the vowels she pronounced were fun to hear her say. They had no destination set but aimlessly walking around The Key. It was a change of pace of what Ghoul usually did and it helped keep her mind off of her empty stomach.   “All hail the king, hmm?” Ghoul rolled her eyes at the thought. Though she knew at this point it wasn’t like she was in a position to say much, not after what she just did for Delgado.  “I wouldn’t go that far.” Jessamine laughed and stopped them in the center of the front end of The Key. The docked spaceships were on the other side of the door ahead and it seemed they were going to come full circle if they continued anymore. “When is the next time you are going on a run? Care to hire someone?”  Ghoul knew she shouldn’t be too surprised. She had heard Jessamine’s pitch a few times while drinking in the bar, but she never thought about it herself. Jessamine was itching to get off The Key which was the exact opposite of Ghoul right now. Ghoul thought perhaps maybe she should be itching to get off this damn space station. She had been locked in here for months, now she was starving again, and for that time was supposedly undercover for a government ran authority she didn’t give a shit about until she blew her own cover. Ghoul took in a deep breath and sighed before answering the eager face standing before her.  “I have a ship and that’s it.” Ghoul said with warning and her arms crossed. Her body was stiff, and she leaned back a bit with one foot pointing at Jessamine and the other out to the ships. “I didn’t ask for the ship, but Delgado relinquished it to me anyway. I don’t have any credits, but I guarantee we'll have some soon.”   Jessamine now was the one sizing her up. Ghoul could see the hesitance in her body language, and she didn’t blame her. Ghoul probably wouldn't take up her own offer.

[toxiclizardwrites]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you! get to know your mutuals and followers ♡

Tagging @silurisanguine @therealgchu @fangbangerghoul @atonalginger @bearlytolerant and anyone else who asked me/wants to participate!

Aww this is cute and fun! Aside from my partner, friends, and family, here are 5 things that make me happy:

1. Playing Video Games

Current favs include: Starfield, Pokemon Scarlet, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, Prehistoric Kingdom, and I need to find the time to mod the shit out of Fallout: New Vegas because I never finished all the DLC and that game is 🤌

2. Live Music/Listening to Music

I especially love Rock, Metal, and Pop Punk/Punk. Currently listening to Sleep Token, Ghost, July Talk, Mother Mother, Bring me the Horizon, Bleachers, and Falling in Reverse.

3. Tattoos

I think they're hot; having highly personal art displayed on your body? Sign me up. I only have two right now, with one being updated early Feb, but I'm planning on getting more. Budget is obviously a factor as well as carefully planning what I want and where I want it.

4. Good Food

I love gathering with friends and family and enjoying good food, drinks, and conversation. Food builds connections with others, helps ease difficult discussions, helps people fall in love or build friendships, and more.

5. Art

Is it a cop out to put something so general as Art? Maybe. I was going to put "writing" but I have a complex relationship with it, as I do it for pleasure and also for work, so sometimes I'm unsure if it makes me happy or if I'm just compelled to do it. Aside from writing, I love sewing. I mainly make bags, because I love a good bag. But I don't sew as often as I want. Viewing other people's art makes me happy.

[fangbangerghoul]

WIP WEDNESDAY

Thank you: @atonalginger, @bearlytolerant, and @eridanidreams for tagging me today!

This Wednesday is going to be a little different mostly because I haven't been writing enough to share any WIP. I do however have some screenshots from my iPad of art pieces I've been working on.

(I plan to pick up writing more seriously again after Christmas. I decided my brain needed a writing break.)

I tag whoever sees this and wants to share!

In order:

1. Buggy the Clown

2. Causal Delgado

3. Sexy Socialist Hasan Piker

4. Sam Coe being angry at Ghoul and a secret oc

5. Choso looking angry and hot

[atonalginger]

Snippet Sunday

howdy howdy howdy it's Sunday and I've got a snippet to share, as well as some more art that is loosely related to the snippet... General tag for anyone who has something to share and wants to. As always no pressure.

My snippet is from the Cora shattered space story. Back with Doc and the other adults on Cassiopeia I:

“About the reason I keep that musty room with the built-in bookshelves locked.” He hopped down to the lower habs, “vamanos.”

“What are you talking about?” Bella called after him. She turned her attention to Evgeny, who simply shrugged and motioned for her to lead.

“I do remember he disappeared for a bit the day we found the place,” Fox mumbled, “he claimed he got lost. Should have known that was mossgnath shit…”

“It’s a big place,” Rokov said as he waited near the ladder. He noted Jay and Sam had not stood up, “we can wait outside.”

Sam shook his head and started to say, “No need we’ll—“

“We won’t be long,” Jay finished for him, taking his hand and squeezing it tight.

Rokov offered a sympathetic smile and hopped down to the lower hab. Fox pulled his hair back up into a bun and rolled his neck. He seemed to have something else he wanted to say but was holding back. Instead he shuffled out of the all-in-one and disappeared down the hatch.

“We shouldn’t keep them waiting,” Sam whispered, his eyes still trained on the floor.

“Whatever Del has to show us isn’t going anywhere,” she leaned in and kissed his cheek, “you clearly need a few minutes. You needed them when you joined us at the pools and didn’t get them.”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” he insisted.

“We’re a team, Sam,” she nuzzled him, “we don’t need to fight things alone.”

“That’s the problem though, Darlin’,” he let out a husky chuckle, “there’s nothing to fight. Nothing to attack to fix the problem. We’re just stuck in a holding pattern. No one we’ve turned to has anything useful, just more questions and worrisome comments. Something bad is going down and we have to just hope those two aren’t in the crosshairs.”

