#clean vr lens

[speedyartist30]

VR

Sitting in his room in pure boredom, Makalo scrolls aimlessly through his to keep himself entertained,but even that got stale pretty fast. TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, Instagram, tumblr and other media just didn’t keep his mind occupied. Groaning loudly he let his phone slip out his hand. He was one hundred percent bored. He didn’t feel like going out to skateboard because of people still buzzing about the whole Wasp ordeal.

Blue eyes drifted to his iPad and spray paint but all that brought him was a scowl on his face. Makalo had caught a mean case of art block for a week now and still couldn’t shake it.

“Ugh!!! There’s nothing to do!”

Rolling off the bed and landing on the floor, Makalo spots his VR underneath his bed. “I forgot all about this.” He mumbled.

Grabbing the headset and the controllers he got to his feet and heads to the living room. Connecting the VR to the tv Makalo sees a game that catches his attention.

“Five nights at Freddy’s…”

Makalo never played this game alone before. Usually him and Ethan usually play together and they just ended up screaming and laughing at each other. They both weren’t that good since they showed more interest in other games like first shooters or something that had a storyline to follow.

*I can beat this game alone. How hard could it be.*

Makalo puts on the headset.

Meanwhile at the supermarket Ethan and Jay do a bit of shopping. In the tech aisle, Ethan was searching for a certain memory card to add to his drones as well along with a new camera lens to replace his damaged one on his drone. While his hand hivred kver the multiple options Ethan comments, “If I would have known those wasps would have returned so soon I would’ve added more protection on my drone. Or atleast modified to move faster to dodge them.”

Not hearing a response Ethan looks over to see Jay watching the display TVs. One of the screens was a broadcaster showing videos of Jay running through the city with a swarm of was chasing him. The videos were taken by bystanders that witnessed the chase. The video cuts to pictures of the dead wasps and emergency responders helo with clean up. When the image of a wasp with a crater through its body made Jay cringe and subconsciously rub his arm. The wasp attack was only yesterday and Jay still felt the burden of it. The media however was eating it up.

Grabbing the lens he needed, Ethan stepped beside him to read the headlines. Ever since Jay gave his self the title,”Kiran” media was really pushing the whole “mystery hero” persona. 

Ethan: “They going to be talking about this for a while. But I’m sure it’ll pass.”

Jay: “I know. It’s just …What happened yesterday wasn’t….normal. I doubt it’ll blow over that quickly.”

Shaking his head, Jay backed away from the TV and glanced to the small crowd of people who gathered to watch. Jay couldn’t help but think if only they knew that the man in the lightning was standing right next to them. Ethan gives Jay a sympathetic smile, he could tell Jay wasn’t comfortable with all the media attention. 

After picking up a few more things in their list the two move towards the first aid/medical aisle to get Jay a sling for his arm.

Ethan: “How’s your arm? Is not bothering you too bad, is it?”

Jay: “It’s fine just a little sore”

Ethan knew Jay wasn’t being fully honest, but he didn’t want to pressure him either. Jay's wrist and elbow were swollen and the dark red bruises thst formed through the night didn’t help make it look better. Not to mention his knuckles were bruised too. Adjusting his glasses Ethan scanned the shelves.

Ethan:”Your pain tolerance is ridiculous. Anyone else would of got checked out by now…or passed out from shock.”

Jay shrugged but stiffened at a sharp sting surging up his arm. Rubbing his shoulder he looked at the variety of medical supplies, he grabbed a bottle of pain killers.

Jay:”Do you know what kind to get? I’m a bit lost here.”

Ethan:”Yeah I know. My moms a doctor so I know a lot about medical because of her.”

Looking to jay with a sheepish smile he adds.

Ethan:”And I dislocated my shoulder once by falling off the monkey bars when I was ten, so I know what should help support your arm till it’s healed up.”

Jay”Ouch, I guess that’s one way to know.”

Ethan:”Well you live and you learn. In my case I didn’t learn till I tasted dirt.”

That got a faint laugh from jay even though it was more like a little huff from his nose. 

Ethan end up picking a dark blue sling for him and they wrapped up it up by paying paid for their things and headed home. On the way they stopped at a gas station where Ethan got some filled up the while Jay went inside and got a blue raspberry slushy. Surprisingly he came back with a bag full of candy and chips Ethan and Makalo liked. Ethan didn’t think Jay payed attention to the food they liked, but he wasn’t complaining about free snacks.

When the arrived at home the two walked inside to see a frustrated Makalo. With his back turned and attention focused on the game he yelled

Makalo: “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THE CHICKEN WAS AT THE DOOR!?”

Noticing the, Ethan placed his bag on the couch and walked up behind Makalo. Grinning he grabbed his fiends shoulders

Ethan: “who are you talking to?”

Screaming, Makalo yanks the headset off and swats Ethan’s hands off while the brunette laughed his head off. Jay however was too distracted by the headset. Sipping his slushy Jay asked quietly,“What’s is that?”

Makalo:”This? It’s VR headset. It makes you feel like you're inside the game.”

Curious Ethan picked it up and looked through to see what game was playing.

Ethan: “What are y- uh…Now why would you play this game out of all games?”

Makalo: “Because I want to beat it! I refuse to lose to a freaking CHICKEN!”

Taking the headset back on Makalo tries again and slide it back over his head. On the tv Ethan and Jay watched from Makalos point of view. Tilting his head Jay whispered to Ethan…

Jay:”Does he have a thing against birds or something?”

Ethan: “What? No, he just doesn’t like losing this game and he gets frustrated playing since chica always gets him at the end.”

They both sit on the couch as they watch Makalo start panicking and flailing his arms around as he quickly closed the doors when a purple bunny appeared.

Jay: “Why not help him play then?”

Ethan: “Because…. I’m not a fan of scary games and to be fair I wouldn’t be much help.”

Watching Makalo play/struggle to stay alive Jay hears footsteps from the tv,but no one is reacting to them.

Jay: “Doesn’t hear that?”

Ethan: “Hear what?”

Jay: “It sounds like heavy footsteps from the left.”

Ethan: “I don’t hear anythi-“

Makalo: “AAAAAAHHHHH!!”

Coming from the left side of the screen was a purple rabbit screaming on the tv. Yanking the headset off and throwing it on the couch Makalo stomps off to the kitchen mumbling,”Stupid Bonnie..” Ethan on the other hand looked perplexed at Jay.

Ethan: “How did you hear that?”

Jay: “It was pretty loud.”

Ethan: “But how did you hear that over Makalos screaming?”

Not sure what to say Jay gave a one-armed shrug, he always had good senses and didn’t think much of it. Coming back from the kitchen after a quick snack break Makalo grabs the headset again. Getting an idea Ethan stops him.

Ethan:“Mak hold on I think Jay can help you beat the game.”

Makalo:”For real? How?”

Ethan:”He can hear the sounds we can’t so he can tell you where they are coming from.”

Makalo:”That could work, but wouldn’t be easier for him to wear the headset and play the game?”

Jay: “Makalo….I have one arm right now”

Makalo: “Right….My fault bro.”

Ethan: “Before we do this Makalo you can’t panic because if you do then you won’t be able to hear us.”

Blinking Makalo sheepishly scratched his head 

Makalo:”You know I can’t do thst bro.”

Standing up Ethan out his hands on Makalos shoulders with a serious expression. He would be his best friends hype man, mainly because he wanted a good laugh.

Ethan: “You have too! Do you want Chica to walk all over you

Makalo: “No..”

Ethan:”Are you going lock in!”

Makalo:”Hell yeah!”

And with that Makalo grabs the VR and places it back on his head with burning determination to get this victory! Ethan fights back his laughter and sit back on the couch. Jay looked at them curiously wondering if the hype would actually help.Starting the game Makalo listened to Jay to close the doors while Ethan told him to check which cameras. With everyone in their roles they worked as one unit.

Jay: “On your right.”

Makalo:Got it. I’m feeling pretty good right now”

Ethan: “Ok, so check the hallway cams on your left”

Makalo: “It’s empty”

Ethan:”ok check pirate cove.”

Makalo:”Uh….it’s open but I can still see foxy”

Jay:”The right side is clear”

Ethan:”check the fox”

Makalo: “…….”

Jay: “Makalo?”

Makalo: “FOXY IS GONE!!”

Ethan: “Ok just rela- STOP SCREAMING!! Check the camera!”

Makalo:”HE’S RUNNING TOWARDS ME!!”

Jay:”Just close the door…”

MAKALO:”THE FREAKIN BUTTON IS JAMMED!?””

And with that Foxy gets Makalo and the game ends. Defeated Makalo took of the headset and face planted on the couch.Trying not to laugh Jay puts a hand over his mouth at the over-dramatic sequence while Ethan is full-out laughing at Makalos failed attempt

Ethan: “I said don’t panic!”

Makalo:”Well you try not to when the damn door gets stuck!”

Glaring up at his friends Makalo couldn’t help but laugh along side them. The whole ordeal was so ridiculous that laughing jusy felt right.

Wiping a tear from his eyes Makalo sat up with a sigh..

Makalo:”Ok all that screaming made me hungry.”

Ethan: “Same, any ideas?”

Jay:”There’s a Chinese place not far from here. I want dumplings.”

Makalo:”That sounds good. I’m down. Ethan?”

Ethan: “Sounds good. I’ll order the food.”

Putting in the call the trio kicked back and enjoyed the moment as the city of Neon was finally in a state of peace. No crime. No monsters. Just three bros and some warm takeout on the way.

[terminaxshowtime]

THE 2023 MIKU EXPO WAS BETTER THAN I EXPECTED?????? im SO glad they went back to the old models. it was so much better and pretty clean in my opinion.

also i'm not sure how different it was for just standard video because I did the VR one, and i did take a brief look at the standard one and it has the same songs but it does have camera movements and i'm not sure how much that added / took away

i think by far the best part for me was the ego rock / death should not have taken thee back to back... i was so hype after ego rock and honestly rin and len were so fucking cute

also was it just me or was most of the songs never had an mmd before, let alone played in miku expo before? i know fraulien=biblioteka definitely didn't lol

main complaint was that it was only 14 songs compared to last year's 18 songs and those were all reused anyway... i guess they're saving the songs for 2024

[sharvariakerkar]

EX 3 The world around us (Draft 3)

Food: Forget tough rotis and crunchy veggies. Liquid meals are now the star players of Indian meals. And hey, who can blame us? They’re easy, tasty, and require zero effort! But here’s the thing: as your meals get smoother, so might your jawline! That’s right smaller jawlines and shrinking teeth are now the latest trend in town! Water: Rajasthan, 2104: In a state where clean water is scarce, cactus-based hydration patches have become a popular way to stay hydrated. These patches release small amounts of purified water directly into the bloodstream, which means people don’t need to drink water anymore. But experts are now seeing some surprising side effects. While people stay hydrated but their skin is becoming has developed patches or rashes likely which is caused because of the high salt contains in the cactus compound. Housing: Due to rise in the sea level and climate change Mumbai now floats completely on water, and life on the sea has become the new normal for its residents. The city has been rebuild to adapt to oceanic environment and is designed to handle the changing weather. To stay safe from sudden storms and changing tides, people living here wear the Rudrash necklace. This necklace has sensors that track the weather and alert the people with vibrations and by emitting light so that they can stay indoors.

