#car service green square

[copperbadge]

[ID: Two images of a brightly colored quilted lunch bag with a button that looks like a little clock face and an elastic loop that goes around it to close, and narrow green fabric straps for handles. The exterior has square fabric patches showing Whataburger logos, cars, trailers, french fries, and sushi. The interior of the bag has flag green on the front and back, flowers and birds on the side, and a bottom that shows dinosaur skeleton fossils in dirt.]

A while back I made myself an "insulated" quilted bag, which was pretty much exactly the size of a fast food takeaway bag, from old Whataburger pyjamas and other fabric scraps. I had exactly enough Whataburger squares left to do a second one and it occurred to me my parents, who have no delivery service and have to drive 15-20 minutes to get takeaway, would appreciate one, so over the weekend I threw one together for them.

Ordinarily I'd put a buttonhole on the front for a closure, but I still have some elastics from maskmaking to use up, and an elastic around a button is a little easier to do up and undo. I initially came up with this when making a bag for Baby U, who is two and has very little fine motor control, but it's also good for older folk who might have dexterity loss due to arthritis and such. And a stitched-on loop is less likely to cause fraying and tearing of the bag itself than a buttonhole.

Mum always asks if I want to stop somewhere and get something to eat after I land, since usually I'm coming in too early to have had breakfast or late enough that it's nearly lunchtime. I said I'd be okay for a bit and suggested we stop at the Whataburger closest to home and take it home to eat, so I'm planning to spring the bag on them when we stop to get the food, and they can walk into Whataburger with awesome swag. I think my stepdad will especially like the little trailers on the front of the bag.

[deadpanwalking]

“Seen from the street, the Onion Cellar looked like many of the newer night clubs which are distinguished from the older bars and cabarets by, among other things, their higher prices. The higher prices were justified by the outlandish decoration of these night spots, many of which termed themselves “Artists’ clubs” and also by their names. There was “The Ravioli Room” (discreet and refined), “The Taboo” (mysterious and existentialist), “The Paprika” (spicy and high-spirited). And of course there was “The Onion Cellar”.

The words “Onion Cellar” and a poignantly naive likeness of an onion had been painted with deliberate awkwardness on an enamel sign which hung in the old German manner from elaborate wrought-iron gallows in front of the house. The one and only window was glassed with bottle-green bull’s-eye panes. The iron door, painted with red lead, had no doubt seen service outside an air-raid shelter in the war years. Outside it stood the doorman in a rustic sheepskin. Not everyone was allowed in the Onion Cellar. Especially on Fridays, when wages turn to beer, it was the doorman’s business to turn away certain Old City characters, for whom the Onion Cellar was too expensive in the first place. Behind the red-lead door, those who were allowed in found five concrete steps. You went down, found yourself on a landing some three feet square, to which a poster for a Picasso show lent an original, artistic turn. Four more steps took you to the checkroom. “Please pay later,” said a little cardboard sign, and indeed, the young man at the counter, usually an art student with a beard, refused to take money in advance, because the Onion Cellar was not only expensive but also and nevertheless high class.

The owner in person welcomed every single guest with elaborate gestures and mobile, expressive eyebrows, as though initiating him into a secret rite. As we know, the owner’s name was Ferdinand Schmuh; he was a man who shot sparrows now and then, and had a keen eye for the society which had sprung up in Düsseldorf (and elsewhere, though not quite so quickly) since the currency reform.

The Onion Cellar—and here we see the note of authenticity essential to a successful night club—was a real cellar; in fact, it was quite damp and chilly under foot. Tubular in shape, it measured roughly thirteen by sixty, and was heated by two authentic cast-iron stoves. Yet in one respect the Cellar wasn’t a cellar after all. The ceiling had been taken off, so that the club actually included the former ground-floor apartment. The one and only window was not a real cellar window, but the former window of the ground-floor apartment. However, since one might have looked out of the window if not for its opaque bull’s-eye panes; since there was a gallery that one reached by a highly original and highly precipitous staircase, the Onion Cellar can reasonably be termed “authentic”, even if it was not a real cellar—and besides, why should it have been?

Oskar has forgotten to tell you that the staircase leading to the gallery was not a real staircase but more like a companionway, because on either side of its dangerously steep steps there were two extremely original clotheslines to hold on to; the staircase swayed a bit, making you think of an ocean voyage and adding to the price.

The Onion Cellar was lighted by acetylene lamps such as miners carry, which broadcast a smell of carbide—again adding to the price—and transported the customer unto the gallery of a mine, a potash mine for instance, three thousand feet below the surface of the earth: cutters bare to the waist hack away at the rock, opening up a vein; the scraper hauls out the salt, the windlass roars as it fills the cars; far behind, where the gallery turns off to Friedrichshall Two, a swaying light; that’s the head foreman and here he comes with a cheery hello, swinging a carbide lamp that looks exactly like the carbide lamps that hung from the unadorned, slapdashly whitewashed walls of the Onion Cellar, casting their light and smell, adding to the prices, and creating an original atmosphere.

The customers were uncomfortably seated on common crates covered with onion sacks, yet the plank tables, scrubbed and spotless, recalled the guests from the mine to a peaceful peasant inn such as we sometimes see in the movies.

That was all! But what about the bar? No bar. Waiter, the menu please! Neither waiter nor menu. In fact, there was no one else but ourselves, the Rhine River Three. Klepp, Scholle, and Oskar sat beneath the staircase that was really a companionway. We arrived at nine, unpacked our instruments, and began to play at about ten. But for the present it is only a quarter past nine and I won’t be able to speak about us until later. Right now let us keep an eye on Schmuh, who occasionally shot sparrows with a small-caliber rifle. As soon as the Onion Cellar had filled up—half-full was regarded as full—Schmuh, the host, donned his shawl. This shawl had been specially made for him. It was cobalt-blue silk, printed with a golden-yellow pattern. I mention all this because the donning of the shawl was significant. The pattern printed on the shawl was made up of golden-yellow onions. The Onion Cellar was not really “open” until Schmuh had put on his shawl.

The customers—businessmen, doctors, lawyers, artists, journalists, theater and movie people, well-known figures from the sporting world, officials in the provincial and municipal government, in short, a cross section of the world which nowadays calls itself intellectual—came with wives, mistresses, secretaries, interior decorators, and occasional male mistresses, to sit on crates covered with burlap. Until Schmuh put on his golden-yellow onions, the conversation was subdued, forced, dispirited. These people wanted to talk, to unburden themselves, but they couldn’t seem to get started; despite all their efforts, they left the essential unsaid, talked around it. Yet how eager they were to spill their guts, to talk from their hearts, their bowels, their entrails, to forget about their brains just this once, to lay bare the raw, unvarnished truth, the man within. Here and there a stifled remark about a botched career, a broken marriage. One gathers that the gentleman over there with the massive head, the intelligent face and soft, almost delicate hands, is having trouble with his son, who is displeased about his father’s past. Those two ladies in mink, who still look quite attractive in the light of the carbide lamp, claim to have lost their faith, but they don’t say in what. So far we know nothing about the past of the gentleman with the massive head, nor have we the slightest idea what sort of trouble his son is making for him on account of this unknown past; if you’ll forgive Oskar a crude metaphor, it was like laying eggs; you push and push…

The pushing in the Onion Cellar brought meager results until Schmuh appeared in his special shawl. Having been welcomed with a joyful “Ah!” for which he thanked his kind guests, he vanished for a few minutes behind a curtain at the end of the Onion Cellar, where the toilets and storeroom were situated.

But why did a still more joyous “Ah”, an “Ah” of relief and release, welcome the host on his reappearance? The proprietor of a successful nightclub disappears behind a curtain, takes something from the storeroom, flings a choice selection of insults in an undertone at the washroom attendant who is sitting there reading an illustrated weekly, reappears in front of the curtain, and is welcomed like the Saviour, like the legendary uncle from Australia!

Schmuh came back with a little basket on his arm and moved among the guests. The basket was covered with a blue-and-yellow checkered napkin. On the cloth lay a considerable number of little wooden boards, shaped like pigs or fish. These he handed out to his guests with little bows and compliments which showed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he had grown up in Budapest and Vienna; Schmuh’s smile was like the smile on a copy of a copy of the supposedly authentic Mona Lisa.

The guests, however, looked very serious as they took their little boards. Some exchanged boards with their neighbors, for some preferred the silhouette of a pig, while others preferred the more mysterious fish. They sniffed at the pieces of wood and moved them about. Schmuh, after serving the customers in the gallery, waited until all the little boards had come to rest.

Then—and every heart was waiting—he removed the napkin, very much in the manner of a magician: beneath it lay still another napkin, upon which, almost unrecognizable at first glance, lay the paring knives.

These too he proceeded to hand out. But this time he made his rounds more quickly, whipping up the tension that permitted him to raise his prices; he paid no more compliments, and left no time for any exchanges of knives; a calculated haste entered into his movements. “On your mark, get set,” he shouted. At “ Go” he tore the napkin off the basket, reached into the basket, and handed out, dispensed, distributed among the multitude onions—onions such as were represented, golden-yellow and slightly stylized, on his shawl, plain ordinary onions, not tulip bulbs, but onions such as women buy in the market, such as the vegetable woman sells, such as the peasant, the peasant’s wife, or the hired girl plants and harvests, onions such as may be seen, more or less faithfully portrayed in the still lifes of the lesser Dutch masters. Such onions, then, Schmuh dispensed among his guests until each had an onion and no sound could be heard but the purring of the stoves and the whistling of the carbide lamps. For the grand distribution of onions was followed by silence. Into which Ferdinand Schmuh cried: “Ladies and gentlemen, help yourselves.” And he tossed one end of his shawl over his left shoulder like a skier just before the start. This was the signal.

The guests peeled the onions. Onions are said to have seven skins. The ladies and gentlemen peeled the onions with the paring knives. They removed the first, third, blond, golden-yellow, rust-brown, or better still, onion-colored skin, they peeled until the onion became glassy, green, whitish, damp, and water-sticky, until it smelled, smelled like an onion. Then they cut it as one cuts onions, deftly or clumsily, on the little chopping boards shaped like pigs or fish; they cut in one direction and another until the juice spurted or turned to vapor—the older gentlemen were not very handy with paring knives and had to be careful not to cut their fingers; some cut themselves even so, but didn’t notice it—the ladies were more skillful, not all of them, but those at least who were housewives at home, who knew how one cuts up onions for hash-brown potatoes, or for liver with apples and onion rings; but in Schmuh’s onion cellar there was neither, there was nothing whatever to eat, and anyone who wanted to eat had to go elsewhere, to the “Fischl”, for instance, for at the Onion Cellar onions were only cut. Why all these onions? For one thing, because of the name. The Onion Cellar had its specialty: onions. And moreover, the onion, the cut onion, when you look at it closely… but enough of that, Schmuh’s guests had stopped looking, they could see nothing more, because their eyes were running over and not because their hearts were so full; for it is not true that when the heart is full the eyes necessarily overflow, some people can never manage it, especially in our century, which in spite of all the suffering and sorrow will surely be known to posterity as the tearless century. It was this drought, this tearlessness that brought those who could afford it to Schmuh’s Onion Cellar, where the host handed them a little chopping board—pig or fish—a paring knife for eighty pfennigs, and for twelve marks an ordinary field-, garden-, and kitchen-variety onion, and induced them to cut their onions smaller and smaller until the juice—what did the onion juice do? It did what the world and the sorrows of the world could not do: it brought forth a round, human tear. It made them cry. At last they were able to cry again. To cry properly, without restraint, to cry like mad. The tears flowed and washed everything away. The rain came. The dew. Oskar has a vision of floodgates opening. Of dams bursting in the spring floods. What is the name of that river that overflows every spring and the government does nothing to stop it? After this cataclysm at twelve marks eighty, human beings who have had a good cry open their mouths to speak. Still hesitant, startled by the nakedness of their own words, the weepers poured out their hearts to their neighbors on the uncomfortable, burlap-covered crates, submitted to questioning, let themselves be turned inside-out like overcoats. But Oskar, who with Klepp and Scholle sat tearless behind the staircase or companionway, will be discreet; from among all the disclosures, self-accusations, confessions that fell on his ears, he will relate only the story of Miss Pioch, who lost her Mr. Vollmer many times over, so acquiring a strong heart and a tearless eye, which necessitated frequent visits to Schmuh’s Onion Cellar.”

Günter Grass, The Tin Drum, (tr. Ralph Manheim)

[phoebosacerales]

Hello <3333 I hope you're doing well. Two Q's:

1) Are there any transits that indicates one will get into a car accident? If so, does it have to do with 3rd and 12th house because I had transits in these houses and got knocked by a car.

2) Are your paid services still available? Because I'm interested in purchasing a reading sometime next month.

Thank you!

Hello, I'm doing good, thank you.

To your second question: yes!

And to the first, I hope you're doing well now! I have two examples of road accidents for you. One happened to me while I was crossing on a green light with my bike. I didn't see the guy on his motorcycle, so he hit my front wheel. He had scratches worse than mine and I had to pay for the damage on his bike as well. The other happened to a friend, someone hit his car and he ended up in the police station, but he also didn't have his license (or something about his documents) and he got a fine.

Accidents are related to Mars and the 6th house. The 6th and Mars are understood as the "bad fortune", bad luck, like sickness, disease, acute pain or trauma, accidents.

The 3rd house is about mobility, the streets and travel. Cars are seen in the 3rd or as the 3rd house ruler. And the Moon is associated with cars and means of transportation.

Saturn is a lot of times involved because Mars-Saturn gives the idea of a fast object hitting a brick wall, but Mars is doing the action. Maybe the 12th can be involved as well, but less so and in specific ways, probably, like when you get stuck in the middle of nowhere because you hit something, or when you have to go to the hospital, etc.

