#day-tripper tax

[trendynewsnow]

Venice to Extend Day-Tripper Tax in 2024 to Combat Overtourism

Venice to Extend Day-Tripper Tax in 2024 In a decisive move to combat overtourism, Venice has announced plans to extend its day-tripper tax into next year. This extension will not only increase the number of days tourists are required to pay for entry but will also double the fee for last-minute visitors from €5 to €10, according to city officials. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that the primary…

[pleasantlyinsincere]

THE BEATLES - NEVER BEFORE HEARD RINGO STARR PERSONAL TAPE RECORDINGS FROM 1966 TOUR - SAMPLE CLIP.

Two Philips C-90 cassette tapes and one Philips C-60, two with handwritten labels (very likely in the hand of Ringo Starr) 'INDIA' and 'MAHARESHI' the third with a sticker affixed bearing handwritten label 'MANILLA (sic) INDIA'. All three contain recordings made by Ringo Starr, likely on a personal tape recorder (see here for image of Ringo returning from tour carrying what appears to be a tape recorder), of various events throughout (mostly) 1966. All recordings have very likely never before been published. Approx 248 minutes of recordings across the tapes. At one point Ringo describes the tapes as 'a talking record of our trip to Germany and Japan'. Across the three tapes, which contain hours of candid conversations with The Beatles, Brian Epstein and others within the inner circle during that period, a small selection of 'highlights' includes: - Brian Epstein discussing how to avoid paying tax/import/export charges when leaving Japan. - Numerous humorous interludes with Ringo recording his thoughts on the tours - often in an array of voices. - Band discussions of the set list for the Japan tour. - Recordings from the Budokan concerts (segments of 'If I Needed Someone' and 'Day Tripper') possibly from stage or close to stage itself, seemingly more likely from the band listening back to the recordings, whilst still in Japan. Also John asking Brian Epstein what he thought of the show. - Recordings from Manila inc thoughts on the hotel ‘pretty crappy’. - Extensive recordings from July 1966 whilst in India including the group experimenting with Indian musical instruments. - Extensive recordings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - possibly recorded later than ‘66- approx 38 minutes worth. - Recordings of Ringo solo with piano performing ‘Don’t Pass Me By’, an early version without full lyrics. - Recordings of Ringo at piano performing two likely unreleased demos - one with refrain ‘have you seen the tulips grow’ and one seemingly a version of 'I Bought A Picasso' Provenance: purchased by the vendor as part of a collection of Beatles memorabilia. By repute - the original owner had been an acquaintance of Ringo Starr during the 1960s. Accompanied by CDs containing copies of recordings.

[chrispwolf]

A resolution: no new systems 2023

In 2023 I'm not buying any new TTRPG systems.

I play pretty traditionally structured sci-fi and fantasy adventure campaigns, and I have everything I need for that. Tinkering and playing with OD&D and Night Tripper gives me what I want in my TTRPG hobby. For me it's about the making and tinkering and the creativity at the table more than collecting more books these days. I want to divorce my hobby from consumption / collecting / industry as much as possible. I get more RPG inspiration from movies, novels and other writing than I do from reading new rules.

Hypocritically, I'd like to eventually make a print version of Night Tripper available, but it'll be print on demand and at-cost, I don't want to bring taxes into it. TTRPG products that are exempt are things like useful random tables, good adventures, etc. basically stuff I can use directly to make my existing campaigns better.

Unrelated, but this cover of the 1984 Japanese translation of Traveller is super sweet:

[swissforextrading]

Pay gap, Zermatt day-tripper tax and cat ban in Switzerland | Three stories from #Switzerland🇨🇭

What do you think about this week's stories? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Ji5gXWTZM (Source of the original content)

[ploridafanthers]

I was going to title this REST STOPS AND EXITS but I suppose a more descriptive heading is LOGISTICS BETWEEN PARALLEL ROUTES.