Education: Children from the early age learn through gesture using wearable devices or sensors that track their hand and body movements instead of writing. VR is a big part of learning allowing them to to explore interactive environments through gestures. However, since this type of learning relies heavily on physical movements, the muscles in their arms, wrists, and fingers often get strained from repetitive actions. To help with this an accessory called Mudra is used. This accessory is inspired by ancient Indian hand gesture which is used in yoga, , Mudra supports the muscles and helps them relax, making learning easier and more comfortable.

Healthcare: With more jobs moving into VR, many workers are suffering from eye strain, which is affecting their health and productivity. This has started to impact the country’s economy, with rising healthcare costs and lower work efficiency. To address this, the Indian government has introduced the Drishti Yojana, announced by Health Minister Dr. Arjun Mehta. Under this scheme, all working citizens will receive special lens. These lenses will work like eye medication, using gentle currents to relax tired muscles and improve blood flow. They are also linked to an app that monitors eye health and sends reminders to take breaks when needed. Social Equity: Genetic modification has become universally acceptable where every parent has a chance to give their children the best possible start in life. However, in reality only wealthier families can afford this. Because of this rich children are born with perfect skin and ideal feature making everyone appear more similar and less diverse. Gender Equality: Scientists have discovered a drug to help people with medical issues, like hormone problems or gender dysphoria, by changing their physical traits. The drug soon became popular in fashion companies, where employees were pressured to use it to meet beauty standards. Some workers changed their appearance to look stronger or more attractive to fit the company’s image. A police investigation found that these companies were forcing employees to use the drug for promotions or better pay. This caused public outrage and raised questions about the fairness and ethics.

Work & Income: Sustainability focused jobs have become a bigger part of how people work and earn money. People who work in this sector earn more and their work contributes an important role in protecting the environment.

Because of this people have embrace more healthier lifestyle influencing everything from the food to what they eat to how they live. With more people adopting organic plant based diets. This has improved digestion, and stronger immune systems. Energy / Electricity: Renewable energy now dominates, with solar and wind power meeting most electricity needs. People use portable solar panels built into their clothes and accessories to generate personal energy.

A growing trend among individuals is the use of portable solar panels, which can be purchased and integrated into clothing, bags, and accessories. These panels are attached on the clothes like patches while letting you generate your own energy wherever you go. But there’s a downside: all that sun exposure is making skin more sensitive, and cases of sun damage are on the rise. Transportation: Hyperloop systems and automated vehicles have made travel seamless. However, the lack of physical movement has affected human muscle tone and balance. Some individuals have reported weaker core stability, leading to a reliance on mobility training devices that strengthen muscles through micro-vibrations.

These device look like like belts or straps that wrap around the torso or legs, while others are compact, handheld gadgets you can place on different body areas. Political Voice: Digital democracy platforms allow people to vote using VR and biometric verification, making political participation easier. However, a new problem has emerged: some people have started using stolen biometric data, such as facial scans or fingerprints, to vote on behalf of others.

They do this by hacking into databases or using advanced technology to capture biometric information without the person’s knowledge. Once they have access, they bypass security measures and cast votes in someone else's name. Air Pollution: Air quality has worsened. There is constant haze and fog all around. Due to the bad air quality people have damaged skin due to the chemicals which are mixed in the air. Because of this people have wrinkled skin with dull complexation. To protect against the harmful effects of polluted air, people wear full-body suits made from advanced materials that filter out chemicals. These include face masks, full-sleeve jackets, and gloves with built-in air purifiers Noise Pollution: Noise pollution has significantly reduced because of electric vehicles. Additionally vehicle horns are no longer needed because cars use quiet signals to communicate. Instead of honking, they have lights or vibrations to warn others. People wear smart wristbands that allows them to feel vibrations of the other vehicles helping them stay aware of traffic without loud noises. These wristbands connect to the cars, giving real-time alerts.

Non-Human life: With deforestation and wildfires making air quality worse, people are starting to experience small changes in their bodies. Some have noticed their eyes becoming more sensitive due to the toxins in the air.

To help with these changes, a new product called the Clear sight has been introduced. These are special lenses that not only protect the eyes from pollution but also keep them moist and comfortable. Worn like regular glasses, the lens helps people cope with the effects of the harmful environment around them.

Chemical Pollution: Chemical pollution has caused acid rain to happen more often. This acid rain damages plants, buildings, and even harm animals and people.

Due to the increased frequency of acid rain people wear a protective covering and glasses while going outside. This is because the acid in the rain can irritate the skin, eyes and their respiratory system. Water bodies & Supply: Due to rising pollution levels, natural water bodies are facing significant contamination, leaving many areas with unsafe drinking water. Chemicals, plastics, and toxins have made their way into rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers, affecting the health of people who rely on these water sources.

As a result, the human body has had to adapt. People living in highly polluted areas now face an increased risk of waterborne diseases and toxins entering their system. The body’s natural filtration systems are under constant strain. Many people have started taking a capsule that filter out harmful toxins from contaminated water, giving extra protection and helping people stay healthy despite the dangerous chemicals in the water. Waste management: Due to growing pollution and overflowing landfills, waste management became a big problem as traditional methods weren’t working and landfills were filling up fast. The fast fashion industry, with its constant production of cheap clothes, made things worse.

To help reduce waste, people started using bio-degradable waste packs in their clothing. While these packs help cut down on waste, they now need to be burned in special medical-grade incinerators to avoid spreading toxins. This has put even more pressure on local waste management systems. Land Use & Streets & Public Spaces: As cities grow, more land is being used for high-rise buildings, and public spaces are shrinking. This has led to a rise in crowded, cramped environments, which has started to affect people's physical and mental well-being. With less green space and fewer open areas to move freely, people are spending more time indoors and being less active.

To make up for the lack of outdoor space, many people have started bringing nature into their homes. Their walls now have screens that show peaceful scenes like forests or beaches to make them feel closer to nature. But this has started to affect the human body. Even though these virtual environments feel relaxing, people are not moving as much as they should. This has led to more eye strain, poor posture, and weak muscles, making it harder for people to stay physically healthy. Ocean Pollution: Recently, a major discovery has shaken coastal communities in the Worli Koliwada—dozens of fish have been found dead along the shores, their bodies contaminated with high levels of toxic chemicals and plastics. This tragic event has sparked fears of further pollution spreading through the oceans. As the chemicals found in the fish make their way up the food chain, people who consume seafood are now facing unexpected health effects.

The pollution is causing a condition called cyanosis, where the skin gets a purple tint because of low oxygen levels in the blood. This is becoming more common in people who regularly eat seafood from polluted waters. Effects of Climate Change: As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events like heatwaves have become more common. People are struggling to cope with the rising temperatures, especially in cities where the heat is trapped by concrete and buildings.

In response, many have started installing high-tech cooling systems in their homes which automatically adjust the temperature and humidity levels to provide constant comfort. But they’re causing people’s bodies to lose their natural ability to adapt to heat.

Urban Agriculture & Greenification: As cities have become greener with more urban gardens and rooftop plants, people have started adapting to this new environment. While greenery has improved air quality, it has led to some unexpected effects on human health. With an increase in outdoor activities, people are spending more time exposed to plant life, which has led to an increase in skin issues, such as mild rashes and irritation caused by plant oils or pollen. Gender & Sexuality: A new form of hormone therapy has allowed individuals to physically alter their bodies in order to express gender fluidity more freely. However, this has led to social challenges, as these therapies often create temporary body dysphoria due to the rapid changes in physical appearance. People are finding it difficult to cope with the pressure to constantly change their appearance in order to fit evolving gender expectations. Diversity & Inclusion: Thanks to advanced prosthetics, people with disabilities can now modify their bodies in ways once thought impossible. However, this has created new challenges. There is pressure to “improve” or “perfect” one's body using high-tech limbs or modifications. Some people feel that diversity is only accepted if it meets certain standards of perfection.

This has made some feel left out or not good enough, especially if they can’t afford or don’t want these changes. It has also caused stress and low self-esteem in people trying to keep up with these new expectations.

Accessibility: Accessibility has improved with the use of implants that help people with hearing or vision problems. These implants connect directly to the nervous system to improve sensory abilities. However, constant use of these implants has led to some issues, like increased strain on the nerves and possible damage from being always connected to digital devices. Sustainability: Mycelium is used as a material in the clothing industry as a sustainable alternative to traditional fabrics.

People wear this clothes as it is lightweight and flexible due to which it is comfortable to wear. The clothing also change it shape and texture as it grows overtime.

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Immersive: Enjoy movies, games, HD color and brightness, more shocking. VR Virtual Reality Glasses , 3D watching movies and playing games effects,good sound insulation, strong bass for games, help you judge the enemy position by sound. Myopic People Available: Object distance, IPD, one button adjustable. Myopia support, two eyes 1- 800 degree can be adjusted independently. Blue light coated lenses, 120-degree wide-angle field of view, full-screen vision viewing effect. Comfortable Wear: Flexible ergonomic headband is suitable for most people. Leahter mask, comfortable to wear for a long time, easy to clean. Wide Compatibility: VR Glasses fit for most smartphones with screen sizes from 5 - 7.0 inch, both Android and IOS systems. You can switch between large and small screens at will. Perfect Gifts: Premium present for Birthday, father's day, Easter, Christmas, suitabe for kids, friends and family. Specification: Product size: 22.5x22.5x12cm/8.86x8.86x4.72inch Material: PC ABS Interface: 3.5mm jack Screen size: 5-6.5 inches Support mobile phone: 5-7 inches Myopia support: adjustable within 800 degrees Lens: HD Blu-ray coating Interpupillary Distance: 58-75mm/2.28-2.95inch Object distance: 52mm/2.05inch Viewing angle: 120° Note: The remote control needs to be used with 2xAAA batteries. (not included) Headphone plug diameter: 3.5mm, TYPE-C and IOS jacks need the adapters. (not included) Package Includes: 1 Set VR Glasses 1 Piece Lens Cleaning Cloth 1 Piece Manual Note: 1. Please allow slightly error due to manual measurement. 2. Due to the difference between different monitors, the picture may not reflect the actual color of the item. 3. Wish you a wonderful on-line shopping! ✔️ Immersive: Enjoy Movies, Games, Hd Color And Brightness, More Shocking. Vr Virtual Reality Glasses , 3D Watching Movies And Playing Games Effects,Good Sound Insulation, Strong Bass For Games, Help You Judge The Enemy Position By Sound ✔️ Myopic People Available: Object distance, IPD, one button adjustable. Myopia support, two eyes 1- 800 degree can be adjusted independently. Blue light coated lenses, 120-degree wide-angle field of view, full-screen vision viewing effect ✔️ Comfortable Wear: Flexible ergonomic headband is suitable for most people. Leahter mask, comfortable to wear for a long time, easy to clean ✔️ Kindly Refer The Product Description Before Buying The Product 📦 Package Includes:1 Set VR Glasses [ad_2]

[shrutijadhav2139]

Anti-Fog Lens Market Drivers, Restraints, and Emerging Trends: A Comprehensive Analysis

The anti-fog lens market has been gaining significant momentum in recent years, fueled by various factors that highlight its importance across different industries. From eyewear to automotive and medical applications, the demand for lenses with anti-fog properties is transforming how these products are perceived and utilized. As consumer needs evolve, the market is witnessing substantial changes shaped by key drivers, notable challenges, and groundbreaking trends.