My friend, who is a gemini rising, he had it happen in a 2nd house profection of the ascendant, activating cancer and the moon in the 1st house. His solar return came with the same ascendant and Mars on it, afflicting the Moon. Mars rules his 6th house.

But how isn't this just signifying a bad year for health and money? Well, the Solar Return Moon is in the 3rd of short distance travel, aspecting Mars very closely. You also see Saturn involved opposite the Moon and in a close superior trine to Mars. I don't think I need to say more…

I've been doing profections in the way of Valens, profecting every planet and point, giving preference to the occupant of the sign (first natal occupant then solar return occupant) to determine the timelord, then, if there's none, to the ruler. And just jumping to the next sign every month to do monthly profections, transmiting matters to the next guy. So, on the second month, the ascendant and the Moon transmit matters to the Moon again, in the 3rd house in Leo, because she's there on the Solar Return. And that's when the accident happened. I wish I could show you the transits, but I don't remember the exact date. Any accident also turns into a financial issue, but it's interesting here that this was signified as well by the Moon ruling the 2nd house.

As for myself, I was in a 3rd house profection of the ascendant when I had the accident, activating Jupiter in Capricorn, which if you profect to its own 3rd, it transmits matters to Saturn in Pisces, the ruler of the 3rd. The Solar Return has a Mars-Saturn conjunction on the ascendant, to which the Moon is applying a square. This is famous for signifying accidents, and Mars rules the 3rd here. I am ruled by Mars, as well as my 6th house, so it's funny that I caused it.

This also happened on the second month of the profection, when the ascendant transmited to that conjunction of Mars and Saturn in Aquarius. While Jupiter transmited to Mars (Aries), the SR's 3rd house and the natal 6th.

The chart below is for the time of the accident. Aquarius was rising with Saturn, the Moon was aspecting it on the same place as it was on the solar return. Jupiter, the time lord of my year (which is also my timelord by distributions), and Mars, the one Jupiter transmited to that month, are in the 3rd exactly conjunct.

I thought about showing you famous cases like Princess Diana and even the Titanic to demonstrate how this can be for long distance travel, but I felt it was too morbid and over the top, so I decided to show you more ordinary real life mild cases haha, but I recommend looking at those too if you want.

[babygirllinds]

WIP Wednesday

- cowboy like me

Tom Kazansky didn’t like Maverick because he was dangerous. He was a danger to everyone up there that had to fly with him. He was unreliable and had an ego bigger than the goddamned sky.

He could list reason upon reason why the man was dangerous.

Like how the man had pushed into Ice’s space and got close enough that they were breathing in each other’s exhales. The subtle touches that lingered. Maverick’s eyes trailing up his chest in the locker room.

It’d been enough to have him sitting in his car, trying to breathe through a panic attack. If anyone caught them crossing that line, they’d both be out on their asses before they could blink. Maverick was flirting with dangerous territory and Ice was trying with everything in himself to not pin the man against the nearest surface and ruin both of their lives.

Of course, that didn’t stop the headache of a man from chasing after him like he was on a mission and determined to win.

“Hey, Kazansky,” Maverick calls. He’s grinning and his crooked tooth is on display. Ice had already identified it as something so distinctly Mav. “Want to go for drinks later?”

Ice studies the glint in his forest-green eyes and the way his fingers twiddle with the zipper on his flight suit. He still hadn’t showered after their hop, unlike Ice who was already dressed back in his service khakis and making his way out of the building for the day. He can practically smell the sweat from the heat of being in the cockpit of an F-14. It makes his head spin a little as he squares his shoulders and guards his face with a blank stare.

“You know that you’re dangerous,” he states. It’s not a question. He’s said it millions of times at this point.

“All the best things in life are dangerous, Ice.”

I’m in love with this song fic I’ve got going and I especially love this Taylor Swift song 🥹 It’s one of those I’ve had in my drafts for a long while and I’m looking forward to the day I feel confident enough to finish it :) hope y’all liked your pick this week 💗

[appynonna]

Our Universe Chapter 5: A New Friend! Pairing: Poly!OT8xoriginal chararters Rating: 18+ Word Count: 2,794 Words Warning: pet names, Hinting at GxG relationship, talk of possible pregnancy.

Previous Chapter -> Here

Arthur notes: Hello, Deary So we won't see much of the guys in this chapter but it going to start bringing in new people and other idols. I really hope y'all are enjoying this so far!

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I went to grab my purse out of the car as she locked the building up. The ride was quick with loud music. Yechan had left Dune in her office, saying that he would be fine and that she would pick him up after she was done.

the small talk was a little awkward but that should have been expected. For almost the year I have been together with the guys, I had only been around Yechan a few times. She has a room and office at the house but for whatever reason she doesn't live full time there. She might stay a night or two a week but she has an apartment inside the city limits.

Seonghwa had once told me that she had gotten together with Yunho when they were still in Secondary Education, Yunho was also close friends with Mingi in Secondary Education. The other relationship came together slowly and 6 years later it is what they have now. I honestly don't know what to call it.

I had never been in any kind of relationship like this, The level of trust that is needed for 10 people to all be together at the same time is outstanding. There were rules in place to help. Being honest and upfront about things, was the biggest rule. We were allowed to see people outside of our little circle, but most of their relationships don't last for one reason or another, most people don't like the idea of sharing I think.

Turning onto the road that takes you back to the main street square Yechan random started to laugh over the song she was previously singing. I turned and looked at her "You know, If you're not already on birth control you might want to get on some." She said still laughing, I just started at her my mouth gapping " Yunho was telling me last night that they have a bet going as to see who will get you pregnant first" I could feel my mouth drop You better close that Bunny or you'll catch a fly" She was laughing again

"Are you serious? I asked her not believing my ears. Yechan just nodded "You might want to bring it up to Yeosang, If you would like to get on something," She said pulling up to Rhea's Salon.

The Urban Glow Studio and Spa was a privately owned and run hair salon and spa that Rhea had built from the ground up. they offer a line of different services, Everything from normal hair cuts and dye jobs to Nails and full spa treatments. She was working two jobs when she brought it. Buying the cheapest building she could find, Gutted it, and then built it from the ground up. It was her dream to have this place.

Walking into the salon from the front door you're hit with the smell of watermelon and sea salt. It was an odd combination but it worked for her. Due to spending so much time here, that was what Rhea also smelled like at any given time.

Today she had her long burgundy colored hair pulled up to a might messy bun and top of her head, and was in her normal work 'uniform'. Black pants, a black shirt, and her black/white Mike shoes. She also had a blue and silver bracelet on her left wrist. Today she was wearing a purple holographic apron and had what looked like Hello Kitty bandaids on her fingers.

Rose the spa technician was wearing an identical outfit but with a knee-length skirt and was spinning around in one of the Unoccupied salon chairs, and the nail tech Hannah was sitting at her workstation currently working on a set of nails. I walked over to Hannah as Yechan walked over to Rhea "What are you doing" I asked sitting down in the green comfy chair placed in front of her desk

"I am currently constipating every choice in life I have ever made and deciding what bridge I'm going to jump off of," she said then took a sip of her yoo-hoo through the straw. I laughed at her "Someone must have given you a crazy order and offered so much money you couldn't say no?" I asked, Hannah just nodded never taking her eyes off the nail before her.

I leaned over the table to look at them. They almost had a catholic look to them, The base was white with a risen gold top and little green stones throughout. A little bit on the bolder side for me "That is insane" I said to Hannah, Not a moment later Rhea walked up to me holding a black container with a lid "Here" she said holding it out to me "Knowing you the only thing you have put in your stomach this morning is coffee" I smiled at her "You know me so well" I took the container from her as three different voices yelled my name "For shame on you" Rhea shook her head " The spa area is up and running if you want to go out there, You know where everything is" She throw her hand up as she walked away

Inside the container were chocolate and caramel drizzle apple slices, Turning back towards Hannah she shook her head, Opened a draw on her desk, and pulled out a pair of wooden chopsticks "Throw them away when you're done" Then she started back on the nail set.

I stood up and walked to the glass door in the back of the shop, passing the hidden stairwell up to the second floor. Upstairs is mainly used as storage but it does have a full-size studio apartment attached to it.

I pushed the door open heading outside. The back Spa was a nice little space. There was a small fire pit off to the left with four wooden chairs around it, A stone path that headed up to a large inground Spa hot tub, and the control panel next to it.

Walking over to the hot tub, I turned it on and then grabbed a towel to sit on from the sealed container that Rhea stores the outside towels in. I took my heels off the stuck my feet in the hot water.

The apples were fresh, the dish most likely made this morning by the staff to snack on. I grabbed my phone out of my bag. No missed calls or new messages.

I opened the messages between Yeosang and me as I thought about what Yechan said in the car. I am not ready for kids. I typed a quick message to Yeosang.

Ari 9:23 am - Are you busy?

I locked my phone and sat it down reaching to get another apple slice. Before the apple was in my mouth, my phone rang. I answered without checking who was calling.

"Bonjour Ari, je parle" (Hello Ari Speaking) I said pushing the bite of the apple to the side of my mouth "Doll, Je ne savais pas que tu connaissais le francais" (Doll, I didn't know you knew french) It was Yeosang, I could hear the smile in his voice as well as loud voices in the background.

"I know the basics, but I need to practice it more," I told him leaning back on my right arm "I am more than happy to help you" He officered " but what's going on, I thought you were with Yechan today?" He asked, I could hear the light tone of concern in his voice.

"I am, I just have a quick question for you," I told him lightly kicking my feet in the hot tub. "I was thinking about maybe starting birth control, "I told him "Is that something you could give me?" I asked "Unfortunately it's not, I do have a good friend here that I would trust you to see. Would you like me to set up the appointment for you" he officered " I think so," I told him

"ok, I'll set it up and send you the time and date, But Ari. Are you ok?" he asked I could hear him moving now along with a door opening "I'm OK, I was just talking to Yechan and it got me thinking is all" He sighed "She told you about the bet didn't she?" He asked " I told them it was stupid" He muttered quickly "She did" I wasn't going to lie to him

One of the biggest rules was no secrets within the family " It just got me thinking, Yeo I'm not ready to have kids" I told him, He chuckled a little bit I honestly don't think any of us are" Yeosang replied. "But that's perfectly fine, it's your choice. None of us will force you into anything" He told me, I could feel the relief flooding my body. I wasn't sure if it would be a deal breaker for any of them.

"I do have to let Hongjoong know about your appointment. You know the 'when and where', the rest is up to you" He added I could almost see his soft smile " I do need to get back to work, But I'll call Chungha and set everything up for you. Love you" He said and then was off the phone. I do feel better now, I wonder what is going to be done at the appointment.

I closed the container and just sat there in peace for a minute, not worrying about anything. After a while, I ended up lying down on my back, with my feet still in the water. I closed my eyes.

"Ari" I could hear a voice calling but it sounded far away "Ari" It called again but louder this time. I opened my eyes.

Standing above me was Rose, with her perfectly long strawberry blonde dyed hair pulled back in a half updo, loose curls falling over her shoulder. A black bow sat at the back of her head, holding the hair in place. Her dark brown almost black eyes blinked at me slowly, showing off her perfect eye lineer. She always looks so effortlessly flawless and feminine.

"Yechan is almost done, If you want to come back inside. We ordered pizza too." she told me holding a towel. After drying my feet off I put my heels back on following her down the walkway back into the shop.

Walking back into the hair salon at the same time the front glass door opened. I didn't pay any mind to the door and went over to Yechan "What do you think?" She asked, I picked up a stand and played with the end. It was still so soft "It fits you" I smiled at her and looked back over to Rhea for a second and then back to Yechan. "It should, It's my natural color," She said with a sad smile

Yunho had told me once that Yechan had normally kept red in her hair but having to get it touched up every so many weeks was bad for the hair, It was slowly liking her hair. " Just because it's your natural color doesn't mean it's the best look for you." I smiled placing my hand on her shoulders and looked at her in the mirror. Yechan gave me a funny look "Ari" she started but was cut off by a guy calling "Pizza!"

Turning to the guy, corrected two guys. The guy holding the pizza boxes looked like Rhea, He looked a little bit on the dorky side with his fluffy black hair and big happy smile, the same smile Rhea gets when she gets on a kick about something she is passionate about.

He was wearing denim overalls over a black shirt. The shirt had some kind of pink writing but I couldn't tell what it said, along with plain red converses.

The guy standing next to him was looking over at Yechan and me, Rhea turned toward us as well "Bros, this is my brother Seungmin and his friend Jisung," she told us Her brother Seungmin had already turned around but the friend was still looking at us.

Jisung was strangely beautiful in an effortless way. He was sporting dirty blond hair over a black shirt with spiderwebs and pink wringing on one side of the chest and an odd shade of jeans, they looked both blue and pink at the same time. His face was bare with wire-rim glasses low on his nose.

Yechan next to me now had the flat iron trying to curl a little piece of hair in the front, It didn't want to cooperate with her already curly hair. "Here let me," I said taking the iron from her, Yechan handed it over without a fight.

Picking the piece up to start curling it, the friend of Rhea's brother walks over to us. He rubbed his hands on the front of his pants, nervously. I raised an eyebrow to him " The color looks really good on you. Makes your green eyes pop" He was flirting with her openly, It was very cute "Un ha" Yechan just looked at him a little bit suspiciously. I told her I was done.

Turning the flat iron off and sitting it down on the cooling pad I walked over to Rhea, She quickly sat her her phone down. Almost slamming it onto the counter. "You ok" I asked her, She was as white as a ghost. "I'm fine, It was just a weird email" she stated and then smiled "Pizza?" She asked holding out a small plate.

There was a chicken Alfredo with bell pepper, A Hawaiian style with ham, bacon, and bell pepper on it. Another was pepperoni and Italian sausage with green olives and extra cheese on what looked like a pan crust, Then a classic pepperoni and cheese pizza.