“He wasn’t too hard on you?”

“No more than what was expected,” Sam sighed and sat back in the bunk, “he’s mad that they’re missing but no one’s arguing that. Pissed at Del and Bella for not planting trackers on the Eager Fortune or having any limiters on the systems, like Cora wouldn’t have found and circumvented those in a heartbeat. Reminded me that we were reckless for taking her with us on Constellation work. All the classics,” he tried to smile, “just like I told you he’d be.”

“Jacob certainly is predictable,” she squeezed his hand again, “did he have any information?”

“No,” he frowned and closed his eyes, “when he agreed to jump out and talk I had hoped it was because he had something we could use. But no, even the best spies in the Collective couldn’t piece together where the Va’ruun’s system is located. Best guess is somewhere near Serpentis but that’s still too wide a net.”

“Well shit,” she looked toward the door, foolishly hoping to see their girl standing in the doorway with a sheepish grin, for all of it to be over, “and nothing on the starstation?”

“Nope,” Sam sat up and leaned in, planting a tender kiss on her neck, “didn’t have to ask him to keep it a secret. He doesn’t want anyone to know about this until we know what happened with Cora and Manny. He knows the risks are too great right now. He also promised to play interference with the headaches back in the city.”

“That was nice of him.”

“He believes there will be better chances of success if we aren’t dodging questions from those harpies.”

She laughed and pushed herself up, “hopefully he’s right.”

“What do you think Del’s got squirreled away?”

“Universe willing it’s something that let’s us direct call any starborn or soul singer in the starfield,” she watched as he stood up and gave her a look, “what? Can’t a girl dream?”

--

the picture is of a softer, quieter moment with Cora and Manny. Something they need given all the Hell I'm putting them through atm

been playing around again with a line-less style. Trying new things to keep things interesting.

[atonalginger]

WIP Wednesday

I have some Cora on her [redacted] adventure. Well she's technically asleep in this, talking to someone in her sleep again. And looking back on some of the wild shit she's gotten into over the years before this [redacted] adventure.

--

Cora poured over every dangerous situation she and Manny had been in since she touched the plate on Suvorov. Near miss after near miss played back around them, filling the space around the dais. Dread took hold and she pulled her crossed arms tighter around herself as she watched them all play back at once.

“Goodness,” He said as he looked around, “is this what worry looks like?”

“How many times have we died?” Cora asked.

“None?” He blinked slowly, “what a peculiar question.”

“How many times were we supposed to die but we didn’t?” she asked again, “because of you.”

“None,” He looked around the space, “so far. No you both survived through your own sheer will.”

“You just said you meddle—“

“I could…if I wanted to. Doesn’t change the fact that you both have survived due to your own skill,” he waved away the commotion and pulled up older memories. Memories of dangers long before He came into her life, “It’s not like you really need it…”

An abandoned refinery just as a spark on the main floor lit up the stored gas. Mom and Dad were on the other side of the facility, pinned down by particle fire from zealots. Cora punched the controls to the emergency doors, praying that she was quick enough before turning to haul ass away from the room and the bullet she fired at the loose canister of oxygen that caused the spark.

“How old were you when this happened?” He asked.

“You know the answer,” she looked away as her younger self dove into the side hall, barely dodging the door that blew off its hinges.

“How old?”

“I was fourteen,” she bit back, “and I wasn’t allowed off the ship when out of safe harbor for six months because of that stunt.”

He wagged his finger at her, “but it worked. You took out a dozen zealots in that blast, shut down their little operation, and gave your parents the distraction they needed to finish off the pests harassing them.”

Another memory appeared on his other side, this time with Fox at her side. They were outside, the sun shining bright overhead as they scanned nearby minerals. They didn’t see the sleeping xeno on the other side of the boulder until it was too late, Fox’s boot smashing the slumbering creature’s tail. The noise it made was terrifying and in an instant there were a half dozen up and charging. She grabbed her uncle’s arm and threw him behind her before opening fire on the biggest of the bunch, filling its mouth with lead. As it toppled the others scattered, the will to fight gone with their pack leader.

“And here?”

“Fifteen,” she frowned, “Mom and Dad still don’t know about that one. Uncle Fox knew if they found out about it I’d be locked down planetside till I was thirty.”

“And this one,” he pointed behind her, “I think this one is my favorite.”

It was her and Manny on some frozen rock orbiting Cassiopeia’s gas giant. They were supposed to be setting up a simple outpost for Manny’s uncle, mining platinum for quick credits. They didn’t think spacers would be out there. They didn’t think anyone would be out there. The stranded fiends tried to bum-rush the little puddle jumper of a ship Jazz had loaned them and of course the loading bay ramp malfunctioned in that moment. Manny was inside trying to radio the Liberated for backup while Cora fired shot after shot from the loading bay. They kept shouting over comms for Cora to get her ass inside but she was not going to risk the spacers getting near the ship systems. They could not risk any of them having the means to hack the ship from the loading bay console.

“By the time that Liberated patrol landed all those spacers were dead,” He said with pride, “not a single one touched that ramp either. You were a machine in those vital few minutes that they rushed your position.”

“Your point?” she turned back to see him reclined on his throne.

“Come now,” he smiled, his fangs on full display, “you’re a smart girl.”

--

I've also got a new portrait for Manny in a similar style as Cora's Serpent portrait

They know they are handsome. Also might be hamming it up for the camera...they are Del's nibling after all...