Drivers Accelerating Market Growth

The rise in awareness of safety and comfort is a major factor propelling the anti-fog lens market. In professional sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, clear vision is vital for productivity and accident prevention. Medical professionals, for instance, rely on anti-fog lenses during critical surgeries and diagnostic procedures, ensuring uninterrupted focus despite prolonged mask usage.

Additionally, the growth of sports and fitness activities has significantly contributed to the adoption of anti-fog lenses. Goggles designed for swimming, skiing, and cycling now come equipped with advanced coatings to eliminate fog, enhancing performance and comfort for athletes and enthusiasts alike. The convenience of these lenses has also led to their widespread adoption in daily-use eyewear, offering clear vision in diverse environmental conditions.

The automotive industry is another crucial driver, with anti-fog technology being integrated into car windshields and mirrors. This feature enhances visibility in challenging weather conditions, ensuring safer driving experiences. Consumer demand for high-performance vehicles equipped with such innovations is pushing manufacturers to explore new developments in the field.

Restraints Hindering Market Expansion

Despite its advantages, the anti-fog lens market faces hurdles that limit its growth. High production costs associated with advanced coatings and manufacturing processes often result in premium-priced products. This pricing challenge makes such lenses less accessible to a broader audience, particularly in emerging economies.

Another challenge lies in the durability of anti-fog coatings. Over time, frequent cleaning or exposure to harsh environmental conditions may reduce their effectiveness. As a result, consumers often need to replace their lenses more frequently, leading to concerns about cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Furthermore, competition from alternative solutions like anti-fog sprays and wipes poses a restraint. These products are often marketed as cost-effective and convenient options, making them attractive to budget-conscious consumers.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Future

The anti-fog lens market is embracing innovation, with emerging trends signaling a promising future. One noteworthy development is the integration of nanotechnology into lens coatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of ultra-thin, durable films that enhance anti-fog properties while resisting scratches and smudges. These advancements not only improve product quality but also address consumer concerns about longevity.

Sustainability is another key trend influencing the market. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and production methods to meet the growing demand for sustainable products. Biodegradable coatings and recyclable packaging are becoming standard features, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

The rise of smart lenses is also revolutionizing the industry. Incorporating anti-fog properties into smart eyewear used for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications is creating new opportunities. These lenses enhance user experience by ensuring clarity during immersive activities, driving demand across technology-driven sectors.

Geographically, the market is expanding beyond traditional strongholds in North America and Europe. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in regions like Asia-Pacific are boosting demand for anti-fog solutions. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing increased adoption in sectors like automotive and healthcare, signaling a shift in global market dynamics.

Conclusion

The anti-fog lens market is poised for sustained growth, driven by advancements in technology, rising consumer awareness, and expanding applications. While challenges like high costs and durability concerns persist, ongoing innovation is addressing these issues, paving the way for a more accessible and efficient market. As industries continue to explore the potential of anti-fog solutions, this market is set to become a cornerstone of modern optical technologies.

Request Sample PDF Report : https://www.pristinemarketinsights.com/get-free-sample-and-toc?rprtdtid=NDk2&RD=Anti-Fog-Lens-Market-Report

[vrwaved]

📖✍Delve into the World of Oculus Quest 2 Lenses |VR WAVE📖✍

The Oculus Quest 2 has transformed the virtual reality landscape, providing an immersive experience that appeals to gamers, educators, and tech enthusiasts alike. A crucial component of this experience lies in its lenses, which play a significant role in delivering high-quality visuals and comfort.

👉✨Understanding Oculus Quest 2 Lenses

The lenses in the Oculus Quest 2 Lenses designed to optimize the visual experience while minimizing eye strain. Here’s what makes them stand out:

Key Features

Aspheric Lens Design: The lenses use an aspheric design that helps reduce distortion, providing a clearer image across the entire field of view.

Adjustable IPD: The interpupillary distance (IPD) can be adjusted to accommodate different eye distances, ensuring that every user can achieve a comfortable and focused view.

Anti-Reflective Coating: This coating reduces glare and enhances color accuracy, making the virtual environment more vibrant.

👉✨Benefits of Quality Lenses

The right lenses can significantly enhance your VR experience. Here are some benefits:

Improved Visual Clarity: Clearer images enhance immersion, allowing users to engage deeply with virtual environments.

Reduced Eye Fatigue: Proper lens design minimizes strain, enabling longer play sessions without discomfort.

Enhanced Depth Perception: High-quality optics improve spatial awareness, crucial for navigating 3D spaces.

👉✨Caring for Your Oculus Quest 2 Lenses

Maintaining the quality of your lenses is essential for longevity and performance. Here are some tips:

Keep Them Clean: Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses, avoiding scratches.

Store Properly: When not in use, store the headset in a protective case to prevent dust accumulation.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure can damage the lenses, so store the device in a cool, shaded area.

In summary, the lenses of the Oculus Quest 2 are vital for delivering an immersive and enjoyable VR experience. Understanding their features and benefits can help you make the most out of your virtual adventures.

[soonparisblog]

Christmas Gift Ideas for Tech Lovers: Gadgets and Gizmos for the Tech-Savvy in Your Life

When we step into the holiday season, our minds often start gearing up to find the best Christmas gift ideas for our loved ones. If you're looking for the perfect gift for the tech aficionados in your life, you're in luck! Whether they're always up-to-date with the latest gadgets or just enjoy useful tech novelties, our curated list of tech gifts is sure to include something that will make their tech-filled hearts flutter this Christmas.

Smart Plugs

For those who love controlling everything through their smartphones, smart plugs are an ideal gift. They can remotely control appliances, make homes energy-efficient, and let them operate their devices with just a click or voice command.

Mobile Lens Kit

Does your loved one enjoy cellphone photography? A lens kit that easily attaches to their smartphone could elevate their photography game, offering wide-angle, macro, and fisheye effects in one simple kit.

Streaming Stick

For the movie and TV-show lovers, consider a streaming stick. These handy devices allow them to stream their favorite shows and movies directly onto their TV.

Wireless Charger

Tangling charging cables can be a thing of the past with wireless chargers. Fast, convenient, this gift can add a touch of tech luxe to any space.

Digital Notepad

For the tech lovers who also appreciate the satisfaction of writing manually, a digital notepad can be the perfect bridge between the digital and physical worlds. They can jot, sketch, list, and ideate digitally, and often transfer their doodles and notes directly to their devices.

Virtual Reality Headset

If budget allows, immerse your tech lover into different realms with a virtual reality (VR) headset. They can dive into the world of VR gaming, explore different travel spots virtually or enjoy immersive experiences right from their living room.

Portable Speakers

Portable Bluetooth speakers can be a great gift for music-loving tech enthusiasts. Compact yet powerful, these speakers let them enjoy their favorite tunes on-the-go.

Tech Cleaning Kit

A practical and thoughtful gift, a tech cleaning kit including microfiber cloths, cleaning solution, and compressed air can help them keep their gadgets clean and smudge-free.

Finding the right gift among the numerous Christmas gift ideas can seem overwhelming. But with a bit of insight into the recipient's interests — and a love for technology — you're well-equipped to navigate the tech gift scene. Just remember, in the end, it's the thought behind the gift that truly counts.

[anndezann]

MOVIE RECAP Speculative Design Edition

Because I like science fiction, anime, and documentaries, I've summarised some of the stuff I've watched before and tried to relate it to what I've learned in class.

SOCIAL DILEMMA

The Social Dilemma" is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the impact of social media and technology on society.

 The documentary  delves into the  ways in which algorithms and artificial intelligence influence human behavior, shaping opinions, preferences, and even political choices. As we peer into the future through the lens of "The Social Dilemma," shows  the potential consequences of unchecked technological influence. It mentions and shows the understanding of the term dark patterns that’s practically seen.. (mentioned in Psychology in Design module) Within speculative design it uses Predictive Algorithms:, to modify behavior. (AI based) talks about Data Exploitation and Manipulation, result of data collection. That we freely give.

The movie underscores the urgent need for a collective understanding of the ethical, social, and psychological implications embedded in our digitally connected world. It pushes people to examine their relationship with technology, raising crucial questions about privacy, misinformation, and the true cost of “free” online experiences. 

\\\\

MATRIX-  Trilogy plus + resurrection (seen it a long time back.. Rewatched a timeline explained video)

The Matrix could be an exaggerated  example of a plausible future.

When it comes to speculative design-application of emergent technologies is seen. Such as Human-Machine Interface: The direct neural interface used in the Matrix, where humans can connect their minds to a computer-simulated world, is a speculative design of advanced human-machine interaction.

The world building of the Matrix is crazy in looks and equally confusing. Because of the constant switch in realities.or the one reality. ie. simulated reality is so convincing that individuals within it are unable to distinguish it from the real world. This raises questions about the future of virtual reality and its impact on human perception. (looking at the progress of MR-AR-VR in today’s time) The dark, gritty, and technologically dominated urban landscapes world building with cyber punk aesthetics could be a reflection of the future.

The typical  dystopian tale of  AI development, where machines dominate and exploit humanity is one of the concepts the movie is built on.

Futuristic gizmos mentions- Sentinel Drones:Hovercraft Ships,Plug Interfaces

Though not a gizmo but Who knows the Red Pill and Blue Pill: could actually be a concept for living in different realities. 