The two boys laughed at themselves after opening all the boxes. "What" Yechan asked the blonde boy next to her. He stumbled slightly, Looking at her. Jisung eyes went the size of dinner plates. "Just thinking about a friend of ours that strongly believes that pineapple doesn't go on pizza" Jisung stated running his hand through his hair "Or burgers" Seungmin added laughing.

As it should be" another voice added coming through the door. The guy who entered was about the same height as Seonghwa, He had narrow dark eyes. Wearing navy blue dress pants, a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and black dress shoes.

He walked up to Jisung " I need some help with these packages" He grabbed his arm then started back to the door, Jisung pulled at his arm playfully "No I don't want to help, They have Pizza!" he whined throwing his arm towards us"Sammy the pizza!" Jisung fake cried. "Too bad" and 'Sammy' pulled Jisung out the shop door. For a few moments after the door closed you could hear Jisung whine about how hungry he was. Yechan laughed, I looked at her "What, That was funny" she shrugged picking up a slice of pizza and taking a bite of the pepperoni and sausage pizza.

Rhea was picking at her pizza. Seungmin was giving her a questioning look, as was I. "Are you ok?" We asked at the same time. She looked back and forth between us for a second. "I'm fine, just not hungry" She shrugged her shoulders, The spaghetti starp falling. I gave Seungmin a funny look. Neither of us believed her, Something was off. But I trusted my friend, If something was wrong she would tell me.

After about 30 minutes of sitting around the 'Waiting room' talking I could feel myself getting antsy, I started to poke Yechan's shoulder as she was standing next to me.

After about six pokes Yechan took a deep breath "Bunny, I swear to the gods above if you don't stop poking me and tell me what you want, I'm going to pin you to the wall next to you" I yipped, "Will you go with me to the new dress shop? I asked her, Not able to meet her face. I could feel her lean in close.

"Maybe if you asked nicely," She said softly next to my ear. I hid my face in my hands, trying to cover the blush now covering it. "Yechan laughed "I'm just messing with you," She said placing her hand on my shoulder "Of course, I'll go with you," She squeezed my shoulder then let it go.

"Thank you for the new color Rhea, It's great as always" Yechan stands up. I followed her towards the door "I'll message you later" I told Rhea heading out to door behind Yechan.

[revlyncox]

Crowded Table: Gratitude and Invitation

In this pre-Thanksgiving homily, the complexity of this moment and the practice of gratitude are both honored. We consider the practical implications of the saying, "when you have more than enough, build a longer table instead of a wall." Rev. Lyn Cox delivered this homily to The Unitarian Society in East Brunswick on November 24, 2024.

My grandparents’ kitchen was the heart of their house. Though it was a little drafty with a window looking out over the hillside and the cow pasture, and the entrance to the mudroom right between the stove and the washing machine, I remember it as being warm from the woodstove and from whatever was cooking. The table in the middle was big enough for the extended family for most of my growing up: two grandparents, three sets of aunts and uncles and cousins, my parents and brothers and myself. I’m not sure how that worked, the math does not seem to add up with what I know about the square footage in that kitchen, but I remember the feeling of being surrounded by love. It was a crowded table. 

That kitchen was a place of acceptance. After the disaster, after losing the job, after the divorce, after the car accident, we came back to that table at the next holiday and sat down to pass the bread and butter once again. My grandfather didn’t say very much. He had a hug for the girls and a handshake for the boys; mostly he sat and listened. My grandmother knew everyone’s story and made sure we were kept up-to-date on the family news. All of her storytelling was in the service of connection, never grudges or cutoffs or putting others down. We brought our brokenness to the table, were strengthened, and were sent forth again with sandwiches for the journey. 

If I can be real with you, I have had a lot of experiences in my life of not belonging. Maybe most people do. I know there are some who never feel like they can have or trust an experience of acceptance. I do not take for granted that I was able to have that formative memory. What I take from that early lesson is a mission to strengthen communities of meaning and purpose. 

To me, this is what abundance is. A gathering of energy and support, a learning ground for ethics and values where mistakes are opportunities for growth, a group of people who are committed to solving problems together, a place where the door is open for newcomers who want to join in that commitment. When there is secure food, housing, and healthcare, we give thanks for that, and we seek ways to share what we have. When one of us is short on one of those things, we find a way forward together. May each and every soul connect with the abundance of interdependence. 

We’re told that this is a time of year to give thanks. I know that, for many of us, our fears and our deficits loom large, and it can be hard to access gratitude. There are valid reasons to be concerned about our loved ones and our future. I hope that we can hold those worries alongside our gratitude and our awareness of the present moment. Perhaps our concerns, even our frustrations, are evidence that we have something worth fighting for, even if it’s a dream not yet realized. Perhaps our fears for our friends and family or our grief for those we have lost points to the love we have in our hearts. That doesn’t negate the grief or fear or anger; rather, we recognize that those feelings have the companionship of love, gratitude, and determination. 

This week, I’ll continue putting the garden to bed now that we’ve had our first frost. I’ll cut back the vines of the warm season crops to give more light to the beets and the chard. I’ll take stock of the cherry tomatoes that I harvested ahead of the frost while they were still green, watching them carefully for signs of ripening in their cozy cardboard box. I’ll gather up dry leaves for the compost bin and gather in my potted plants. My sadness at the end of the season, my chagrin at all that was left undone, my concerns about what future growing seasons will look like all take refuge in my heart alongside my deep gratitude for the abundance of oxygen and color and hospitality for pollinators that the warm season provided. I am grateful that I could spend time with my hands in the dirt. I am grateful that I could bring fresh food to people I love. I am grateful for conversations with neighbors that would not have happened if I had not been outdoors. All of it lives together, the worry and the gratitude and the love. 

And so, as cliché as it is, let us go ahead and give thanks. Let us be grateful for the dream of what might be, for the people who share our values and who work to put them into practice, and for the present moment that gives us the chance to experience all the richness and fullness of this world. In cherishing that abundance, let it move us to actively inviting others to participate in abundance with us. 

We are freshly aware of the importance of finding allies and companions on the path of justice, equity, and compassion. It is incumbent on us to make room at the tables in our lives for the people who would share those commitments. This is more than a passive longing, it is a practice of asset mapping, planning, and implementation. The people in this morning’s story had to do more than open the gate. They set up additional tables and made them welcoming with a tablecloth and dishes. They rearranged themselves to make room. They shared what they had, and they accepted the gifts of the newcomers. If we are to follow that example, what does that mean in practical terms for our congregation, our neighborhoods, and our public life? How do we extend the invitation to abundance? 

We will continue to explore the practice of invitation in the months to come, and we don’t have much time today, so I want to briefly mention some things that are already happening: work toward accessibility, making space for Transgender people, and opportunities to be neighborly to new arrivals in this country. 

First, let’s give thanks for the spirit of accessibility that is sweeping this congregation. The new temporary ramp in the sanctuary is a visible example. The Board is considering bids for improving the railing to the ramp outside the building, lighting in the parking lot and on the exterior stairs, and assistive listening devices. The rearrangement of the front of the sanctuary to comply with fire codes will make all of us safer in case of an emergency, recognizing that people with mobility concerns most urgently need to be considered in our emergency preparedness. There is more we can do, and I hope this momentum continues in the spirit of lavish hospitality and truly inclusive welcome. 

Second, we know that Transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, intersex, and other gender-diverse people are under extreme threat in this country and all over the world. We need communities like this one to welcome us, be in solidarity with us, give us space for our needs and our gifts, and be open to transformation in the service of justice and kindness. It matters that this congregation updated your restrooms to be inclusive. It matters that you normalized sharing pronouns in introductions and nametags. It matters that you display your LGBTQ pride in signage and social media. In addition to the Trans and nonbinary and gender diverse people attending as members and friends, I know there are extremely proud parents of Trans and nonbinary people in this congregation. 

There is more to do. The work of unlearning gender essentialism and internalized transphobia is lifelong, even for those of us who are Trans and nonbinary. Legislative attacks are increasing, and this congregation’s active response would communicate sincerity in your welcome. We can explore some of this in our four-session study group this winter, when we’ll be reading Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families every other Wednesday in January and February. 

Third, our commitment to welcome new neighbors who are immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers matters. This congregation raised money for the I-RISE walk, and the congregation is currently renting the parsonage to a newly arrived family through I-RISE’s Affordable Housing Corporation. I-RISE is Interfaith Refugee and Immigrant Services and Empowerment, a coalition of which we are a part that operates a network of services at four centers in New Jersey. At the I-RISE community meeting this past week, Pastor Seth Kaper-Dale said that the outgoing federal administration is fast-tracking services to refugees to try to help them secure legal status before mid-January. I-RISE expects to serve 400 new arrivals in the next month and a half, which is half of the total number of newcomers they expected to serve in 2025. This will be a sprint, after which I-RISE will return to long-term strategies to help our new neighbors to make their home in New Jersey. 

During this sprint, there are many opportunities to connect with I-RISE. If you own an AirB&B unit that you can reserve short term for refugees, or a ground-level storage unit that can hold incoming donations of furniture, they want to hear from you. Students home for holiday breaks can find short-term employment picking up families from the airport and performing other tasks. Volunteers who are good at filling out forms and being patient will be needed at paperwork clinics for clients who will be self-filing asylum claims. As always, they need warm coats, as many of our new neighbors are arriving with very little from places that are warmer than New Jersey. As Pastor Seth says, immigrants are a blessing, not a burden. Welcoming the stranger is a fundamental ethical principle in many spiritual traditions, including Unitarian Universalism. 

There are other ways this congregation is building a longer table. Your work in dismantling racism and white supremacy is ongoing, and there is more to do. Members have put a great deal of commitment into welcoming families with children, and we can keep going on that path. The investments you made into technology and multi-platform worship continue to bear fruit, making worship accessible to people near and far. The spiritual practice of invitation is calling us onward. 

May we find reasons for gratitude in this season of change and preparation. May the abundance in our lives overflow into practices that put hospitality and inclusion into action. May we all be blessed in our pluralism, our interdependence, and our generosity. 

So be it. Blessed be. Amen. 

[caffeinated-fan]

Desktop>logs>Iceman

Chapter 2

Summary:

A glimpse into a slow day at Top Gun, complete with minor inconveniences and lonely wallowing, hurray!

Notes:

This is my first real attempt at a long fic, and trying to come up with a story. This chapter was started over *checks notes* 267 days ago.... I've spent that past (almost) year reading RoosterForMe fics on tumblr and trying wrangle a similar vibe for this. If you want to read *chef's kiss* TG:M fics I cannot recommend her works enough. <3<3<3

Tuesday morning, 10th June.

Laundry, and sweeping. Groceries-MILK and creamer

I was writing my day plans out, my coffee getting colder next to me. Scribbling in the dates of upcoming appointments and services. My pen settled on the square for Saturday, scribbled in hasty pencil marks was ‘Dinner w/ Kazansky, Kans. Barbeque’.

This would be fine, it wasn’t going to suck. Barbeque is good, and therefore things around barbeque are also good.

“That’s a normal thing to think,” I mumbled to myself, taking a sip of coffee. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy being around other people, quite the opposite.

It’s fine, no one would look at an archivist and assume they’re a party animal. Tom seemed to enjoy my company, he somehow made it easier to talk to him. Like he understood when to give me space to talk, not bowling me over to finish what I was saying.

I stowed my journal in my backpack and set out to work. Stopping by my door to plop my basil plant outside.

“Bye, Boski Boo!” I hollered at the small aquarium in the living room before shutting the door.

I drove up to the MA at the base’s gate, holding out my ID, and sliding my bag to the front to let him check it. The ammunition pouches on his kevlar vest sagged inward without clips to hold them open, but the clip in his gun kept the impression that he very much would shoot me if he had to. I drove past him, continuing down a road leading along the edge of base. Despite working here for almost a year I had rarely seen further into the base, my clearance only allowing me a few blocks in. But, I still got to see the buzz of military life in the distance. I had started getting used to the sound of aircraft zipping overhead and buzzing buildings when they came in to land. Although it made calling people while on base a nightmare with jet engines often drowning out both ends of the line.

I hopped out of my car slinging my bag over my shoulder. The brick building stood in the middle of a perfectly kept green, the paved paths clean and swept. As I walked up the path I remembered my first week here, I would cut the corner and step across the grass. Finally I noticed each time I did a sailor would wince or grimace to themselves. One finally told me they’d had it beaten into them to Never EVER walk on the grass. Apparently one of the Officers liked to make sailors who broke that rule crawl on all fours on the grass next to the paved path.

The doors to the archival building stuck as I moved inside, the sea air eating away at the metal. I waved quickly at the receptionist (Katy?) making a b-line for my office. I pushed the power switch on my computer and set about emptying my bag while it booted up. Digging through the mail for any updates on requested materials and orders for copies.

...

Stacking file-boxes full of newly printed copies, I pushed through my office door towards the archives. Walking down the aisles, carefully returning the cassettes to their boxes along with their CD copies. I’d finished up the day after Tom came by. I'd spent the rest of that day thinking about him sitting quietly, flipping through manila folders. ___

I sat clicking my pen, glancing up at Tom through the open doors. His head was bowed, nose almost touching the papers he was looking at. Leaning on his forearms, his hands cradling his head.

“We have magnifying glasses if you need one,” I softly called out. Tom's head popped up, still hunched over the paper.

“That'd be great, thank you.” He pushed up and rubbed at his eyes. I pulled open a desk drawer, grabbed what I needed and headed over.

“I'm surprised you don't need glasses,” I joked, handing him the magnifying glass.

“Hm. Not yet, but I don't doubt that grandpa reading glasses are in my future.” The mental image of Tom with glasses popped into my head. Oh. That's not bad at all…Maybe he's a horn-rimmed glasses guy, maybe more classic chic,

....

Okay, she's definitely thinking about me in glasses, now. I had no intent on telling her the grandpa glasses were fully in use already. Thankfully I'd only ruined my near sight from shoving my nose in books all day. I'm not sure I could survive Mav knowing I need glasses.

“I'm sure you'll look very distinguished when the day comes.” I felt her hand land on my shoulder before she walked away. Back through the two doorways to sit behind her desk. My face a little warm at the thought of someone finding my glasses attractive

My eyes dropped down to the papers in front of me. A-5 Vigilante variable geometry and their wind tunnel results. My brain goes back to running its two trains of thought. Half of my mind was focusing on the words, the other half combing through ideas to get her to come back over. I cleared my throat, leaning towards the doorway.

“There's one configuration for the A-5 that's an almost wingless design..” ___

The quiet of the archival room pressed against my ears. Layers of paper and cardboard softening the outside world as it slips through the roof and chatters along the metal I-beams.

“Weh, Wil, WILLIAMS! James E.,” my shout of triumph cut through the silence like a knife careening through a window. Pulling down the box I gently laid the cassettes and CDs onto a new cardboard divider and closed the box. My eyes cast around the large, quiet room as I gathered up the box to put it away. The desk by the door, the foldout steel chair looking morose and empty. He’d even pushed it back in. The magnifying glass neatly tucked against the wall. I hadn't had anyone come into records just to read for leisure in a few months. Mostly older sailors coming in on a slow day to peruse photographs and battle plans. I huffed and pushed the box onto the shelf and headed back to my office.

My open notebook caught my attention as I sat back down, Dinner w/ Tom circled in red on the 14th. The day before catching my eye, Friday 13th, making me smile. If I made it through that BBQ would be a nice reward for not getting murdered.

…

“Lieutenant Kazansky to tower, pre-flight checklist complete, awaiting orders.”

“Acknowledged, await further instructions,” the operator’s voice took on a less professional tone as she continued, “Get comfy, Ice, the engineers are still checking the runway for debris.” A jet had come in after hitting some birds and had left some nasty gifts for the ground crews, no one was injured thankfully. I shoved my head back as much as the crowded cockpit would let me. I'd gladly spend all day in my jet but for God's sake usually I was flying. I felt Slider jostle around behind me as he sat forward in his seat.

“Since we have some time to ourselves, let me tell you about that blonde, Rachel,” Slider said, his mask clunking against my chair.

“Is this the dumb one or the pretty dumb one?” I joked, remembering the two from last week. We'd gone to a bar far enough off base that the girls were excited to see a pilot but not total tag chasers. Slider had spent the night with a blonde on each arm like he was weighing his decision on who to stick with me. He was a hell of a RIO, and a decent wingman. Meaning he'd figure out fast if I wanted a girl that night and happily take home both if I didn't.

“Ha-Ha. Condescending laugh. She was plenty smart, works as a receptionist for some big company. Likes old planes. Anyway, she's got a friend, a stewardesses, coming in to visit next week who just adores the strong silent type. Said she'd love to set you up on a double date with us.”

“She sounds less like a hit it and quit it and more like a date, Slider,” I joked. He huffed and sat back in his seat. I waited for him to say some snappy comeback.

“Slider?...She was a one nighter, right?”

“...”

“Oh-ho-ho, Cupid landed a shot last night? That's great Slide, why the hell'd ya keep it from me?” Slider wasn't some chauvinistic prick who'd rather die than say he gets the warm fuzzies.

“Well, she was, a one night, ya'know. I spent the night-,” “Nice.” “I was going to head back home but she offered to order some food and we started talking. Then in the morning she said there was a nice brunch place on the way back to the bar. Her car is cool too, shitty driver though. It just kinda smacked into me, she's so cool, man. I was like some dopey highschooler, cracking jokes and being terrified I'd annoy her somehow.”

“You? Annoy someone? Impossible, you only chew all your pencils and think out loud, have awful hygiene…” I joked, Slider pushing against my chair, before continuing. “I'd love to meet her, blind double date be damned.”

“Tower to Lieutenants, clear to proceed to the runway.”

…

This sucked. Okay not suck-sucks, but I was getting tired of this E-3 and his adherence to Not Helping Me. The wobbly stool was not helping me either, threatening to tip over as I grabbed boxes from the top shelf. He had been courteous when he’d told me what he needed from the archives, though his kindness ended there. Letting me climb up and down to retrieve the hefty boxes.

“Why weren’t you given a ladder? Shouldn’t there be a ladder just for this room?” he asked, shifting the boxes next to him with his foot. He reached up and steadied my back as I climbed down.

“No, there isn’t. The building flooded a few years back and it rusted. Now, we have stools.” I dusted down my shirt and took the box from him. “S’That everything? Good.” GET OUT. He pulled a smile and lead the way out. Catching the door with his shoulder and nodding me past.

I dropped the box I was holding in his arms (probably harder than I should given the contents), pulled a smile, and went to my office. “Thank you, Ma'm. I'll be sure to get these back to you, all papers present.” He flashed a grin and adjusted the boxes to keep them stacked.

“Hope this isn’t the only trip you take over here,” the receptionist, (Katy, no Kathy?) said, pushing her chair back to get the main doors.

“Oh, I don’t think my CO will ever stop sending me here, ‘course you could always come see me.”

I pulled my door closed to avoid hearing them flirt. Kathy (I’ve decided that had to be it) liked uniforms more than the person in them, always chasing around the sailors who’d recently been stationed here. I sat back in my chair with a sigh, trying to calm myself. I shouldn’t be upset. That E-3 wasn’t doing anything wrong. I had no real reason to be annoyed with him. A small flush of guilt spread up my neck. I hated being mad, I hated losing control over myself, I hated how people treated me like a child when I got upset. I blew out a breath, leaned forward, and started typing in the logged out materials.

…

My keys slid into the lock as I shoved my body weight against it. I dropped my bag inside the door, and scooped up my basil plant. The door clicked shut behind me, shutting out the last bit of light. The light of Boski’s tank barely lit up the room as I walked over to him. Boski, my comet goldfish, stared in my general direction from his tank as he swam slowly around. I watched with a small smile as he passed under the sign I hung above his cave, “Lord Byron Boksilous the Spacious”.

“Well, Boski-nova, I had a very boring day, I don’t know how you manage.” I sat down on the floor then let my body fall flat on the carpet. I really did like this job, the hours were fine, pay was decent. My dad had told me stories about how good it was to be contracted by the military in some way. While I wasn’t directly contracted I still had nice benefits.

“Only reason they're so good is no one else is there. It’s one of the largest on base repositories and they hired one person, Boski.” The hand I had raised to make my point clear to Boski flopped down beside me.

“One, angry, lonely person…” Drowning in a little pity pool sounded like a good ending to this day. I layed there watching the reflections of the tank on the walls.

…

My truck's engine rumbled against my back as I stood across from Cary in some hotel parking lot. I’d driven her back after Slider went home with Rachel again, leaving Cary to get a cab. She’d hesitantly accepted my offer to drive her and I’d spent the whole time salvaging my image. It'd been a rocky start to our double date. I spent a good while getting back into the swing of flirting. Cary’d spent the date flicking her attention from me to the first round college game over my shoulder. Slider was right, the two women did enjoy aviation talk. We'd regaled them with training tales and finished with our great tale of flying with Mav, I embellished his prowess for the night, no use adding to his reputation. Now, she stood a few feet away smoking under a half-alive lamppost, the sickly green light making her dress look a weird ocean blue.

“Are you leaving or do you wanna come up?” She’d been smoking in silence for so long I jumped a little. Her eyes were locked on me, her expression was fixed between boredom and bedroom eyes. Or just tired. She’d told me how little sleep she got when she worked, catching a few hours in a cramped hotel room with three other girls. I weighed my options, the evening was awkward and she wasn’t as nice as Rachel was. She wasn’t bratty, she just didn’t care to work around feelings. Preferring to speak as frankly as she could without being overly rude. She was hot, pretty tall, and seemed to have gotten over my rocky start.

She walked to the hotel door and threw away her cigarette, standing by the side entrance. I opened my truck's cab, turned the engine off and put the key in my jacket. My legs carried me to her side as she opened the door, leading me inside.

The door’s lock clicks closed softly

[jabbercon]

Paranormal PI: Marshal Thorn

The Drive Up | 2:40PM             Paranormal Detective Marshal Thorn is an alligator from Louisiana. Since he was a child, he had been taught in the ways of ghost hunting. Though his family methods may be unorthodox, he cannot deny the usefulness of the skills he acquired. His father taught him how to track and talk to ghosts, to help them reach a peaceful afterlife. Meanwhile, his mother taught him to how to fight ghosts in hand-to-hand combat with the use of herbs and repellants. It is through these techniques that Marshal has found success in combating all manner of spirits. Unfortunately, his line of work is not often requested. Now, most spirits don’t linger in the living realm, instead choosing to move on to their afterlife. That is why, in this recent case, Marshal found himself driving to the middle of nowhere, New Mexico. A client had requested his services in dealing with some type of wailing spirit. And the money offered by the client was something that Marshal could not refuse.

Marshal had been in the driver’s seat all day. He could feel his back ace and his tail pinch against it in the uncomfortable driver’s seat. For the past day, the only scenery had been barren desert with the occasional shrubbery. Not the most appealing visuals, but at least the monotony of the drive was interrupted by the occasional car. The sweltering heat of the sun was beating down on the roof of the dark green hood of Marshal’s pickup truck. While the AC struggled to cool the hot air, the only respite came from the tiny car humidifier that Marshal had installed just for the occasion.

As 3PM rolled up, Marshal could finally see his destination: Bleached Rock, New Mexico. This small town had a population of around 200 inhabitants. Most of them being reptiles or mammals, it was a common sight in this part of the country. Surprisingly, it was the mayor of this town, Vanellope Shrub, who had requested Marshal’s services. He didn’t know this client, but apparently, he was requested via a recommendation from a previous customer. Not that he cared much about how he got the gig. He was just happy to have a client once again. These past few months had been rather quiet, and he needed a fresh case to fill his dwindling pockets.

The drive through the town was depressing. Ever since he entered the city limits, most of the buildings were adobe homes with large cracks and barred windows. It was nothing like the townhouses and ranch houses he was used to seeing. As he drove through town, he could feel the eyes of the inhabitants’ staring daggers into him. Clearly suspicious of why someone new was driving into their town. To them, Marshal was another stranger with an unknown agenda. They wanted him to leave and were not afraid to make that known. Of course, Marshal could do nothing but continue to drive to City Hall. After all, he just spent the past two days on the road. He wasn’t going to quit before his investigation even began.

When Marshal arrived at City Hall, the building was about as expected. A simple courthouse style structure with a surrounding square and storefronts. The buildings themselves had clearly seen better days, but years of dust and sand had worn down the once vibrant paints. Before leaving his vehicle, Marshal enjoyed the semi-humid air of his car before bracing for the hot desert air. The air did not disappoint. Marshal could feel the skin between his scales dry up upon opening the car door. The once subtle moisture brought by the car humidifier was now a distant memory. Degraded by the oppressive sun and the scorching air. It wasn’t all bad. The clothes that Marshal had been wearing did their job of blocking the sunlight from his scales. Before he knew it, he was walking towards the doors of city hall.

Town Hall | 3:30PM

            Upon walking into the building, Marshal was hit by the overwhelming scent of dust that was covering the building. As he looked around, there was a thick layer of dust that covered the furniture and some of the floor. The building looked well kept, but the amount of dust was a strange site for sure. Marshal did not let this distract him for too long. He made his way to the reception desk, one of the few pieces of furniture that was dust free. Behind the desk sat a Garter Snake. He was clearly happy to be inside and away from the hot desert air. Marshal was expecting the receptionist to be in a good mood because of his body language, but their demeanor quickly changed once they saw Marshal.

            “If you’re here for Mayor Shrub, she’s upstairs, down the hall, third door on your left,” belted the snake in a monotone voice. While appearing content with his situation, the tone of the receptionist was flush with annoyance. The sudden callous attitude took Marshal aback. He had not expected such a cold demeanor from someone who appeared, just seconds ago, to be in a good mood. “Oh, did Mayore Shrub already tell you I was coming in today?” Marshal stumbled over his words as he tried to regain his composure. It was rare for him to be addressed so directly; most people intimidated by him when they didn’t already know how he was. “Listen,” the receptionist interjected, “The only reason people have come by the past few weeks has either been to drop off packages or complain to the mayor. Seeing as how you aren’t carrying a package, I guess you have some business with the mayor. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to get back to.” Again, the receptionist spoke in such a direct way, it was as if he didn’t even bother to acknowledge the 6’5” alligator in front of him. Not knowing how to continue with this conversation, Marshal decided to follow the directions given to him.

            The rest of city hall was just like the entrance. Thin layers of dust covered most of the furniture and some of the stairwell railings. At least the building was decently lit aside from the stray broken light here or there. The building did have functioning air conditioning, so at least the hot desert air was not reaching Marshal. Unfortunately, that could not be said about the lack of humidity within the building. While his scales started to ace, there was not much that Marshal could do besides bear the pain he was in. As he approached the third door on the left, Marshal took in a deep breath, exhaled, and opened the door.

            The mayor’s office was clean. There was barely a speck of dust to be found on any of the furniture. As Marshal walked in, he saw a female armadillo dusting off a lamp in the corner. “Ahem,” Marshal cleared his throat to get the attention of the Armadillo without startling her. Unfortunately for Marshal, she was easily startled. “Ah!” A quick shriek of panic came out of the woman’s mouth as she spun around to see the intimidating presence of Detective Thorn. Marshal could see the obvious fear on the woman’s face, and he went right into damage control. “Scuse me ma’am, but would ya happen ta be Mayore Shrub? My name is Detective Thorn, and I’m here due to a request from Mayore Shrub” Marshal tried his best to talk as calmly as possible, as to not startle the women any further. “Detective Thorn?” the woman pondered the name with a puzzled look. “Oh! that Detective Thone. I’ve been waiting for your arrival. Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you. As for introductions, I’m Vanellope Shrub mayor of Bleached Rock. But please just call me Mayor Shrub” the startlement from the woman’s voice was gone. Instead, it was replaced by a slightly energetic but gentle voice.