\\\\

My Neighbour Totoro-Hayao Miyazaki

My Neighbor Totoro isn’t quite futuristic technology,but more of elements of fantasy and imagination which equally works equally well in speculative design.

Forest Spirits:Totoro and other forest spirits can be seen as speculative elements. They represent a fantastical aspect of the environment.

Cat Bus: The Cat Bus is a whimsical creation that combines the features of a cat with a bus, providing transportation for characters in the film.  Here is real life adaptations of the Cat bus- https://www.designboom.com/design/studio-ghibli-whimsical-character-catbus-toyota-electric-vehicle-09-14-2023/

Magical Seeds: The magical seeds Mei and Satsuke discover are speculative in nature. When planted, they grow into enormous trees that serve as a connection between the human and spirit worlds. Reminds me a bit of Avatar.

Spiritual Bathhouse: In one scene, the two sisters encounter a spiritual bathhouse where the forest spirits are shown cleaning themselves. This could be a concept for self-cleaning environments for the future.

Here are some similarities between My friend Totoro and Avatar (Since they had a bit in common)

"My Neighbor Totoro" is a gentle and heartwarming family film rooted in Japanese culture, while "Avatar" is an epic science fiction adventure with a focus on action and environmental themes.

Both have a good Connection with Nature. Both films emphasize a deep connection with nature. In "My Neighbor Totoro," the characters interact with forest spirits and celebrate the natural world, while in "Avatar," the Na'vi have a profound connection with the Pandora ecosystem.

Fantasy Elements: Both movies incorporate fantasy elements. "My Neighbor Totoro" introduces magical creatures like Totoro and the Cat Bus, while "Avatar" features a lush alien world with unique flora and fauna, as well as the Na'vi's connection with the spiritual realm.

Spiritual and Mystical Elements:are used in both and are unique to the worlds.

Exploration of Indigenous Cultures: Avatar" explores the clash between human industrialization and the indigenous Na'vi people. While in Totoro," there is a respect for traditional rural life and folklore, with the forest spirits.

Both films have distinct beautiful art styles-  and showcase the creative imagination. "Avatar" is known for its groundbreaking use of 3D technology and visual effects, while "My Neighbor Totoro" captivates audiences with its charming hand-drawn animation and vibrant colors.

[dimaktech]

Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Optical Zoom Camera with Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Lens with Additional Battery (Black)

Price: (as of – Details) Product Description Little but fierce Z 50 delivers the award-winning performance of Z series in the smallest interchangeable lens DX-format camera ever.* *As of 10/10/19. Shines in low light With a 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor, a robust EXPEED 6 engine and the light-gathering advantages of the wider Z mount, photos and videos shot in low light look clean and professional. Eye…

[aldaviraata]

$9.99 Only! ~ Nikon HB-38 Lens Hood for Nikon 105mm f2.8 G AF-S VR, Best Lens Cleaning Kit, Lens Hoods, Collapsible Lens Hood, Rubber Camera Lens Cover, C001, Purpose of Camera Lens Hood, Camera Lens Hoods, Rubber Lens Hoods for Cameras BUY HERE!

[crazydiscostu]

Lenspen (VR Lens Cleaning Kit)

Lenspen (VR Lens Cleaning Kit)

One major and shared thorn in the collective sides of VR users is the dreaded dirty lens. No, that’s not some new form of sexually transmitted disease – it’s the build up of tiny dust particles on the lenses of your VR headset. Condensation, dust, food, tiny shrunken people…. they can all get in the way when it comes to enjoying some savoury VR time. The folks over at Lenspen have sent over…

[theodora3022]

Opportunist

Summary: Idia Shroud thought he is content with just watching you. But when an opportunity present itself, he is not going to let it slip through his fingers.

A/N: Sort of a birthday gift for @187-mg !! This has been colleting dust in my WIP folder for a while now...Now it has seen the light of day! I love Idia too much and my brain just empties when I think of him...

Reader is gender neutral (Let me know if I missed anything)

Warnings: Sfw, Yandere, Unhealthy relationship, stalking, mentions of drugging, Idia being a hermit&creep (nothing new, just here to remind you)

Disclaimer: This is not healthy love and it is MEANT to make you uncomfortable!!

Idia Shroud has found himself having mixed feelings at the sight of your smile for quite a while. On one hand, he would wish to cherish that image in his memory forever (in sketchbook and cloud drive too but shshsh). On the other hand, Idia would sometimes feel beside himself whenever he sees you do it. 

This feeling is not hatred. The word “hate” is way too generalized for that feeling. He certainly does not despise you. Why would someone like him hate someone as wonderful as you? But intense unease does stir up in his chest, whenever he sees you flashing that look to your friends.

He needs to gather more intel to make an informed statement or decision.

All it took is for Ortho to offer you some help with textbooks and shopping, to let him lay down appropriate devices. Spying on you? That is such a negative term! Idia has neither the intention nor the reason to harm you! This...this is just to sate his little harmless curiosities towards you! Surely you, someone known for being considerate and understanding, would forgive him for such a minor intrusion!

“Aw, aren’t you a naughty one? It is no big deal, no need to apologize!”

Idia had convinced himself that is how you would react, although you never once expressed such attitude outside of his dream realm.

Before Idia knows it, watching your daily activities has become one, if not his most enjoyed pastime. His brother has made humorous remarks about his interest in you, ever since he discovered big bro’s questionable sketches of you. By having almost unlimited access to your life, Idia found himself desperately wanting to know more. Is his “innocent” curiosity getting out of hand? Maybe, but he is long past the point of caring.

It gives him the sense of companionship he so desperately longs for, without the hassle of a real friendship. One could argue there are other ways to achieve the same outcome, but sadly blue hermit has only so many options.

Yet you are none the wiser to his prying gaze.

Maybe you do know all along, and it never bothers you?

No.

What, is, HAPPENING??

Did you just opened the door, walked in humming, and took a seat on his bedside carpet? Last time Idia checked, his VR lens are charging in the corner.

“Ortho said you can help me with this alchemy theory. I been struggling to grasp it...”

Fortunately(or not), you quickly turn away from him to fetch the textbook-missing his embarrassed, flustered face expressions.

Eh????

This is moving way too fast! Ortho did not even give him the time to clean! (Read: put away some inappropriate material he owns)

However, Idia Shroud knows the rarity of an opportunity, when it is served up to him on a silver platter like this.

Does the pros outweigh the cons?

What are the pros of stopping you from sipping that special lemonade anyways?

"Thank you for the summery drink, Ortho! Now, shall we begin?"

There you are wearing that delightful, polite smile again. The thought of seeing that every morning for the rest of his days...

Begin, for sure.

Not the same for you and him though.

(Ortho: Nii-san just needs a push in the right direction! All done now I can go plan a wedding)

[atplblog]

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[madaboutmunson]

Plug in Baby - (Part 2 of 11 of Let me call you Sweetheart)

Warnings for the entire story not just this chapter: Darkfic, out of character Eddie Munson, alternative universe, present day, Death, abuse (emotional, mental and physical, harassment, violence, torture, imprisonment, coersion, unrequited love, drugs, alcohol, illness, blood, gore, food disorder, mental illness, vampirism, hypnotism, weirdness, the upside down, bats, monsters

@munchabunch

Today was the day you and the rest of Unholy Angel had been waiting for, the Halloween Carnival Opening night.

Not just any old carnival this year, though. This year the theme was based on the cult video game series The Curse of Hawkins. Of course, you and the band always went to get your midnight copy by queuing up at the local game store in cosplay as your favourites.

Dustin Henderson, the game visionary, was gonna be here this year to open the carnival, and due to some connection between this god-like genius and your boss Mr Harrington, the festival was going to be virtually right next to work!

There were rumours that this year they were bringing a VR simulation ride to tease the next game instalment.

 Mr Harrington had even agreed to let the four of your take the early shift and pulled some strings so you could be in the first batch of riders.

You grabbed your cosplay suitcase from the closet and wheeled it out. You popped it open and checked everything was in its place. It had taken ages to make, to get it just right and match the game exactly.

You grab your jacket and poke your head out of your room. No one was around. They were probably still sleeping off last night. You sneak out as quietly as possible and quickly run down the road once you make it past the front door.

You were first to arrive at the store, as per usual. However, Mr Harrington's car wasn't here yet, so you take a stroll outside the carnival.

You could see the usual local business food trucks that frequented any event of this kind, the typical kind of static rides and game stalls, but there were a few more exciting things.

In one corner, you saw something that looked like a colossal silver van. Above is a giant screaming bat-like creature impaled on the neck of a guitar. This must be the ride indeed.

Then in the back corner nearest the store, you see a walk-through experience with a gift shop stuck on the side.

This was going to be the best Halloween week ever!

You take a few pictures on your phone and send them to the group chat.

'This year is gonna be so fucking epic!!!

 You

'IS THAT THE VR RIDE??!!!! SO FUCKING METAL!!!' 

 Terry

You are about to reprimand Terry's use of Caps but are immediately distracted by someone calling your name. 

You look around, but there is no one. You try to get a better look inside the walk-through experience. Seeing if you can snap any pictures of props or actors. You stand on your tiptoes, holding your phone up high and try to take a picture of the bit behind the fence.

You take a look at the image. It's blurry, but you can see some lab equipment and a big throne-type chair, but that's about it. You clean the lens and try again. Same thing.

You turn around to take a picture of the second-hand store behind you, and the image is crystal clear.

 They must have some sort of screen up you can't see. You look at the image of the thrift store again and quickly run over to it.

You audibly gasp. In the window is a vintage guitar. Its body is battered around the edges, some parts look scorched almost, but it is beautiful. Maybe one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen.

You put your hand up towards the glass and imagine you are touching it. Running your fingertips along the strings or its gorgeous red crackle body.

You take a close-up picture of it to find out about it later.

You hear someone call you again. You spin around to see Harley and Jenna waving at you. You run back over and get to opening the store.

You run inside to get to the store tablet first, "People! Do I have a playlist for today! It's gonna be the entire Hawkins Soundtrack back catalogue, including the score!."

 You hit play on your carefully curated playlist. Harley and Jenna are already hyped.

"Did you remember your outfit?" Jenna enquires.

"Sure did," you say, tapping your suitcase.

"What did you both choose?" You enquire.

Harley beams, "Mr & Mrs Weller!" You roll your eyes. Of course, they did, you think to yourself.

"Any idea what Terry has in store for us today or when he might turn up?" 

"We think it should be a surprise," they say, grinning at one another.

You smile and shake your head, "Alright then, be like that".

Terry bolts through from the back room just as the clock strikes 9, "Well, speak of the devil", Jenna exclaims.