            “Mr. Thorn, I am glad that you are here. I’ll tell you, for the past few weeks I’ve been getting non-stop complaints from citizens. You know, things such as broken pipes, neighborly disputes, noise complaints…” Mayor Shrub rambled on about the monotony of being a small-town mayor, but she had yet to cover why Marshal was there. Marshal, either being annoyed by the rambling or irritated by the dry air, decided it would be best to cut her off before she became too sidetracked. “Excuse me Mayore Shrub. As intresthang as the problem with the brokn pipe sounds, I’m not a plumber. I’m here cause you asked for a paranormal investigator. Apologizes for being rude, but could ya please tell me why I’m here?” Mayor Shrub, as if brought out of a trance, was once again startled by Marshal. This time she didn’t vocalize her panic, but she still jumped at being interrupted. At least she didn’t let his abrupt comment get to her. Mayor Shrub composed herself, and with a more serious tone, as she laid out what she knew of the case.

“Alright Detective Thorn, here is what I have been told by the residents of my town. In the southern district, there have been reports of wailing at ungodly hours of the night. Now this isn’t the normal wails of some drunk person or a wild animal. No, folks are saying that these are the wails of the departed. While I cannot confirm or deny these claims, I can say that people are spooked. They don’t want to leave their houses at night because of how scared they are. Too many of them are afraid that there is an angry spirit that is making those wails. I had to call someone as our priest recently passed away, and no one has come in to fill their position. Please, my citizens, need your help.”

            Marshal was happy with the sincerity of her words. He had taken cases from other people where it was clear that they only wanted people to stop complaining about “ghosts.” Those were always the worst clients to work with. They really didn’t care about the people in distress and, usually, they only called Marshal because the “ghost” was affecting their bottom line. Marshal didn’t care much for big money type people. It was the little guys that he liked working for. Unfortunately, he had to take some of the big money jobs, as they are the ones that have larger payouts for his services. But that is beside the point right now. Marshal was happy to help the little guys this time, even if the payout was not going to be anything special.

            “Alright, ma’am. I’d be glad ta help your people. Ya’ll seem like good folks and you’re lucky that you hired an expert!” Marshal gave a big toothy grin along with this speech. He had done this many times to brighten up those suffering. And it usually did work. While most people would be scared of a menacing figure smiling at them, Marshal was able to put in enough enthusiasm to perk them right up. While Mayor Shrub was still physically scared of Marshal, she gave a sigh of relief because someone was here to help her people. “Now Mayore Shrub, I’m gonna need you ta tell me who I can talk to about this situation. I know ya want ta help, but I need information from those who have seen the spirit. Now, it there is anyone who has reported seeing this spirit.”

            Mayor Shrub gave the question a long think. She searched her thoughts for any resident who reported seeing the ghost. Most of the people who came to her had only complained about the noise and not what was making the noise. Marshal could see Mayor Shrub scratching her head and could see the carapace of her shell moving under her cardigan. While not the most appealing sight, hopefully she would provide him with some useful information. Just as Marshal was getting worried that Mayor Shrub would hurt herself, she blurted out the name “Rodríguez!” Marshal was caught off guard; One second she was muttering to herself, and then she was shouting about a name that was apparently related to his case.

            As Mayor Shrub was giving herself verbal praise for remembering the name of someone, Marshal decided to interrupt her applause and ask about the name. “Rodriguez? Who’s that? Did they report somethin’ about seeing a spirit?” Mayor Shrub was once again taken out of her mind, but this time Marshal did not startle her. Instead, she went about as, what Marshal could assume, was her usual self. “Yes! Rodríguez, well, more like the Rodríguez family. They are a family of coyotes who live near the edge of town. A few days ago, the father, Emilio, came by to tell me his son had seen someone flying over the desert and wailing. There had been so many complaints that it must have slipped my mind. Here, before I forget, let me give you their address.” Before Marshal could say anything, Mayor Shrub had already torn out a sticky note and wrote the address. Afterwards, she promptly shoved the hastily written note into Marshal’s hands. While Marshal couldn’t get an understanding of his client, he finally had a solid lead. With the sticky note in hand, he gave his thanks to the mayor, then left the office.

The walk exiting the building was just as dusty as when he was headed to the office. Walking past the receptionist, Marshal could see that they had been playing games on their phone and not doing any actual work. Marshal didn’t do anything about it. What would getting into an argument about someone being rude do in this situation? He decided to open the doors to the desert air, which had cooled a bit since he had arrived in town and walked towards his truck. His next destination, the Rodriguez residence.

On Route to Rodreguez Residence | 4:20PM

            As Marshal rode through the south side of Bleached Rock, the houses transitioned from maintained to more signs of dilapidation. While there were noticeable gaps of vacant homes, there were still may homes filled with families. While the grass on the front yards might have been dead, there was still life that radiated from the homes. This was a comforting thought to Marshal. He was already so far away from the marshlands that he called home, but the warmth that radiated from these homes made him feel better. This also encouraged him more to resolve their spirit issue. It’s rare for a spirit to trouble multiple households, not to mention the hostile environment of the desert. He wanted these people to be able to rest in their homes, not be scared in them.

            “Hmm…” Marshal gave out a long sigh considering what type of spirit may be haunting these people. My guess’ would be that the spirit is either a Yurei or a Banshee. I’d need to study spirit, but that’ud take time that I don’t got. Something to consider is that the spirit was seen by a kid. If that’s the case, I hope I’m not dealing with La Llorona. A named spirit, ‘specially one of her renown, is bound to be powerful. Ain’t know way I could handle her on my own. These thought tormented Marshal during the drive. The last thing he wanted was to fight a spirit of folklore. He kept on driving with these thoughts in mind until he arrived at the Rodreguez Residence.

Rodríguez Residence | 4:35PM

            When Marshal pulled up to the Rodríguez Residence, he was surprised by how many neighbors there were. There had been plenty of vacant houses that he passed on his way there. But in this part of town, there wasn’t a single vacancy. From the looks of things, you would assume that people had never left. As Marshal stepped out of his truck, some neighborhood kids that had been playing outside swiftly went into one of the house. Clearly, he was being treated with suspicion, but there was not much he could do about it. After all, he was an over 6-foot-tall alligator. Most people would not trust him for that alone.

            The Rodríguez house was an adobe style home just like the surrounding buildings. But to set themselves apart from others, the bars on their windows had crosses formed out of the wrought iron. The building was a single-story home with a dead, but well-groomed front yard. There was a baseball and doll lying in the yard, but no other toys that could be seen in the grass. Marshal made his way up the concrete path to the front door. There was another cross hanging on the door itself. This one was also made of wrought iron, but it was more intricate than the ones seen on the windows.

            Marshal took a deep breath as he stood in front of the door. He put is claw up to the door and gave three hardy knocks. From inside the house, Marshal could hear the shuffling of feet and the whispers of voices. He didn’t eavesdrop on the whispers, he just waited patiently for someone to answer the door. A minute or two passed as Marshal waited for someone to answer the door. He didn’t want to annoy the family, but he needed to talk to them. Just as he was about to give another knock at the door, there was a soft creak as the door partly opened. The only thing preventing the door from fully opening was a small chain acting as a last line of defense against would be intruders.

            Behind the door, the voice of a middle-aged man bellowed, “What do you want?” Marshal was not surprised by the lack of a warm welcome. He followed his protocol and began with an introduction “I’m here cause Mayore Shrub sent me. I was hired to investigate reports of a spirit.” While Marshal could not gauge the man’s reaction, it clearly piqued his interest. From the crack in the door, a middle-aged coyote head peaked around. His fur was brown and orange, with a few specks of gray that showed his age. The man had heavy bags under his eyes, probably due to a lack of sleep. From the way he was looking Marshal up and down, it was clear that he did not trust him.

            “You don’t look like you’re from the church. Who are you?” the man snarled and waited for the alligator to respond. “The name’s Marshal Thorn, I’m a Private Investigator. Specialize in paranormal phenomena. Now, Mayore Shrub hired me ta look into the spirit wailing in the dead of night, preventin’ y’all from a getting a proper sleep. Your mayore sent me here cause someone in this house has seen the spirit. Would it be possible for me ta speak with them?” Marshal tried to talk in a serious yet friendly tone to gain the trust of the coyote. Which worked well enough as the man continued the conversation by letting out a tired sigh. “I guess you’ll do.” The man closed the door, and after a few seconds of a rattling chain it opened again, inviting Marsal to enter the home. “Make yourself comfortable at the kitchen table. Let me grab a glass of water for ya” the coyote spoke with a defeated tone. It was clear that the spirit has negatively impacted this man, and Marshal could only guess how the other families have been affected.

            As Marshal walked into the home, he took note of the crosses lining the back wall of the living room. He made his way to the kitchen table adjacent to the couch and proceeded to take a seat. “The names Emilio. I was the one who told the mayor about the ghost sighing.” Emilio’s words were muffled by the sound of the faucet running, but Marshal heard enough to hear his name. Emilio shut off the faucet, walked over to the table and placed the glass in front of Marshal and took a seat adjacent at the table. “Go ahead and take a drink, I know its hot out there and you must be thirsty.” From Marshal’s perspective Emilo was trying his best to remain hospitable, but it was clear that his exhaustion was too great. He slipped back into a slumped poster with a matching sour disposition.

            Marshal tried his best to not gulp down the water. The dry air was getting to him, and he desperately needed some moisture. Unfortunately, his thirst got the better of him and drank the entire glass in one gulp. Embarrassed of the abhorrent behavior he just performed in front of a client, he apologized and asked for another glass. Emilio gave a long stare, but laughed at the situation he found himself in. “Sure pal, I’ll get you another glass. Just try not to eat the glass along with the water, we’ve only got so many.” While it may have been embarrassing, at least the tension between the two was broken. Marshal was ready to get down to business, as soon as the next glass of water made its way to him.

            After drinking the second glass of water Marshal spoke first, wanting to get all the information that he could. “Mr. Rodreguez, could ya please tell me what you know about this wailing spirit?” Emilio gave another tired sigh before laying out what he knew about the spirit. “Around a month ago in the dead of night we started hearing a faint cry coming from the desert. While we all heard it, most of us assumed that it was some animals cause the sound would not last long. It wasn’t until a few days later that the wailing got louder and lasted longer. For the past week, it has been a struggle to get a night’s sleep. The wailing will start and stop sporadically, and none of us knows when they will occur. The earliest wail we heard was during dusk, but that only happened the one time. For the most part the wails don’t start until the dead of night.”

            Marshal took his time to process the information given to him. There aren’t any bodies of water large enough for Llorona ta be involved. But the spirit came from the desert. Maybe a forgotten corpse? If they were wailin’ before they died it could be a Yurei repeatin’ the moments before their death? But the wailing is also indicative of a Banshee. In this case the inconsistent wailing at night would make me assume it ta be a Banshee. Marshal looked up to Emilio with a serious expression “Mr. Rodreguez, I want to help you, but I need ta talk to the one who saw the spirit. I’m assumin’ that you aren’t the one who saw it or ya would’ve already told me. I hate ta ask, but who did see the spirit?” While Marshal knew it was Emilio’s son who had seen the spirit, he didn’t want to let go of that information in case Emilio did not give that up willingly.

            Emilio looked at Marshal, then to the hallway, and back to Marshal. “Javi! Can you come to the kitchen? The man is here to help us!” Emilio yelled across the house for the small boy who was obscured by the darkness of the hallway. He was just a pup, no more than eight years old. The kid sheepishly made his way to the kitchen table, making sure to hug the walls to have some semblance of security. The child was clearly scared of Marshal, but was trying to be brave for his dad. Marshal didn’t know how to react in front of the kid, most of the time when he talked to them, they froze up. Marshal looked to Emilio to hopefully break the ice. Luckily, Emilio got the hint. “This here is my son Javier, Javi for short. Now Javi, I want to tell this gentleman about the ghost you saw. Don’t worry, you aren’t in trouble. He’s here to make the ghost go away. Just tell him about what you saw that night.”

            Javi looked up at Marshal but was too scared to look him in the eyes and instead looked at the table while telling his story. “It was me and Warren and Julia and some other kids from the neighborhood. We were out playing in the desert at night. I think it was Alejandros’ idea to play some hide and seek. So, I hid in near the old well. Nobody uses it because its dired up and far away and the others were sacred of it because its kinda creepy looking. While I was hiding that’s when I heard the wailing, as I was about to run it appeared right in front of me. I was so scared. All I could do was pray that it would leave me alone. After what felt like forever it vanished. That’s when I ran all the way home.” While Javi tried to hold it together, he couldn’t, and with a face full of tears ran over to cry into his dad’s shirt. “Shhh, it’s ok Javi. Its ok. Thank you for telling the detective your story. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you but remember that I love you and will always try to be there for you.” Emilio and Javi were locked into a hug for a good few minutes while trying to calm Javi down. Emilio ended up excusing himself from the table to bring Javi back to his mother in the other room.

When Emilio returned from the room, he had wiped a tear from his own face. “Sorry you had to see that. I just love the kid so much; it breaks my heart that he was that scared and there was nothing I could do for him” the words drifted from Emilio’s lips as he was reminiscing about his love for his son. “That’s quite alright, I understand wantin’ ta care for your kin. But back to the matter at hand. Could ya tell me where this well might be. It seems to be a good spot for the spirits stomping grounds.” Marshal felt awful for cutting short Emilio’s tears, but if they waited too long Marshal could loose time to check the well before the spirit shows up. “Yeah, the well. If you follow our street to its westward end and then walk about a half mile south you should find the well. I have no idea why the kids were playing so far out that night, but I hope this ghost has taught them to stick close to us adults.” Marshal couldn’t tell if Emilio was trying to make a joke about the situation or if he was being serious. Regardless, he knew where to find the spirit now. He thanked Emilio for his hospitality and quietly left the house. There was only one place for Marshal to head to now. The old well.

Abandoned Desert Well | 5:30PM

            Marshal arrived at the end of the road as the sun was starting to set. It wasn’t twilight yet, but it was only a matter of time before he was out of daylight. Stepping out of his car, Marshal walked to his truck bed where he had held his supplies. Looking at the bed, you wouldn’t assume much of anything. From a quick glance, there were only a few tool kits, some rope, and some general maintenance supplies. That is exactly what he wanted people to assume. With a loud thud, Marshal climbed onto the bed of the car and grabbed one of the tool kits and a rope. Locking up his car, Marshal took a glance over the sunlit badlands and started off in the direction Emilio told him.

            As Marshal walked towards the well, he thought about the heavy toolbox that he held in his hand. I hope I don’t gotta destroy this spirit. That’s messy work. I don’t even know if I got enough supplies to take one down. I could handle one fight, but that depends if the spirit doesn’t have much fight in them. Talkn’ is the most effective method, but I doubt a grieving spirit would want to. These thoughts jingled in his mind like loose cannons. The thoughts poked his brain with their sharp anxiety. Meanwhile, the contents of the toolbox were silent. There was not a sound made that would hint at the contents of the container. Only the brush sifting in the wind and the soft crunch of the dirt under Marshals boots could be heard.

            With the cusp of twilight approaching, Marshal found his way to the Well. It was farther than he expected it, so he had less time than anticipated to investigate before the spirit began its haunt. The well was barely the structure it once resembled. The semblance of a well was two layers of stone brick surrounding a pit in the ground. He thought about climbing down the well now, but there was no way the structure of the well could support his weight. Around the well, there were signs of movement. Out cropping from the Well were lines in the dirt. If you were to look from above, it would take the shape of a target. Fuck, thought Marshal. That nixes the Yurei from the list. This must be a banshee. I’ve gotta weaken them and follow the spirit to the remains. They need a burial. Marshal should have seen this coming, but he was hoping for an “easy spirit”. As the light of the sun began to fall below the horizon, there was no more time to investigate. All Marshal could do now was to hide in the brush and wait for the Banshee to appear.

Abandoned Desert Well | 11:30PM

            For hours, Marshal had been patiently waiting for the spirit to arrive, hiding prone underneath some brush near the well. He didn’t realize how tired he was from the drive, but the drool that had appeared on his face uncovered his exhaustion. Luckily, the Banshee had not arrived. The night was bitter. Marshal almost wished for the sun to return, even with the idea of his skin drying up. It sounded like a better trade than being out here with little protection from the wind. Fortunately for Marshal, the wind was about to die, along with the sounds of the crickets and the owls which had been cooing only a moment ago. It was time. Just before his eyes, clear in the moonlight before him, was the wailing spirit. A Banshee.

            The banshee was a petite figure; she was as thin as a rail and looked as if the wind could knock her over. From Marshals point of view, he couldn’t fully make out his opponent. The spirit had their back facing him and it wasn’t until they turned around that he could see the horror before him. Floating in-front of Marshal was the spirit of a deceased bobcat woman. The skin on her head had mostly decayed away, what did remain as a few patches of matted and bloody fur. In the eye sockets were nothing. Nothing except for black voids that radiated malice and hatred. Her clothes were tattered and ripped to shreds; sun bleached to the point of non-recognition. Both of her arms were skeletonized, and all that remained of her hands were bones and claws. She was going to be a formidable spirit, and if caution was not taken this could end badly. Marshal had to come up with a game plan before he began the encounter.

            Marshal quietly opened the toolbox that he had placed beside him. Inside was a few ghost reference guides, vials of different oils, pocket scripture and mantras, a box of different herbs, candles, and a pair of gloves. The base of them looked like a pair of fingerless biker gloves, but attached to the back of each glove was a compact circular compartment that had tubes running to each of the empty fingertips. Marshal had to be fast, it was only a matter of time before she noticed him hiding there in the brush. Ok Marsh, the recipe for Banshee oil is the same base as any other specter. Ya start with sunflower oil and a bit of sage. Next for a Banshee, ya need a bud of willow and a lavender petal. I wish I could talk ta her, but once ya become a banshee all your humanies’ been replaced by anger. As Marshal recounted the ingredients, he quickly pulled the vial of sunflower oil and grabbed the herbs from the box. He felt sorry for the spirit, but all he could do for her now was to lay her spirit to rest. Alright, ya only have enough ingredients ta last ya one fight. I need to get through this bout and find the body quickly. All the signs point to the body being in the well. Let’s see how accurate that assumption is. As his monologue ended, Marshal mashed ingredients into the containers on each glove and slipped them on. The contents of which secreted onto Marshals claws. Getting onto all fours, Marshal waited for the opportunity to get the first strike.

            As the Banshee turned back to face the well, Marshal leaped out of the brush in a large pounce. Using all the muscle in his legs, he propelled himself towards the unaware spirit. With his body acting like a missile, he slammed his claws into the unaware spirit. Upon contact, the Banshee roared out with a bloodcurdling wail. The pian was only intensified by the oil on Marshals claws. The oil was designed to weaken spirits. Physical attacks can only do so much, so the oil helps to quicken the job. Another wail escaped from the banshee, it was deafening and sounded as if the underworld had opened for a split second. Marshal was too close when he heard the second wail and instinctively covered his ears. This lapse in his guard gave the spirit enough time to recover and turn to face the alligator who had just attacked. Marshal was still recovering from the wail and could only watch as the Banshee readied an attack. Having no time to dodge, he held up his arms and braced for the coming blow. Her claws tore through Marshal’s shirt and pierced his skin. The claws felt like daggers as they sliced down his forearms. The wound was something he had experienced before, but no matter how many times it happened, he could never ignore the pain. He let it was over him, but the fight was still ongoing and there was no time to tend to his wounds.

Marshal knew he had to get away before she got another attack on him. Readying his jump, he pounced away from the Banshee, who moments before was an arm’s length away. It would only be a few seconds before the spirit would go in for another attack. Marshal used this quick pause to scan the area for any advantages or opportunities while he waited for the next strike. Upon quick inspection, a few ideas came to mind. I could use my tail to kick up the dirt. That’d blind her long enough to get in an attack. If I were ta get to the well, those bricks look like they could be yanked out of place. An aimed hit could stun her enough to get in an attack. But for now, I need ta focus on dodgin’ this comin’ attack. If done proper I could counter her. Just as Marshal finished his last thought, the spirit moved towards him, attempting to land another blow.

            This time, Marshal was ready for the attack. As she moved towards him with blood covered claws, Marshal dropped his body weight getting into a squatting position. The Banshee careened towards where his torso used to be. Her attack missed and gave Marshal an opportunity for a counterattack. He pounced again, trying to aim for the spirit, but he miscalculated his jump and careened next to where she had been floating. He found himself just a foot away from the well and, as he tried to pick himself back up, the Banshee let out another wail. The force of the screech alone was enough to knock Marshal back down onto the ground. Marshal narrowly avoided hitting his head on the well, but he was completely exposed and could not defend himself.

            His ears were ringing, his head throbbed, his vision blurred. Marshal could only watch as the spirit continued her onslaught of attacks. The Banshee dashed towards the now prone Marshal and loomed over him with a radiating malice. Still reeling from the impact, it took Marshal a few seconds to notice that he couldn’t breathe. As his vison came into focus above him was the ghastly visage of the banshee with her hands wrapped around his neck. He could feel her claws dig into his neck as his air slowly depleted. He needed to act quickly, if he died here nobody would be around to help the town. Trying to move his head side-to-side was futile as the strength of the Banshee prevented his movement. All he could do was use his arms to feel the environment around him. As his arm extended above him, he could feel something solid. The Well. With his air dwindling, Marsal reached for one of the loose stone bricks. Just as he grabbed one, the Banshee began to grip his throat tighter, trying to snuff the life out of him. The pian caused him to stagger and the position he was in already made it difficult to grab the brick. Straining his arm and pushing dirt into his open wounds, Marshal was able to get enough leverage to pick up one of the bricks.

            Using all the force he could muster; he smashed the brick into the jaw of the Banshee. While the attack itself did not do much damage, it did stun the spirit long enough for Marshal to push her off of him. Howling in pain, the Banshee became more enraged. This pause in the battle granted Marshal enough time to get onto his feet and ready himself for his next move. He knew that this battle would only end either when he defeated the spirit, or he died. Marshal was not ready to die, so he composed himself and made his way towards the still enraged spirit. He ran as fast as he could and used his body weight to punch the spirit twice. The first hit knocked her off balance, and the second hit threw her onto the ground. Before he could make his next move, Marshal started coughing as his lungs and throat were still reeling from the choke hold. After catching his breath, he proceeded with his attack.

            He was lucky that he could hit hard. If not, the spirit would have already recovered and started attacking. Fortunately, the spirit was still stunned on the ground, giving Marshal the opportunity to get in another strike. Standing above the spirit, Marshal interlocked his hand and struck the spirit in the center of its chest. As Marshals blow landed, he moved to the ground just as quickly, initiating the second part of his hammer attack. With his hands already in the center of the Banshees’ chest, he unclasped them and let his claws rip at the spirit. His claws slowly dragged across the spirit. The attack might have only lasted for a few seconds, but thanks to the oils, the damage done was tenfold if he had not applied any.

            Marshal got up and moved away from the spirit, not wanting to be in the way of another swipe of her claws. He stood a few feet away from the Banshee as it wailed in agony from the stinging oil. Her wails got louder and louder. Even when Marshal covered his ears, the pain from the sound of the wail was unbearable. It felt as if someone was taking a knife and stabbing it into his ears. To his horror, the spirit got up once again and looked as though it was readying for another attack. With hands protecting his ears he couldn’t prepare a counterattack. Instead, he moved his elbows together to muster a semblance of a guard to brace for the coming attack. Having recovered from the blow, the banshee sped towards Marshal. Just as he was ready to brace for the attack, the Banshee continued to fly past him and moved into the well, ending the battle there.

Abandoned Desert Well | 12AM

            Mashal fell to his knees. His legs having given out in him from the pain of the attack. Kneeling on the ground, Marshal let the cold air fill his lungs. Each breath he took felt like a torrent of life returning to his body. Looking down, he could see the claw marks on his arms stinging from the dirt that had gotten into the wounds. There ain’t time to lick my wounds. I need ta get down that well. Those were the thoughts in Marshal’s head. If he didn’t to act fast, the spirit would have time to recover and begin a second attack. Allowing himself to catch his breath a bit longer, eventually Marshal got onto his feet and moved over to retrieve the rope he left by his toolbox.

            Looking at the well, there was no way the bricks could support the rope. If he was capable of pulling a brick out of place, his body weight would bring the well down with him. Scanning the area again, he spotted a long dead tree that could maybe hold him. Making his way over, the tree was not in good shape. The log appeared heavy, and its roots were still in the ground. There was no way to tell of the center of the tree had rotted away. Marshal decided to lean on the tree as a test. While the tree creaked a bit under his weight, he decided this was good enough and tied the rope around the tree. Walking over to the well, he threw down the rope and waited to hear a thud. The thud came after an uncomfortable few seconds, but he knew he could climb out of the well once he repelled.

            After peering down the well and giving the rope a few tugs for good luck, he grabbed onto the rope and began to repel down the well. It wasn’t the most comfortable squeeze. He could feel his back rub against the wall as his shirt slowly slid up his back. If it weren’t for the sudden drop into a small cave, his tail would have gotten caught between his back and the wall. The cave itself was not big either. About the size of a small van, but it had enough space to stand in. Marshal couldn’t see this and ended up repelling until feet touched the ground. “God damn it!” He mumbled to himself. The cave was difficult to see inside of and he didn’t bring a flashlight with him.

            As Marshal fumbled his way in the dark, moonlight slowly trickled into the well as it hung above the opening in the earth. Just as the moon reached its apex, and the well became filled with light, Marshal saw it in front of him. The long since decaying body of a deceased Bobcat woman. The broken legs and blunt impact of the skull indicated that this woman did not have a peaceful death. Marshal took his time to absorb the scene in front of him. No matter how many times he saw a corpse, it was always worse than seeing any spirit. The spirits still have a semblance of life that grounds them to our reality. Meanwhile, the corpses have all their life drained from them. The only thing remaining is the husk of a former living being. There was only one thing that could be done to give the Banshee a peaceful rest. A proper burial.

            As the moon hung overhead, Marshal quickly picked up the skeletal remains of the Bobcat. Making sure to grab the skull and chest, as those are the most important areas to bury. With the skeleton neatly gathered, he synched himself for the climb out of the well. This was a hard climb as he had to be careful not to drop any of the bones down the well. Not only would that waste his time, but it might also further upset the spirit. The climb was slow and taxing, but eventually Marshal poked his head out of the well and he could see the desert scenery once again.

            Carefully placing the bones on the ground, Marshal walked over to his toolbox to take out a trowel, a bundle of candles, and his pocket bible. Knowing the history of the area, a bible was the safest bet for giving this spirit a proper burial. Marshal was not looking forward to this part. He knew he should have bought another shovel after his last one broke, but he just forgot to grab one. Letting out a tired sigh, Marshal picked up the bones and walked with them further out into the desert. Spirits don’t like to be buried near their place of death. This was one last kindness that was never afforded to the deceased, and Marshal was willing to give them this last act.