Mr Harrington pulls up just after. He's a greying guy in his 50s, always immaculately dressed, with a great head of hair for his age. Constantly on his phone, sometimes business, sometimes one of his old friends but mostly one of his many children. For a Boss, he was one of the good ones, fair but flexible.

"Ahoy, shipmates," he says, saluting the four of you, walking towards his office. You all salute him in return as he disappears inside of it.

The store is horrendously busy for the rest of the day, but it doesn't dampen your mood. Tonight was going to be amazing, and if you needed a little pick me up throughout the day, you just looked across the street at the beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

The shift draws to a close, and Mr Harrington emerges from his office and, to your surprise, turns the store sign to closed.

"You're closing?" You ask.

"Oh yeah, I don't want to be stuck here tonight on my lonesome," he says, checking his watch, "besides, Henderson should be here any minute." He says, peering outside.

Your knees go to jelly. The Dustin Henderson was going to be here.

"Well, don't stand around gawking," he says, ushering you towards the back room, "Go get ready, and go be stupid teenagers", he laughs.

You all run through to the back and start getting changed into your outfits.

You had been perfecting your Stefan cosplay for months. You'd gone for the skin from the railway track level, with the rubber gloves and everything. The key things you needed to get right were the bat and the hair. You get changed as quickly as possible to allow time for setting the wig correctly.

You look around to see Terry in a lifeguard outfit, also struggling with a wig, "Terry!! Have you gone villain on us?!! Unbelievable! Bargrave! Also, you are gonna freeze out there!"

"Worth it!" He says, flexing his toned body, "Besides, we won't be outside for long, and I have the denim it if it rains."

He admires himself in the mirror and looks at you in the reflection, "Am I dreaming or is that you, Herringbone?"

You laugh, put your hands on your hips and reply, "Yeah, it's me. Don't cream your pants", in your best Steffan impersonation. 

Once you're all done, you head back out to the shop floor.

Mr Harrington's eyes go wide, "My god! Look at you all!!!" He's excited like a kid and goes down the line shaking your hands "Weller's...gorgeous as always...Bargrave...just wow...killer effort, Steffan... this truly is a blast from the past...May I? I was around at the time, after all."

You nod and smile at him. "I mean, it's almost perfect. It just needs a little more..." He moves a few strands of the hair to one side.

"Also, everyone, in the 80s, people tucked their t-shirts in, so, none of this free flowing tee experience, alright?" He says with fake disapproval with one hand on his hip pushing his blazer open, the other pointing over you all.

He goes to turn away but turns back at you again and says softly, "Now I know I'm just your boss, but it's still a public event, and people are gonna be attending from all over.

 So, please. For me. Be careful out there, and take care of one another. Sometimes your friends are all you've got." He says, blinking with a slight smile.

"Awww hell, Mr Harrington. We always look out for one another. Forever." Terry says, putting his hand out in front of him.

"Forever." The rest of you say in unison, putting your hands on Terry's

"1, 2, 3..." Terry starts 

"UNHOLY ANGEL!!" you yell all together.

Mr Harrington laughs and shakes his head, "Alright, alright", he says as a very expensive car pulls up outside, "You know you might get more gigs if you changed that name...oh shit...he's here...quickly...quickly..." He rushes around. Picking up things, and runs into his office. 

You all look at one another and smile. You hope that when you get to his age, you still have his youthful exuberance.

The bell above the door rings, and there is no mistaking who this is. He's a little younger than Mr Harrington with beautifully neat curled hair. His thumbs moving like lightning on his phone, being flanked by two of the hugest bodyguards you had ever seen.

He looks up at you all, and a huge grin spreads across his face, "Oh shit!! You guys look amazing!!!"

Your legs feel like they might collapse under you, but you remember what you all rehearsed, "Welcome to Harrington's!!!" You all shout in unison.

"Is he here?" Dustin says, smiling at you all.

The office door bursts open, "Henderson?" and out jogs Mr Harrington. They do some weird kind of choreographed greeting with one another and embrace one another tightly.

"How's Joanna?" Dustin asks, smiling, patting Mr Harrington on the arms, who responds with his own awkward pained smile.

"Already?" Dustin asks, "You are at high school relationship longevity right now, dude." He giggles and shakes his head

Mr Harrington can't repress a smile.

"The Kids?" Dustin asks.

"Oh yeah, they are all doing great, I mean complete nightmare, but also really great. Can you believe I have two college graduates already?" Then, he says proudly, "One year, you gotta make it back to the Harrington Hot Summer Hootenanny. The kids would love to see you in the flesh sometime."

"I keep trying. It's just with new releases and stuff. Summer is a big one, ready for break. But, I mean, I always make a live appearance for karaoke, even if it is virtual," he says.

Mr Harrington sighs, "It is so good to see you, man" he looks at Dustin lovingly.

Dustin looks back in admiration, "Same dude, same"

One of the bodyguards leans down to Henderson, which makes him check his watch.

"Shit!! Ok, guys, let's hustle! Grand opening in 10 minutes, and boy, are you in for a treat!" He says excitedly. I've got you the best seats, "Sure you don't want one too, Steve?"

Mr Harrington shakes his head quickly, "No, I'm good. Once was enough for me", he says with a small forced smile.

Dustin looks at the ground for a second, "Maybe another time. He...um...it looks really good, so very real, it's amazing what they can do these days."

Their eyes meet, and Mr Harrington sighs and looks down at the ground again.

Dustin claps his hands together, "Well, maybe another time? The rest of you. Let's get to it."

As you are being led out the door, you look back at Mr Harrington. He looks almost sad. It wasn't his fault his relationships didn't work out, he really tried his best, but they always seemed to fail. He was the most wonderful father, though. His kids wanted for nothing, but they were adored. He knew everything about all of them. Your parents barely knew a thing about you. Mr Harrington knew all the names of the latest pop group he youngest was obsessed with. It made you a little jealous sometimes.

"See you out there, Mr H?" You call back.

"You betcha", he smiles at you.

Dustin Henderson takes to the podium In front of the giant structure.

"I'll make this short because I cannot wait for you all to experience the ride. It's essentially a teaser for an epic section of the next game instalment being released hopefully in time for Christmas, but definitely in time for Summer next year. So without further ado, welcome to Flight of the Demobat."

Huge flames shoot up from the floor into the air, and Pyros explode into the sky.

Terry grabs your shoulders, "This is going to be so FUCKING METAAAAAL!!" He yells, squeezing you tightly against his chest.

Someone just in front of you with dark tendrils of hair turns around and smirks at you both, and then looks back at the ride.

One of the security guards comes over to get your group, so you are in the front of the queue.

You pile into your row, Terry, Jenna, Harley, you and some guy also dressed like Steffan, but from the original game, "Hey, nice outfit", he says, looking you over.

"Thanks, yours looks great too. Are those sneakers vintage?" You say in awe.

"You know, on second thoughts, Harley, do you wanna trade seats?" Terry says.

"No, I'm fine where I am, thanks", she chirps.

Terry grumbles. "Everything ok?" You turn to ask them.

"Yeah, just buzzing with excitement," Jenna says, squeezing Harley's hand.

You turn back to the guy on your left. He looks white as a sheet.

"Hey man, are you ok?" You say, a little scared.

"You know, I don't feel so good." He says, clutching his stomach and running out of the ride.

The ride attendant pins themselves against the wall to let them by, "Any single riders?" They shout down the queue.

"Holy shit, have you tried out the VR headset yet?!" Terry marvels, already wearing his, "You can already look around. This looks like something out of the first and second game. You know the bits from Byron's POV when they are trapped? It's all creepy and shit", he says quickly turning around in his seat.

You laugh at him. Terry was so great, just pure positivity personified.

"Is this seat taken?" You hear a rasp centimetres from your ear, which makes you jump.

You turn towards it quickly and are met with two deep dark eyes, a gentle smile and a mane of dark hair.

"N-No, it's free, I think", you gulp.

They sit down in the chair next to you. The smell of their leather jacket hits you like a dose. You shake your head to shake it off and make a grab for the headset in front of you.

They lean from the side and talk directly into your ear, the rings on their hand brush your cheek lightly as they bring it up to their mouth, "Say, I'm not great with the whole technology thing. Would you mind showing me how to use that?" He points at your headset.

"Um, sure," you say nervously, putting your headset down, standing up and getting the one in front of them.

"So um, it's super easy, you just wear it like a hat or helmet", you show them, and then take it back off.

They lean back in their seat confidently, steepling their fingers together. "And that's it, is it?" They look up at you directly in the eyes, and their tongue brushes their top lip for a second, "super easy." They drawl, sending a shiver down your spine.

You swallow hard. You were unnerved for sure, but not in an entirely unpleasant way. You try to hand the headset to them, but they hold their hand up, tilting their head to the side, "Would you mind?" They say, pushing it back to you and locking your eyes with theirs.

Half of your brain has gone into full panic and is useless. The other is urging you to do something. Otherwise, you might get stuck like this forever.

He moves his head towards you, still looking at you through his curls. You gently place the headset on his head, like someone would put a crown on the new monarch. His eyes are covered as it settles on his head, and you can breathe again.

His hands shoot up and touch your own as he adjusts the headset slightly. "I think I've got it from here", he says calmly with a smirk, letting go of your hands and leaning back in his seat.

You sit down in your chair and hurriedly put on your own headset and take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.

You felt crazy. Who was this guy? He can't have been a year older than you, but you'd never seen him before in your life. It must be someone from out of town for the carnival, your brain reasons. Yeah, it must be.

You look around in your headset. You look around, and it's like you are on the roof of something. All you can see around you are more of those demobats. Some sat like you, some flying around above you. The whole landscape is cool blue-toned, with vines crawling over any sporadic features you can see.

You hear the ride doors close, and the temperature suddenly drops.

You hear a noise on the wind, faint to your ears, but your seat rumbles. The creature on the apex of the roof in front of you lets out an ear-splitting screech, which erupts all around you.

Looking around, the other bats on the roof are getting up and taking to the air, and before you know it, you have to.

Twisting and turning, heading blindly towards the noise at what felt like a breakneck speed. You hear Jenna let out a scream as you go into a nose dive, the noise getting louder and louder.

And then...you recognise it...Metallica.

Your seat throws you from side to side as bats bump into you from all angles. Then suddenly thrown backwards and forced to look up as you fly through the newly forming vortex of monsters encircling something. 

Your bat joins the deadly spiral. As you look ahead, you see Rusty, a beloved character featured in all the games, kneeling by a stack of amps. Next to him is someone wailing on a guitar to Master of Puppets.

You feel a tapping on the arm of the chair between you and your new acquaintance.

The music surges, and so does the speed of the ride. The landscape rushes past you as the swarm locates its target and dart toward it.

Closing on the scene, you pick up more details about the guitarist. He looks very similar to the guy sitting next to you. Maybe you were sitting next to the actor that played them. Like the voice actor or motion capture person? Whoa, that would be amazing! This was basically its première, after all.

Oh my god, maybe that's why they were being so strange, you didn't recognise them. You must have missed an insta post or something.

Before you have time to process that, the bat twister changes to another nose dive towards the trailer they had been on top of. You chase the characters but have to pull upwards at the last moment to avoid a gruesome fate.

Your bat flies up and around again into the blue backdrop with electric red lightning crashing all around. The guitarist has gone, but the music plays on. Another nose dive at a vent on top of the trailer, where you suddenly stop on some metal spikes thrust up at you and are flung back into your seat as the screen slams to black.

"Thank you for riding Flight of The Demobat", you hear around you.

You take off your headset and catch your breath. "Holy Shit!" You say, looking wide-eyed over at your friends

"I knew it. I knew it was going to be so freakin' METAL!!" Terry enthuses, pulling you into a full band hug with Jenna and Harley.

You look over your shoulder to see if your new acquaintance is still there, but all you see is an empty seat.

[yeetustoafetus]

Hey! I'm Jay! And I've been dead for a while! I recently discovered WayneradioTV's "Half-Life VR but the AI is Self Aware" and I've become obsessed. I have also just become obsessed with the Half-Life series in general. All content is good content, Freeman's Mind, Gorgeous Freeman, the games, I don't care, feed me content. So, anyway, here's a fanfic I wrote at 3 am over the span of two days. Enjoy!

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Trigger/Content warning: Shouting/yelling, blood, swearing, mentions of slurs but none are said.

Word count: 1,845

Fandom(s) mentioned: Freeman's Mind, HLVRAI, Gorgeous Freeman, and The Half Life series.

Freeman's Mind belongs to Ross Scott

HLVRAI belongs to WayneradioTV

Gorgeous Freeman belongs to Antoine Delak

The Half Life series belongs to Valve and associates

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 A dull thunk of his skull against plated metal woke him up, his eye groggy. He glanced around with a frown, taking in his surroundings. The orange plate metal, the destroyed experiment… He knew where he was. He didn’t want to admit it, though. He smacked his hand into his forehead, the metal of his glove ripping a small hole into his forehead. He grumbled, wiping the spouting crimson from his skin

“Man, this fucking blows. I want to go back to Massachusetts.” He grumbled, standing up shakily. “Ugh, my.. Fucking head. Feels like college..” He muttered coldly. Dried blood, some his own, and some from other creatures, stuck in dried clumps throughout his beard and hair. A bloodied, now scabbed over, chunk of flesh had been ripped from the right side of his face, the eye having blurred to a dirty crimson days before. Most of his right ear had also been ripped off by a turret. A few guns hung from his beaten metal suit, bits and pieces having been chipped away. The pieces that remained hung from his figure by some kevlar and rubber. A rocket Launcher was strapped to his back, the weight offering him some unforgiving aches and pains. And here he was, trapped at ground zero once more. He hadn’t the faintest idea how he ended up back in the chamber he had begun this nightmare, but it wasn��t a welcome sight when he woke up. He blinked a few times and rubbed at his seeing eye, the vision going blurry for a minute before it cleared, showing him the blinding orange of the room once more. He groaned loudly, like a child being told to clean, before pulling his crowbar from the strap across his back. He’d have to do this the old fashioned way.

He walked around the chamber aimlessly, searching for anything, a loose side plate to pry up to get out, or a weak bit of the wall he could break through with his crowbar. After 3 minutes, he had found nothing. He growled and kicked the cart that had once contained the pure sample.

“GODDAMMIT!” He shouted, grabbing his crowbar and smacking it hard into the cart. “WHY IS THIS MY RESPONSIBILITY?! WHY AM I HERE?! GAAAH!” He screamed in frustration, punching the metal plated wall. He shouted in pain, hot tears pricking his eyes as a loud crack rang through the room. He threw his body against the wall and collapsed, grabbing his injured wrist.

“Motherfucker… I’m going to kill someone! I’m gonna fucking kill someone!” He banged his uninjured fist against the metal, the loud clang filling the room. He smacked his head back against the wall and groaned loudly. “Let me the fuck out of heeerrreee.” He droned loudly, almost sounding bored. “You fucking pussies keep me here because you’re scared!” He shouted, climbing to his feet. He smacked his crowbar against the walls once again, shouting unintelligible words mixed with a colorful vocabulary of slurs. He finally quit when he realized he was really alone.

“This is bullshit, man.” He growled, sitting against the wall again. He shook his head and let out a primal scream. Not of pain, more of frustration, anger. All of the feelings that had been bubbling since this shitshow had started. This was torture, and it was about to be even worse as he was left to die in a fully sealed room, alone. No one but himself for company. That’s what he had wanted, right?

...Right?

No, he could have guessed that after the third day of sitting alone in a broken lab. He had tried to pass the time by hitting the portal. Maybe that would bring something up, a beam of electricity to destroy the blast doors, maybe? He gave up on that when the crowbar shot back at him after a hard strike, cutting deep into the flesh of his shoulder. Just his luck that his suit had given out right there. He shouted in pain and dropped the metal bar, grabbing the quickly bleeding wound, as if covering it with his hand would stop the ooze of crimson. The blood stained the orange metal of his gloves, drips of the liquid falling to the floor.

“Mother fucker… You stupid mother… fucker..” He muttered, falling back against the wall and sighing as he clenched his fists. “...God..” He muttered. His vision went red and his anger exploded, “...GOD DAMMIT!” He shouted, throwing the crowbar as hard as he could. “YOU STUPID MOTHERFUCKER! I’M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOUR PARENTS!” He screamed. “YOU’RE FUCKING NOTHING, I’M GORDON FUCKING FREEMAN, I SHOULDN’T BE IN HERE! LET ME OUT!!” He shouted, throwing himself into a run, launching himself into the door. “YOU FUCKING WHORES, LET ME OUT!!!” He banged his fists on the door, kicking and shouting at it. All of a sudden, the doors outside of the blast doors blew open, and in stumbled 3 men, all donning some variation of the suit he had. He glared out of the windows in the blast doors before a booming voice came over the loudspeakers.

“Gordon. Freeman. Please step. Away from the. Door.” The voice rang around the room. “Like hell I’ll take orders from you!” He shouted, glancing around. “Let me out!” He demanded.

    “Gordon. Freeman. Please step. Away from the. Door, Now.” The voice repeated. He growled and crossed his arms. “Why should I? What are you gonna do about it, bitch?” He shouted. As soon as the words left his lips, a dart was shot into his neck. He yelped, grabbing at the prick in his neck. It was too late for it anyway, the tranquilizer had already begun pumping through his veins, his heightened heart rate not helping at all. He collapsed in a matter of moments, the heavy metal suit clanging to the floor with his limp body being dragged down with it. The blood from his shoulder painted the orange metal. After the disembodied voice was sure he was done, they allowed the three other men in, slamming the blast door behind them.

The men had been walking around the chamber quietly, inspecting it as the other man was passed out. One of them was quietly muttering to himself, more nervously than anything. One of the men was completely silent, peering around the room silently. The last one had a smug grin on his face the whole time, checking himself out in the reflection of the beaten metal. They all looked over in tandem as the waking man groaned, blinking quietly as he awoke. He looked around quietly, catching one of the men in his view. “...Who the fuck are you?” He grumbled at him. The man in question was tall, but rounder in some areas, a dad body as many would suggest. His skin was darker than the man who had spoken, most likely a mixed heritage. His hair was curly and was tied into a ponytail, streaks of gray running through the dark brown locks. His beard was a bit longer than Gordon’s, and his glasses had a crack through the lens. The other men in the room had similar features, each of them donning a beard and glasses. “Who.. Who the fuck are you?” He muttered to the men, going to stand up before almost falling again. “D-dammit..” He growled. One of the men stepped forward to help Gordon get footing but he batted him away. “Don’t touch me! Who are you?! Answer my questions!” He demanded from the three. The taller one stepped forward and cleared his throat. “I’m Gordon Freeman. I don’t know how I got here, And I have no clue who these two are.” He gestured to the silent one and the one checking himself out. The first Gordon barked out a laugh. “I know I look awesome, but you don’t gotta pretend to be me!” He smirked, but the other Gordon just raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure what you mean. I am Gordon Freeman, I’m not kidding.” 

The first man frowned. “I’m not fucking slow, dude. Just admit it, What’s your name?” The other man frowned. “I don’t think this is very funny, bro. Who are you?” He pointed at the silent one. “You. What’s your name?” The man looked him up and down silently before holding his hands up slightly. ‘My name is Gordon Freeman.’ He signed, looking between the three. Two of them stared at him like he had just grown 3 heads. He sighed quietly, this was going to be hard. He was going to try and translate before the one who hadn’t joined the conversation yet, the vain one, chimed in. “He said his name was Gordon Freeman as well.” The other three looked over to him. 

‘You can read signs?’ The silent one signed again. He nodded and looked over at the other two men. “I guess I’m the only one with a different name?” He frowned, raising an eyebrow. “Gorgeous Freeman. In the flesh.” The other three stared at him like he was an alien, and the frown etched deeper into his cheeks. “Whatever. You three seem to have a.. Naming situation. I might have an idea.” He nodded, smirking like a jackass.

    “Oh my god- Get on with it.” The first Gordon growled. Gorgeous held up his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, calm your tits. You can be… Freemind. Because you clearly have one of those.” He muttered, earning a growl from Freemind. “Let’s see… You.” He pointed to the taller, rounder Gordon. “Where were you before this?” He asked. “I.. was with a group of scientists.. And a security guard.” He answered, figuring specifics weren’t needed.

    “Coolio. So… I guess you could be...Hm.” He thought silently. “...What’s something people called you?”

    “Uh… The security guard called me a lot of things, mostly Gordon Feetman, but-” “Great, that’s your name.” Gorgeous cut him off with a smile. Feetman tried to protest, but he was blatantly ignored. “And you can be Freeman.” He pointed at the mute Gordon. He thought for a few seconds before giving him a thumbs up. “Great! We got names sorted. Now… How-”

    “There’s no way out.” Freemind muttered, crossing his arms. “I’ve been trying for 3 days, this room is built like it’s meant to take a damn missile.” “Well, you’ve never met me.” Gorgeous smirked, nudging  Freemind. It earned him a rough thwack to the side of his head. “Rude..” He muttered, walking over to the blast doors. He looked around and spied the crowbar that had been thrown. He picked it up, admiring it for a few seconds before shoving the sharp end between the doors. The other 3 watched silently as Gorgeous, with all of the strength in his body, forced the blast doors open. He turned back to Freemind with an asshole smirk. “I’ll wait for my applause.” “You’ll be waiting a while, then.” Freeman grunted, walking past him. Gorgeous shrugged and followed after him, Feetman and Freeman tailing behind slightly. And they were off.