            He found a secluded spot in the desert underneath a small rock-face. With a tired sigh, Marshal toiled away at the dirt, creating a hole deep enough to place to bury the body without further disturbance. Once a prop hole was made, Marshal carefully placed the skeleton into the grave, making sure that the skull would not be further disturbed. The skull is what ties the spirit’s memories to our world. If disturbed, they become enraged and attack without reason. Before burying the body, Marshal had to place his candles in a circle around the grave and light them.

             With candlelight circling the grave, you could feel the air become calm as the spirit tried to escape the bones. But the spirit was entrapped by the candles. Any attempt to enact vengeance against Marshal was pointless, as it was impossible now for it to escape. Picking up the bible Marshal recited a few verses about reckoning and calm. Throughout the reading, the Banshee screamed and clawed at the protective candle barrier. It was, of course, to no avail, but the spirit soon became calm listening to its last rites that it never got in life. Unlike other last rites, Marshal ended with his own words. He truly felt sorry for these spirits trapped in our world and wants to let them know how he felt about them and their situation.  

            “I forgive ya for the injuries you inflicted upon me, and I hope that you forgive me for the ones I inflicted upon you. You were just tryin’ to protect yourself from harm, but ya don’t need ta do that anymore. For now, just rest. Ya haven’t had a chance ta rest in years. I am here to give ya that rest if you are willin’ ta take it. Now please, take the rest that has been robbed from ya and sink into the warm abyss.”

            With those last few words, the Banshee settled down and returned to its body, finally content and ready to sleep. At the same time, Marshal could finally relax as the encounter was over. Marshal took in a deep breath and blew out all the candles. After that, he covered the body with dirt to properly conceal the remains from the harsh environment. Once the burial was completed Marshal found a place to sit down and let himself relax. There was no point in going back into town right now. It was too late to find a place to sleep, and he didn’t have the energy to walk over to his truck. So, once finding a comfy spot, and plopped himself down and closed his eyes until the sun rose over the horizon.

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[kiaaraagarwal]

Live Your Way: Choose from Rooms, 1 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom Apartments in Berkeley, CA

Bear with me, Berkeley is not only the neighbor of the famous Berkeley University, it is an urban area with a variety of districts, extraordinary cultural points of interest, and interesting opportunities to live in. Students, working class or families who are in search of a house to lease, Raj Properties Berkeley is your one-stop business for answering your prayers. Whether you’re looking for small single rooms in Berkeley CA or 3 bedroom apartments in Berkeley, Raj Properties will make sure clients get houses that suit them.

Why Berkeley?

Despite being part of the big city landscape, the diverse culture of Berkeley sets it out as a city like no other. This provides a perfect combination of academic vitality, ethnic mix, and geographical clime. It has been considered that it has excellent walkability, green spaces, and strong neighborhoods. From locations near the vibrant UC Berkeley area to homes in the hills, Berkeley is perfect for any resident.

Another important incentive refers to transportation. Not to mention the convenient BART stations, an efficient network of bus routes, and many bike-friendly roads. Also, the variety of restaurants, stores, and other facilities to provide services and entertainment means that all the facilities you desire are a wink away.

Rooms for Rent in Berkeley CA: Affordable and Convenient

For students and young employees, rooms for rent in Berkeley CA is the perfect deal. When it comes to housing, renting a room is usually the cheapest option which gives you the chance to taste all the charms of Berkeley on a budget. Most of the rooms are self-contained and come fitted, thus may suit those newcomers or those people who do not wish to purchase furniture. This means that it is possible to have several utilities, Internet, and shared living spaces such as cookery or washing areas and the like.

At Raj Properties we have all types of rooms which are conveniently situated near campus and major facilities. These areas are ideal for those clients who seek accommodation that cheap, versatile, and social.

1 Bedroom Apartments Berkeley: Compact Comfort

If you are a tenant who would like a little more privacy and autonomy, 1 bedroom apartments Berkeley are perfect for you. It is useful to know that these apartments are perfect for people who are not willing to share a place with their partners or friends. Raj Properties offers 1 bedroom units including some properties close to UC Berkeley, Downtown Berkeley, and other prime locations.

Most 1-bedroom apartments in Berkeley feature:

The kind of designs that are common in most homes today like the open floor plans.

Fully equipped kitchens.

Close access to transit and other services.

These apartments are ideal for those who would like reasonable square meters which do not influence comfort and utility. The current rental prices for 1-bedroom apartments in Berkeley may be different but they afford good value because of the area and facilities in the apartment.

3 Bedroom Apartments Berkeley: Cozy Stay for Families or Groups of People

For those who need a bigger apartment 3 bedroom apartments Berkeley also has many options for rent for families, flatmates, or groups. The apartments themselves offer 2 plus bedrooms and bathrooms and expansive living spaces, which makes them perfect for those people who require space.

Raj Properties provides a wide range of 3 bedroom homes and many of them are situated in quiet areas near parks, schools, and shopping malls. Additional conveniences include private patio space, car space, and other pleasing facilities for the community residents.

Being able to offer more space than a 2 bedroom apartment and also being cheaper than most executive suites a 3 bedroom apartment is ideal for families or groups of friends.

Conclusion

I think Berkeley is quite different in terms of the lifestyle that 1 gets to lead, for this reason, getting the right house is very important. Rooms for rent in berkeley ca, or even a large Berkeley CA room for rent, looking for modern 1 bedroom apartments Berkeley or extra space 3 bedroom apartments Berkeley – all you need is to turn to Raj Properties.

Ready to find your next home? Call Raj Properties Berkeley now to learn more about your new home and for the availability of a wide variety of rental homes. Thanks to them, you will be living your way in no time!

[meatcodistributor453]

10 Reasons to Work With Our Push Back Racking Services

Picture this: a warehouse bursting at the seams with inventory, leaving no room to breathe. Sound familiar? Managing storage space can feel like a never-ending game of Tetris. That’s where we come in. With our push back racking services, you can wave goodbye to chaos and hello to a streamlined, efficient storage solution. Curious about what makes our services a cut above the rest? Let’s dive in.

Why Choose Push Back Racking?

Push back racking is more than just a fancy name. It’s a high-density storage system designed to make your warehouse operations smoother than ever. Unlike traditional racking systems, push back racking allows multiple pallets to be stored on a single rack—all on a slight incline. Gravity does the heavy lifting (literally), sliding pallets forward when one is removed. It’s efficient, it’s practical, and it’s exactly what you need to maximize space.

10 Reasons to Work With Our Push Back Racking Services

1. Maximized Storage Capacity

Imagine fitting more inventory into your existing space without knocking down walls. Sounds like a dream, right? Our push back racking systems are engineered to optimize every square inch of your warehouse. By stacking pallets on multiple levels and rows, you’ll have ample room for growth.

2. Increased Efficiency

Time is money, and our systems save you plenty of both. With push back racking, loading and unloading pallets becomes a breeze. You’ll spend less time maneuvering and more time focusing on what matters most—running your business. Think of it as upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car.

3. Durable and Reliable

When it comes to durability, we don’t cut corners. Our racking systems are built with top-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of a busy warehouse. Rain, shine, or forklift collisions—these racks hold their own, ensuring your inventory stays safe and sound.

4. Customization Options

No two warehouses are alike, so why should your storage solution be one-size-fits-all? We’ll work closely with you to design a system that fits your unique needs. Whether it’s adjusting rack height or accommodating specific pallet sizes, we’ve got you covered.

5. Enhanced Safety Features

Your team’s safety is our priority. Our push back racking systems come equipped with features like secure pallet stops and robust frames to minimize accidents. Because peace of mind is priceless.

6. Cost-Effective Solutions

Think high-quality storage solutions have to break the bank? Think again. We strike the perfect balance between affordability and excellence, giving you the best bang for your buck. It’s an investment that pays off in spades.

7. Expert Installation Team

A great product is only as good as its installation. That’s why our team of skilled professionals ensures your push back racking system is set up perfectly from day one. No headaches, no hassles—just seamless operation.

8. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

We don’t just install and disappear. Our dedicated support team is always here to help, whether it’s routine maintenance or troubleshooting unexpected issues. Think of us as your storage partners for the long haul.

9. Proven Track Record

Don’t just take our word for it—our happy clients speak for themselves. From small businesses to large enterprises, we’ve helped countless companies revolutionize their storage systems. Your success story could be next.

10. Sustainability Focus

In today’s world, going green isn’t optional—it’s essential. Our racking systems are designed with eco-friendly materials and processes, so you can boost efficiency while reducing your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win.

Conclusion

So, why wait? Transform your warehouse with our push back racking services and experience the difference. From maximizing storage space to enhancing safety and efficiency, we’ve got all your bases covered. Ready to take the plunge? Give us a call today and let’s get started!

Meatco Distributor

3265 Gateway Rd, Suite 350, Brookfield, WI

800–558–5104

[carrentalkeralam]

Renting a Car in Calicut: A Complete Guide to Hassle-Free Travel

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a vibrant city on the Malabar Coast in Kerala, India. With its historical significance, lush green landscapes, and bustling markets, it’s no surprise that Calicut is a popular destination for travelers. Whether you're visiting for leisure, business, or family purposes, rental cars calicut can make your trip more comfortable and convenient. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about rental cars in Calicut and how to make the most out of your experience.

Why Rent a Car in Calicut?

1. Freedom to Explore

Calicut offers a variety of attractions, from serene beaches like Kappad Beach to historic sites like Mananchira Square and Beypore. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

2. Convenience for Outstation Trips

Planning a trip to Wayanad, Kannur, or other nearby destinations? A rental car is the perfect solution for seamless travel, especially for families or groups.

3. Comfortable Travel Experience

With the unpredictable nature of Kerala’s monsoon weather, a private car offers the comfort and safety you need during your journey.

Top Rental Car Options in Calicut

Calicut has a thriving car rental industry catering to all kinds of travel needs. Here are the main types of rental options:

1. Self-Drive Car Rentals

If you love the idea of driving yourself, several providers in Calicut offer self-drive car rental services. You can choose from hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, or even premium vehicles, depending on your budget and requirements. Self-drive rentals are ideal for those who value privacy and flexibility.

2. Chauffeur-Driven Rentals

Don’t want the hassle of driving in an unfamiliar city? Chauffeur-driven cars are a great option. Sit back, relax, and let a professional driver take you to your destinations. These services are particularly useful for business travelers or when attending events.

3. Hourly or Daily Rentals

Whether you need a car for just a few hours to run errands or for an entire day of sightseeing, most rental companies in Calicut offer hourly and daily packages to suit your needs.

How to Choose the Right Car Rental Service

1. Check for Local Operators

Some of the most reliable car rental services in Calicut are local operators with in-depth knowledge of the region. Their services are often more personalized and affordable compared to larger, national companies.

2. Compare Pricing

Different rental services offer varying rates based on the type of car, rental duration, and additional services like insurance or fuel inclusion. Compare pricing across platforms like Zoomcar, Revv, or local agencies to get the best deal.

3. Vehicle Options

Make sure the rental service provides a wide range of vehicles to choose from. For instance, a compact hatchback is great for city driving, while an SUV is more suitable for group trips or rugged terrains.

4. Read Reviews

Online reviews on Google, social media, or travel platforms can help you assess the reliability of a car rental provider. Customer feedback on factors like vehicle condition, punctuality, and service quality is invaluable.

5. Check for Documentation

Always ensure the rental car company provides proper documentation, including registration papers, insurance, and a rental agreement. This is crucial for a hassle-free experience.

Tips for Renting a Car in Calicut

Book in Advance: Popular rental services tend to get fully booked during peak travel seasons (November to February and the Onam festival period). Secure your car early to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Inspect the Vehicle: Before accepting the car, thoroughly inspect it for any existing damage and report it to the rental company to avoid disputes later.

Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with Kerala’s traffic rules to avoid fines or complications. Driving in Calicut requires extra care, especially during peak hours.

Fuel Policy: Clarify the fuel policy with your rental provider. Some companies provide a full-tank vehicle, while others require you to refuel the car before returning it.

Emergency Support: Choose a service that offers 24/7 roadside assistance in case of breakdowns or emergencies.

Exploring Calicut with a Rental Car

Once you’ve secured your rental vehicle, the city is yours to explore! Here are some must-visit places you can cover conveniently:

Kappad Beach: Famous for being the landing site of Vasco da Gama in 1498, this serene beach is perfect for a relaxing evening.

Mananchira Square: A historic and cultural hub in the heart of the city.

Beypore: Known for its ancient shipbuilding yard and scenic views.

SM Street (Mithai Theruvu): A bustling shopping destination for traditional sweets, spices, and souvenirs.

Thusharagiri Waterfalls: Located about 50 km from the city, this is a great spot for nature lovers.

For day trips, consider driving to Wayanad’s hills, the Silent Valley National Park, or the Kozhippara Waterfalls.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Calicut is a smart choice for travelers who value flexibility, convenience, and comfort. Whether you’re planning a short city tour or an extended road trip, car rental services in Calicut cater to diverse travel needs. By keeping the tips and information shared in this guide in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. So, the next time you’re in Calicut, hit the road and explore this beautiful city on your terms!

Happy travels! 🚗🌴

[greentortoises]

Experience the Comfort of San Francisco International Hostel

San Francisco is a city of endless exploration, offering iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and vibrant neighborhoods. To make the most of your visit, finding the right place to stay is essential. The San Francisco International Hostel offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, convenience, and community-focused experiences. In this blog, we’ll highlight the amenities and advantages of staying at this hostel, ensuring your stay is as memorable as your adventures.

Why Choose a San Francisco International Hostel?

Hostels are the go-to choice for travelers seeking an affordable and social experience. Here’s why the San Francisco International Hostel stands out:

Prime Location: Centrally located, making it easy to access popular attractions like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown.

Budget-Friendly Rates: Affordable accommodations without compromising comfort.

Community Atmosphere: Opportunities to meet fellow travelers through shared spaces and events.

Sustainable Practices: Eco-conscious initiatives to reduce environmental impact.

Amenities That Enhance Your Stay

1. Comfortable Accommodations

The hostel offers a range of options to suit different needs:

Private Rooms: Ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking privacy.

Dormitories: Budget-friendly shared rooms with secure lockers for your belongings.

Modern Facilities: Clean bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and 24/7 front desk service.

2. Well-Equipped Common Areas

Shared spaces make the hostel feel like a home away from home:

Lounge Areas: Relax, read, or socialize with other guests.

Shared Kitchen: Prepare your meals and enjoy the camaraderie of communal dining.

Workspaces: Ideal for digital nomads or travelers needing to catch up on emails.

3. Exciting Events and Activities

The San Francisco International Hostel organizes activities that let you experience the city while connecting with fellow travelers:

City Tours: Guided visits to San Francisco’s top landmarks.

Pub Crawls: Explore the nightlife with a group of like-minded adventurers.

Cultural Nights: Enjoy themed events showcasing the city’s diverse cultures.

4. Convenient Services

Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected during your trip.

Luggage Storage: Secure your belongings before check-in or after check-out.

Laundry Facilities: Keep your clothes fresh during extended stays.

Explore San Francisco with Ease

Staying at the San Francisco International Hostel means you’re never far from the city’s must-see attractions. Some nearby highlights include:

Union Square: A bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Cable Cars: Experience a ride on this iconic mode of transportation.

Golden Gate Park: A sprawling urban oasis perfect for picnics and exploration.

The Embarcadero: Stroll along the waterfront and visit the Ferry Building Marketplace.

Tips for Hostel Stays

To make your stay as enjoyable as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Pack Light: Dorm accommodations may have limited storage space.

Be Social: Take advantage of the communal areas to meet other travelers.

Secure Your Valuables: Use provided lockers for peace of mind.

Plan Ahead: Book popular activities early to secure your spot.

Why Green Tortoise Hostel is the Best Choice

The Green Tortoise Hostel, known as one of the top San Francisco International Hostels, takes your stay to the next level. With a prime location, exceptional amenities, and a commitment to creating unforgettable travel experiences, it’s no wonder this hostel is a favorite among travelers. From the friendly staff to the thoughtfully curated activities, every detail is designed to make your visit extraordinary.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right accommodations can make all the difference during your San Francisco adventure. The San Francisco International Hostel offers the perfect blend of comfort, community, and convenience, ensuring your trip is both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a group, or on a budget, this hostel caters to all your needs.

[famousmusicdreamer]

Infinity Business Park | Premium Commercial Spaces in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Explore Infinity Business Park in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Premium showrooms, offices, and hi-tech workspaces with world-class amenities and sustainable design. Your business’s future starts here

Infinity Business Park: The Future of Business in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Infinity Business Park is the new standard for commercial real estate in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Designed to meet the needs of modern businesses, Infinity Business Park combines state-of-the-art facilities, prime location, and sustainable design, offering the perfect setting for entrepreneurs, businesses, and professionals to grow and thrive.

Welcome to Infinity Business Park

Located in the heart of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Infinity Business Park offers businesses a world-class workspace with high-end amenities and flexible options. As part of the Bhaishree Realty portfolio, Infinity Business Park redefines what it means to run a business in a connected and modern environment. Whether you’re a retail outlet, a consultant, or a corporate office, Infinity Business Park has the ideal space to meet your needs.

Why Choose Infinity Business Park?

Strategic Location in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Infinity Business Park is centrally located in one of the most rapidly developing business hubs in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, providing easy access to transportation networks and other business-critical facilities.

Premium Commercial Spaces

From showrooms to office spaces and hi-tech workspaces, Infinity Business Park offers a diverse range of options to suit businesses of all sizes. The double-height ground and first-floor shops are perfect for high-end showrooms and retail outlets, while the modern offices on upper floors are ideal for professional services like law firms, consultants, and doctors.

Unmatched Amenities for Business Success

With enhanced security, modern IT infrastructure, multi-level parking, and a vibrant business community, Infinity Business Park ensures that your business has everything it needs to flourish.

Sustainable Design and Green Building Practices

Infinity Business Park is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating eco-friendly building materials and energy-efficient technologies to reduce the environmental impact while providing a comfortable working environment for its occupants.

Infinity Business Park Amenities Include:

Enhanced Security Systems

Conference Rooms for business meetings

Video Conferencing Rooms for seamless communication

Multi-Level Car Parking for convenience

Professional Property Management

Collaborative Workspaces

Double-Height Ground and First-Floor Shops

Modern IT Infrastructure to support your business needs

Business Spaces at Infinity Business Park:

Ground & First Floor Shops: Double-height, ranging from 1500 to 4000 sq. ft. — perfect for showrooms, retail outlets, and businesses.

Second Floor Shops & Offices: Flexible spaces from 550 to 1850 sq. ft. for retail and commercial purposes.

Floors 3 to 8: With 25 units on each floor, suitable for professionals like architects, doctors, and business owners.

Why Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar? As one of the fastest-growing cities in India, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar offers a unique combination of urban development, improved infrastructure, and a high quality of life. Choosing to establish your business at Infinity Business Park positions you in the center of this transformation, offering unlimited opportunities for growth and success.

Infinity Business Park: The Smart Choice for Modern Businesses If you're looking for a commercial space that offers more than just square footage, Infinity Business Park provides a full spectrum of solutions designed to support your business’s growth and success. With its sustainable design, premium amenities, and strategic location, Infinity Business Park is truly the future of business in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

For More Information Click Here

[wohrparking]

Park Smart: 5 Misconceptions About Automated Parking Systems You Should Ditch

With the cost of land climbing and urban spaces shrinking, finding a parking spot can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Enter Automated Parking Systems (APS)—designed to be the smarter, more space-savvy answer to traditional garages, often fitting twice the cars in half the space. Yet, despite their rise worldwide, APS faces some stubborn myths. Let’s debunk the top five APS misconceptions and reveal why automated parking might just be the ideal solution.

APS is Too Pricey

While fully automated systems have varying costs based on complexity, studies show APS often costs the same or less to construct than traditional garages. APS construction saves on space, excavation, ramps, and even entire floors of concrete. Plus, it unlocks potential income from the extra square footage, which developers can lease or convert to green space. APS also qualifies as equipment, meaning it depreciates over time, offering tax incentives. Combined with added benefits like LEED points, increased safety, and lower emissions, APS is a win-win solution.

APS is “New” and Unproven

APS isn’t as “new” as it seems. In fact, it dates back to 1905, with early systems in Paris designed to transport cars to upper levels via elevators. Since then, APS has steadily evolved, with modern systems widely installed across the U.S., Europe, and Asia since the 1990s. So, while APS continues to modernize, it’s built on over a century of reliable service, giving developers peace of mind about its durability.

APS is Unsafe

If we trust elevators daily, why not APS? By eliminating the need for pedestrians to roam dark garages, APS enhances safety by keeping customers out of harm’s way and vehicles out of reach of potential vandals. High standards of maintenance and regular technology updates minimize any risk of malfunction, while APS manufacturers like Wohr set the bar with rigorous safety protocols, ensuring your vehicle is in safe hands.

APS Lacks Durability

With examples like the iconic AutoStadt vehicle towers in Germany (running smoothly for 20 years) and systems in Japan that have thrived for three decades, APS systems are proven to last. These systems are engineered for longevity and, in many cases, far outlive the lifespan of traditional parking setups. APS’s increasing global presence attests to its reliability and demand, ensuring it stands the test of time.

APS is Costly to Operate

Automated parking systems can house twice as many cars as their conventional counterparts in the same space, thus doubling revenue opportunities. While operational costs such as energy and upkeep exist, these are offset by APS’s higher earning potential and user-friendly experience. A well-chosen maintenance plan minimizes downtime, making APS both efficient and profitable in the long run.

Why Wohr?

Wohr Parking Systems has over five decades of experience with APS, helping to optimize parking spaces and boost return on investment. From initial design consultations to smooth operation and maintenance, Wohr supports every phase of development. With 600,000 APS installations globally, Wohr’s systems speak for themselves in reliability and German-engineered quality.

So, next time you’re on the fence about APS, remember: it’s the smart way to park for a modern, space-saving, and profitable future Learn More:

[southgatetravels]

Discovering Calicut with Ease: A Guide to Renting Cars in Kozhikode

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a fascinating city along Kerala’s Malabar Coast, renowned for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and pristine beaches. rental cars calicut is one of the most convenient and flexible ways to explore both the city’s famous sites and nearby destinations at your own pace. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this guide will help you understand how to make the most of your car rental experience in Calicut.

Why Rent a Car in Calicut?

Flexible Itinerary A rental car lets you create your own schedule, allowing you to visit attractions at your own pace without relying on public transport or the fixed routes of organized tours.

Comfort and Convenience Renting a car ensures a comfortable journey, especially for families or groups who want the privacy of a personal vehicle.

Seamless Access to Nearby Attractions Calicut has a variety of attractions in and around the city, from lush green hills to serene beaches. With a rental car, you can easily explore the city and venture out to nearby locations like Wayanad, Kappad Beach, and Beypore.

Types of Rental Cars Available in Calicut

Rental agencies in Calicut offer a range of vehicles to meet different needs and budgets:

Economy Cars: Perfect for city travel and short trips. Compact and fuel-efficient, these cars are ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Sedans: Great for small groups and families, sedans provide additional comfort for longer trips.

SUVs: SUVs are perfect for navigating the diverse terrains around Calicut, especially if you’re planning a trip to the nearby hills.

Luxury Cars: For a premium experience, luxury vehicles add an extra touch of comfort and sophistication.

Self-Drive vs. Chauffeur-Driven: Choose a self-drive option if you enjoy the freedom of driving, or go for a chauffeur-driven vehicle if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Popular Car Rental Services in Calicut

Zoomcar Zoomcar offers a variety of self-drive options with flexible booking durations. The platform allows easy bookings through their app, and their fleet includes various car models to choose from.

IndusGo Known for its smooth booking process and affordable rates, IndusGo offers both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options in Calicut, with pickup and drop-off options across the city.

Royal Travels Royal Travels is a trusted local provider known for offering a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices. They also offer chauffeur-driven services, which is ideal for those new to the area.

Calicut Airport Car Rentals For travelers arriving by air, many rental agencies have kiosks or offer pickup options at Calicut International Airport, allowing you to start your trip as soon as you land.

Must-Visit Attractions in Calicut with a Rental Car

With a rental car, you can explore Calicut and its surroundings freely, visiting both popular sites and lesser-known gems. Here are some top destinations to consider:

1. Kappad Beach

A short drive from the city center, Kappad Beach is a historic site where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498. It’s a beautiful spot to unwind and take in the sunset.

2. Beypore

Known for its traditional wooden boat-making (Uru) industry, Beypore is about 10 km from Calicut. The scenic drive and the view of the harbor make this a unique experience.

3. Mananchira Square

Located in the heart of Calicut, Mananchira Square is a lovely place to stroll and soak in the city’s local culture. Having a rental car makes it easy to add this to your itinerary without worrying about parking.

4. Thusharagiri Waterfalls

For nature lovers, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, about 50 km from Calicut, is a must-visit. The drive through lush greenery and small villages makes the journey as delightful as the destination.

5. Kozhikode Beach

One of Calicut’s highlights, Kozhikode Beach is known for its piers that extend into the sea and vibrant evening markets. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having a rental car to come and go as you please.

6. Wayanad Hills

Around 85 km from Calicut, Wayanad is known for its tea plantations, forests, and wildlife. It’s a perfect weekend getaway from Calicut, and renting an SUV or other rugged vehicle makes this trip even more enjoyable.

Tips for Renting a Car in Calicut

Book in Advance During Peak Seasons Calicut experiences a surge in tourism during holidays and peak travel months, especially from December to March. Booking your rental car in advance will help secure a better rate and ensure availability.

Understand the Terms and Conditions Be sure to review the rental agreement for mileage limits, fuel policies, and insurance coverage. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, which is ideal if you plan to travel long distances.

Inspect the Vehicle Before Departure Check the car thoroughly for any existing damage before you start your journey. Taking photos can help prevent disputes when returning the vehicle.

Opt for a GPS-Enabled Vehicle Some areas around Calicut may have limited cellular coverage, so a GPS-enabled vehicle can be helpful for navigation.

Keep Your Documents Ready For both self-drive and chauffeur-driven rentals, you’ll need to present a valid driving license and a government-issued ID. For international travelers, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your home-country license.

Estimated Car Rental Rates in Calicut

Rental rates in Calicut vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and provider. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Economy Cars: ₹1,200 - ₹1,800 per day

Sedans: ₹1,800 - ₹2,500 per day

SUVs: ₹2,500 - ₹4,000 per day

Luxury Cars: ₹5,000 and up per day

Discounts are often available for weekly or monthly rentals, so check with your provider if you plan on a longer stay.

FAQs About Car Rentals in Calicut

1. Can I pick up a rental car at Calicut International Airport? Yes, several car rental providers offer pick-up and drop-off services at the airport, making it easy for travelers to start their journey right from the airport.

2. Are self-drive options available for tourists? Yes, self-drive rentals are available. However, international tourists must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home-country license.

3. Are there any additional charges for intercity travel? Some providers may allow intercity travel within Kerala, but it’s best to confirm any additional charges or restrictions with your rental agency.

4. What should I do if I want to extend my rental period? Contact your rental agency as early as possible to discuss an extension. Most agencies are flexible with extensions, provided the vehicle is available.

Start Your Calicut Adventure Today!

Renting a car in Calicut offers you the freedom to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty on your terms. With the convenience of a rental car, you can make the most of your trip, visiting popular spots as well as discovering hidden treasures along the way. So go ahead, choose the right vehicle, hit the road, and experience Calicut’s charm to the fullest. Happy travels!