[fatandnerdy30]

Land of the Avengers chapter 2

"This is the flight simulator," Dr. Storm showed the boy's the dome shaped room in the middle of the floor. "The main reason why there's so many generators in here because of this. It takes a lot of energy to run the simulator. Probably enough to run the entire city for three years."The boy's were stunned. It took that much energy to run the simulation machine?

"That's insane," Peter whispered. "But, isn't that bad for the environment? I mean, the generators make so much heat and the gasses they're known to produce have been proven to deplete the breathable air and-" Susan held up a hand with a smile. "I know all of that, but Richard actually developed these specially with that in mind. It's a new kind of energy, a renewable energy. It's something the world has never seen. Actually, you're the first people outside this building to see it." Her watch let out a beep and she turned her wrist to see the time. "And now it's getting late, so you two better get in there. You have today and tomorrow to practice before your test. I'd wish you boys luck, but I'm sure you won't need it." She opened the door latch. "Just so you know, there is a water dispenser and a bathroom. People tend to spend a long time in here and I got tired of having to clean up after they left." She sent a glare to the doors her brother went through. "So, I had Reed put in a bathroom." She gave the boys a tight smile. "Go on in. And we'll be monitoring you from out here, so we'll be the first to know if there's a problem." Peter and Harley gave a nod in unison and stepped into the chamber. As soon as the door was shut behind them, they looked at one another. "Let's do this," Harley said, holding his hand out. "And kick its ass doing it," Peter replied with a smile and they grabbed each other's hands in their secret handshake. "Did I mention that we have cameras and microphones in there, too. So no bad language," Susan's voice made the two jump and look up at the camera that had turned to look at them, feeling her admonishing look through the lens. "Sorry!" they yelled in unison and began making their way through the dome to the two seats in the middle of the room. In some odd way, they made the room seem emptier. Together they sat and buckled themselves in, looking around the white room. "Good job on buckling up, boys. You don't know how many trainees make that mistake and treat this as just a VR ride instead of a potentially dangerous experience. You two signed the wavers, right?" The boys nodded. "Good. The room will make an odd noise as the simulation starts, but soon it will fade into the noise of the flight sim. Simulation starting in three......two....one....good luck boys." They didn't get a chance to respond before the room started making a high pitched whirring noise before the room actually disappeared! In its place was the inside of a sub-orbital craft.Harley stared out the window and actually looked real, even down to the birds! "This...this is amazing!" His voice didn't even echo in the cockpit, as it was a small, full space. "The reality is so real." He reached out and touched a control, surprised to feel the yoke in his grasp. "Amazing." "I wonder how they do it? Maybe it's something to do with the brainwaves that measure your senses? That would be amazing tech to put into use in the real world! Imagine what could happen if people didn't have to leave their homes in order to work, that would mean they'd be able to spend their lives in filtered air and therefore increase their lifespan by at least ten years!" Harley gave him a look as if to say 'shut up'. "But, think of the damage the power one of these needs in order to run. Could you imagine something like that in every home? It would kill the planet indefinitely. It was a good thought, though, kid." The younger nodded and got a 'thinking' look on his face. "Worry about it after we're done, okay? Our futures ride on this simulation. We have to do good, or else those scholarships should be taken away." Peter's face turned serious in an instant and he gripped the yoke. "I'm ready. Let's get started." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twelve hours the boys stayed in the room, and the next day it was the same. It was Colonel Richards who came into the dome with a grin on his face. "Well, well. If I had known you would take it this seriously, I would have said yes to Virginia sooner. Twenty four hours in two days. You boys are probably my most determined students." He walked into the room and frowned. "Have you boys turned up the temperature in here?"The answer was obvious as Peter and Harley were drenched with sweat, their heads soaking wet as if they'd just taken a shower. "Didn't anyone tell you that you could turn on the air in here?" "Yes, sir, but we wanted this to be a challenge. We've done every simulation, but we needed a challenge." Peter wiped his forehead, grimacing as it came away wet. "Is that so? So, if I were to give you a test, you two think you would pass?" "With flying colors, Colonel," Harley said proudly. "Well, then I still hope you feel that way next week during your test. Now, get home so you can get some rest. You two still have class in the morning." The boys saluted, their actions half-hearted in their tiredness and they trudged out of the room. "What do you think, Susan?" He turned towards one of the camera's facing him. "I think Johnny is going to be upset at not being the youngest pilot anymore," the woman laughed. Reed smirked."I think you may be right." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning was a sluggish one for both boys. Both yawned with almost every step. With all the excitement from the simulation practice it was to be expected, though. Pepper felt bad for the young boys, especially Peter, who looked as if he hadn't gotten an sleep at all. In the morning class, she'd given her usual lesson, but had been lenient on her students and didn't give them the test she'd planned for that Monday. She would give it to them tomorrow. That would give the boys enough time to sleep. When the bell rang, the two tiredly gathered their belongings and were just out of the classroom when a coffee colored fist made impact with the wall next to Harley's head. "Hey there, fruity boys. I didn't expect to see you back in school this morning, with you being expelled and all." The older teen quirked a brow. "Expelled? What do you mean?" "Oh, everyone's talking about it. You don't get called to the Headmaster's office if you're not in trouble. So, what was it? You lost your scholarships and can't afford to pay for this school anymore?" Flash stuck his lower lip out. "Is that it? Mommy's part time job at the diner isn't enough to even cover one class here, and let's not talk about the orphan here," he jabbed his thumb at Peter, who simply looked down, his face flushed in embarrassment. Harley saw red at that movement and took a step towards Flash, his head towering over the freshman's. "Listen here, you little silver spoon lackey. We were not expelled. In fact, Colonel Richards has given us the chance to take the graduating test this weekend." He spotted the Colonel sauntering down the hallway, his face worried as he spotted the position of the trio and began making his way over to them. "Don't believe me? Ask him yourself." Peter was the first to alert Flash of the headmaster's arrival, going rod straight and saluting. "Colonel Richards, Sir!" he exclaimed, his voice breaking on the last part, causing his red face to turn redder. Harley was next, with Flash a second behind him. Richards smiled at the boy. "At ease, Cadets. Would there happen to be a problem here?" He eyed Cadet Thompson, who looked a little pale. "Actually, we were just discussing our test coming up, Colonel. Can you please tell Flash the rumors of our expulsion are false?" "Expulsion? Of the school's best two cadets? I don't know why you would be expelled. But, the flight test is true." He checked his watch. "Which means you two had better get to class." Peter and Harley saluted again, and hurried off. Flash tried to do the same, but Richards wouldn't have it. "Cadet Thompson, a word if you would." He was tired of hearing about this boy causing trouble. If he thought because his father was the mayor of New York he could get away with anything, he was about to be sorely mistaken. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The two boys made it to Sergeant Barton's class just in time, as the bell rang as the youngest stepped foot into the classroom. "Heya, boys. Take your seats." Clint gave them a cheeky grin as they walked in. He had planned a video lesson because he knew the two would appreciate that after having a word with Pepper earlier. So, he lowered the lights and brought down the lights. "Remember to take notes," he reminded the class and started the videos. In seconds, both Harley and Peter were out, heads on their notebooks, slight snores coming from them. Clint wanted to wake them, but he didn't have the heart, so he made it like he didn't see them and sat back for the rest of the lesson, watching over his students. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For both boys the week went by so quick, it was almost as if some kind of magical genie had snapped their fingers and made the week rush by. Flash hadn't been bothering them since the Colonel had straightened things out, and both cadets had been getting odd stares from the others on their way to class. But, in the end, it was Saturday and Peter was packed and ready to go, his suitcase next to May's in the living room. "Come on May! My test starts in two hours!" He was pacing by the door, listening to the woman puttering around the dorm. "That's two hours, Peter! Relax and take a breath!" The woman came out smiling as she fixed the large glasses on her face. She walked over to him and pulled the boy into a hug. "Breathe, Petey-Pie. You'll be fine. And we'll leave as soon as I can find a camera." The day the boy had mentioned his test, and she had gotten clearance from her boss at the hospital, she'd been spending her time after work buying all the camera's she could in order to take enough pictures of Peter and the sights on the trip to show to her colleagues. To say they were both proud and jealous was an understatement. As soon as she was ready, the two rushed from the apartment. Or, Peter rushed May out to go pick up Harley, who was sitting on his dorm porch saying goodbye to his mother. The boy gave the woman another hug and ran towards the mono-taxi, a smile on his face. "Hey Pete!" The two boys did their handshakes as the oldest sat in front of them. "Thank you so much for picking me up, Ms. Parker." May was busy telling Mrs. Keener that her son would be in the best hands as they were pulling away. Harley waved again and sat back. "I'm so excited, worried and ready for this to be over." Peter nodded in agreement as he yawned. "That's what you get for being over anxious," May chuckled.The mono-taxi pulled up to the shuttle port, the driver staring at it with wide eyes. "You know, I ain't nevah taken anybody here, and nevah been here myself. These things are too expensive." He turned in his seat. "You goin' anywhere good?" "Actually, my nephew and his friend are about to take their pilot tests." May sounded so proud and Peter liked the tone she used. "Really? They look so young!" The man's eyes widened comically. "Pete here is the youngest cadet ever to take the test," Harvey said, ruffling the red faced boy's hair. "So if he passes, then that means you'll have had the youngest pilot in history in your taxi." "Hey, can I got your autograph, kid? It could be my feature moment here." The man produced a pen and paper from his glove box. Peter nodded and signed the blank paper, handing it to Harvey, who also signed. "Thanks, boys. Hey, good luck!" The trio got out of the cab and together they rushed to the entrance, the guards stopping them for a moment before, with shocked faces, let them pass. Once they walked in, they were greeted by a crowd of travelers, all walking fast to get to where they had be before their flights left. Peter and Harley grabbed on to May's luggage as she stepped into the crowd. They dodged and pushed past angry people, until the loudspeaker in the sub-port buzzed, gaining everyone's attention. "Cadets Keener and Parker to sub-port thirty-four, cadets Keener and Parker to sub-port post haste. I repeat, Cadets Keener and Parker to sub-port thirty-four post haste." People around them started looking around for the cadets, but Peter and Harley didn't even notice the attention they were getting, being the only ones in cadet uniforms, racing with May to the gate they needed to be at. Once they ran through the gates, the sunlight blinded them for a moment. "Cadets Keener and Parker," came the booming voice of Colonel Richards. Instantly the two young boys stood at attention, their hands coming up in a firm salute. "Colonel Richards, sir!" they shouted in unison. A second later they heard a chuckle. "At ease, boys. You have a long test ahead of you, so it will take all of your strength you don't need to be wasting saluting an old man like me." Reed patted both stunned boys on the shoulder then Ben walked up to them, his eyes alighting with interest at the sight of the older woman. "And who is this stunning young lady?" he asked, his gruff voice sounding husky as he gave the woman a once over. "H-hello, sir. I-I'm May Parker, Peter's aunt." The woman was turning red and stuttering over her words, and making Peter silently gag next to her. "Really? Well, who would have ever thought you of all people would be an aunt." Ben took the woman's hand and kissed the top of it. "I do hope you enjoy your trip, Ms. Parker. Pity I'm not going with you." "We-well, I'll be enjoying time with my nephew." She smiled, noticing the man hadn't let go of her hand as of yet, so she slid it from his grasp. "I'm going to put my bag on board, she said, but Ben suddenly grabbed her suitcase like it was nothing. "Allow me, Ms. Parker." He gave her a suave smile and walked away, his shoulders straighter than they'd ever been, making Reed chuckle. "Now boys, don't let this vacation let you think you'll be able to goof off behind the yoke. I won't have anything happening to my best pilots." He waved his hand and both Virginia and Clint came from the shadows under the plane. "I'll give you two over to your teachers. Good luck, and have fun." He smiled and walked away, going to the air control tower to watch how Peter took off. "Ready?" Clint asked, and both boys turned a certain shade of green he'd never seen before as they nodded. "Come on then! Vacation awaits!" The man walked off, having to practically push Ben out of the way to help May onto the plane, the gruff man glaring at the teacher. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peter sat behind the yoke in the pilot's seat, looking over all the instruments, like he did in his simulations. But, this wasn't a simulation. This was real and he was about to fly a suborbital plane for the first time in real life. Captain Potts took the seat next to him, giving the boy a soft smile. "Nervous?" Peter nodded rapidly, eyes wide. "What if something goes wrong and I wind up crashing the plane?" The woman laughed and placed a hand on Peter's shoulder. "If anything goes wrong, I'll be right here. It's just like the simulation, okay? Just think of it that way and you'll do fine. Besides, after two hours, Harley can finish the test and you can go relax with your aunt." The teen nodded and shifted his vision back to the circuit board of switches. His palms were sweating so much he thought they might drip onto the control panel and fry something. It's just like the simulation, Peter. You can do this, he thought to himself. "Peter, just breathe. I'm right here, and I'll help you as much as I can." The trainee nodded and took control of the yoke. He could do this. It was only a short flight and if everything went right, he'd have his protege wings as be able to co-pilot the planes and take over on the longer flights when they pilot had to take a break. It wasn't like he was going to start flying by himself today. He still had a lot to learn and practice and his age required him to have an experienced co-pilot.. With an audible gulp, he nodded to the captain. This was it. Time to take this test and show it who's boss. He began flipping switches and watching lights blink all around him. In his rear flight camera he moved the rudders first up, then down, then left and right. They moved smoothly. He switched the view to the wings, watching as he moved them, noting they were smooth, too. "You're doing great," Captain Potts said with a smile. Peter nodded and grimaced. He made sure he was buckled in, then with a shaky hand, reached for the ignition button. The plane started so suddenly it made the boy jump, but he settled down at a chuckle from the captain, which he would not hold a grudge for.Two sets of eyes stared at the large black spot in the sky in front of them, hoping he was seeing things. But, Harley's question affirmed he wasn't. "The air space is clear for your test to begin," Colonel Richards' voice came over the communicator. "Have a safe flight, and may the light guide your way." "Thank you, Colonel. And you as well." Pepper responded and turned to Peter. "Whenever you're ready, Cadet." The boy nodded and started forward. It went slowly at first, but then the plane picked up speed until they were going at top ground speed. Peter glanced at the circuit board, noting that all the lights were green. Prime for takeoff. With steady hands, he brought the nose of the plane up, and up and up, until all wheels were off the ground and they were in the air. Peter didn't relax until he leveled the plane out, then he took a shaky breath. He'd done it. "Great job, Peter," Captain Potts said warmly, clasping his shoulder. She never called the cadets by their first names, so she must have been really proud. "Now you can sit back and look at the view. You've earned it." And that's what Peter did. With an awed look, he stared out the cockpit window. Below the hull of the plane lay the Earth and all the cities, though they were barely visible through all the smog and pollution. That made Peter sad. So, instead of looking at that, he fixed his gaze ahead of them. The transition of the black emptiness of space to the lit up horizon of the Earth, with the light bouncing off the ocean, and the clouds below them were white, looking nothing like the white balls of poof he was used to seeing from the ground. "It's beautiful," he whispered, awed. Sure, he'd seen the view in the simulator, but this was the real thing. It was amazing. "Isn't it? This is what we see every day." Pepper smiled at the look on the boy's face, sitting back to watch as Peter controlled the plane like a pro. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Susan was watching the screen for any anomalies, when suddenly something blipped. It was fast, so she didn't pay it much attention, until another blip came from that same spot, but this time it stayed and was bigger than the last time. "Reed, come in," she called over the communicator. "What is it?" her fiance's voice came from the console. "I don't know, but there seems to be something....oh no....it's in the path the cadets just took! Reed, get them to come back now!" The blip was growing and soon it was the bigger than the small plane. Big enough to swallow it whole. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pepper was pulled from her dozing state by a buzzing coming from the communicator. "I've got it, Peter. You just keep flying." She didn't want to distract the young boy from his task. Leaning forward she pressed the button that allowed the colonel's voice to break through the silence. "Pepper! Pepper, you have to return!" Reed's voice sounded panicked over the radio. "Pepper, do you copy! You have to return to base!" "Colonel, we copy. What's wrong?" "I don't-I can't explain it," this time it was Susan's voice coming over the communicator. "But there's a massive amount of gamma and radioactive energies coming straight ahead in your flight path." A beeping came out of the console and flipping a few switches, a map came up. The only problem was, they were too close. "We're too close to turn. We'll try going under that disturbance." She turned to Peter. "Do you need me to take over?" He shook his head. "No, Captain. I need to be ready for anything." Slowly the boy started to go down, but suddenly the plane started rumbling and turning around in the air. No matter what Peter did he couldn't control the plane. With wide eyes, he stared at Captain Potts. Suddenly, a big black cloud appeared, seemingly out of nowhere and started sucking the plane towards it! "What is that thing!?" The young teen was gripping the yoke tight, his fingers doing white. "I don't know, Cadet," Captain Potts said, her voice calm, but it had a wobble to it, letting them know she was nervous. "Just try and avoid its pull." "That's not an option," Peter retorted, his face going pale. "The systems are shutting down!" "What!?" Captain Potts shoved Peter out of his seat, taking it in his stead. "No, this can't be! Clint! Get your ass in here now," she called over the speaker. A second later the door slid open and in ran Clint, his eyes wide as he hung on to the doorway as the plane started rocking. "What the hell is going on? May is back there demanding to know also....and what the fuck is that!?" "That's what I need help with," Pepper cried in exasperation. "It keeps pulling us in!" "Peter, get to the passenger area," Captain Potts called, not looking back at them. "Go sit and buckle in, okay?" She finally took her gaze away from the black blob in the sky, smiling at the scared boy. "We'll be okay." Peter nodded, believing the woman, and was the first to leave the cockpit. "Peter?" May asked as soon as the boy had managed to stumble to his seat , eyes wide as she looked to the cockpit. "It's okay, Aunt May," the boy said, patting her hand after he buckled himself in. "We'll be okay." The plane shifted violently so suddenly, that were they not wearing their seat belts they would have been thrown about the cabin. Peter whimpered, his hand gripping the older woman's and Harley's. "We'll be okay!" he shouted over and over like a mantra. "OH shit!" The passenger cabin suddenly became pitch black. "Hold on!" Harley screamed. "Brace for impact!" Came the captain's voice over the loudspeaker. But, as soon as she said it, light encompassed the cabin, blinding the people inside. Instantly the plane stopped shaking. "What happened?" Peter asked, his head swiveling back and forth trying to see out the windows. It looked like a normal, sunny day, but there was something off about it. Before he could figure it out, though, the plane suddenly jerked, and fell. The passengers screamed all the time they fell, not even noticing the greenery that had encompassed the plane. The metal hull hit something hard enough to cause an explosion behind the seats. The noise had Harley and Peter jumping in their seats. In the next instant, they were hit with the powerful suction of the wind as the plane hurtled toward the ground. May was gripping the seat belt for dear life, the buckle clearly broken by the force of the explosion. Peter turned towards her, to grab his aunt, do something, when the plane was rocked violently, the sound of trees hitting the outside loud to everyone's ears. In the turbulence, May had lost her grip on the seat belt and was sucked out of the gaping hole on the side. It happened so fast, Peter didn't even have time to react. "May?" He whispered, shaking his head, staring at the seat the woman had just been sitting in. "May......MAAAAAAYYYY!!!!" "Everyone hold on!" Came Sergeant Clint's voice over the loudspeaker, but Peter couldn't react. He felt numb, like all of this couldn't be real. It just couldn't. A second later, the plane slammed into the ground, throwing Harley and Peter to the ground as their seat belts broke from the force of the impact. When Peter saw Harley go flying past him, he acted on instinct and grabbed his friend, holding tight to keep him from suffering the same fate as his only family member. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A pair of blue eyes were watching a radar-like map, studying it with an intense stare. There had been a small, moving object on the screen and-there it was again! "I've got something," the person called out. A head of red hair appeared by his side to study the screen. "What is it?" Her voice was smooth as silk as she bent down to look at the screen. "I don't know," the man replied, his eyes staring at the screen still. "But, it was small and came from the direction of the electromagnetic interference." "Really?" Suddenly the blip came again, and this time it stayed on the screen longer, but it seemed as though it was falling. The red head stood and smirked at the man. "Looks like we'll have to go check it out." "All right. I'll notify Tony and be right with you. I don't think we have to suit up for this." He stood and stretched, groaning when his back popped. Too many hours sitting can do that to you. The woman reached out and touched the holograph where the little blip had fallen. "Damn. It fell outside the compound's vicinity...this is going to take all of us to search an area that wide. I'll call the others." With that, the woman left the room. Blue eyes looked one last time at the screen before getting on the phone, walking out of the room. "Tony. We got something," was all he said before hanging up.