This will be highly informed by the Florida Turnpike because, as far as I'm aware, toll roads are not held to a template the way public roads are. In particular, the Turnpike in South Florida runs right alongside I-95. To get from Miami to Orlando (or vice versa), do you want to take the Turnpike from start to terminus or go north on the interstate and then west on state road 50?

Money

A few years ago (and to a lesser degree today), some people were just too cheap to take a toll road under any circumstances. This led the Turnpike to be a fast and enjoyable experience for road-trippers.* In recent years, this is not necessarily true, as the Turnpike has two lanes to I-95's three and about the same number of people willing to drive each road.

But there are situations where the interstate can cost money as well. Express lanes are often offered in high traffic areas.

The left lane will be either cordoned off or physically diverge from the standard lanes. Watch out for the dynamic pricing that could have the same toll station costing either a dollar or ten dollars depending on the time of day. The schedule may be variable as well. Lanes during low-use periods may be closed and physically blocked off.** Pay attention to the ample signage that precedes these express lanes.

Anyway, how do you pay these tolls? These days, it's usually with a sticker transponder on your windshield. Toll roads often belong to a unique transponder system. Do not expect transponder compatibility to cross state lines.

Modern toll stations are little more than scaffolding over the road. Drivers can pass underneath at full speed. Transponders will be scanned, and a plate picture taken. Your transponder is registered to an account along with your credit card, vehicle description, and license plate information. If you find yourself passing through a toll station without the proper transponder, expect a bill at a slightly higher toll rate (and possibly a fine) mailed to the address associated with your vehicle registration.***

Older stations will have separate lanes where you can pay cash to an attendant, or a machine you can throw exact change into to raise the toll arm. Before scanners existed, it was vitally important to have exact change at the ready to feed the automated machine. This was considered a solemn duty of the shotgun rider. It's worth mentioning that cash tolls are being phased out and should not be counted on in high-population areas.

Toll plazas will be spaced out a number of miles along the route, but are also present at every entry and exit point. The nexus of I-75 and the northernmost end of the Turnpike will warn you repeatedly before you hit toll road. Sunpasses are sold in every rest plaza. You will need to set up an account on your phone in order to use it.

Side note: you will save money on gas by choosing a slower route. You'll also save money by not buying gas on the Turnpike, or near major intersections. As a trip tip, the deeper you are into absolute podunk, the cheaper everything gets.****

Rest/Service Plazas

Interstates have very simple, tax-funded rest stops. They essentially consist of bathroom facilities, vending machines, and an outdoor picnic area.

They're generally well-lit, clean, and safe places to stretch your legs after a long stint on the road. Long-haul truckers often use these pulloffs to catch some sleep. Interstate rest stops are on the right side of the road, like exits, and are only accessible in the direction you're traveling.

Turnpike service stations are rather more extravagant, and have names to differentiate them.

You can buy gas here instead of having to exit the route and find a town. There are several fast food options, Dippin' Dots vending machines, and usually a gift shop (again, this is the Florida Turnpike), in addition to the en suite gas station convenience store. These also are clean facilities to use, but they get a bit creepy after dark when the interior lights dim, shops close and only the bathrooms are open. You do not want to picnic outdoors here. Turnpike stops are on the left and are shared by both directions of traffic. Refueling is usually chaotic on holiday weekends.

Signage should tell you in advance how far away the next stop will be, and if you're entering an area that will have a long stretch of no exits at all. Use this information to plan your gas and bathroom stops. Be careful letting gas get too low on the interstate, or you may find yourself winding through some creepy, podunk forest hoping you can find a gas station (I hate you, I-10) or discovering that the town is four miles away from the exit (I hate you too, Mims, FL).

Traffic

If GPS is available, check it before and during each trip and listen to the damn thing when it tells you to route off due to a traffic accident.

I briefly touched on the importance of multiple lanes to your commute. A person driving slowly in the left lane of a two-lane road can destroy an otherwise-pleasant trip. But is it worth driving 40 miles on a 2-lane (that is, two lanes in one direction) road versus 20 miles on a 3-lane plus 20 on a one-lane? Population centers are key factors in this equation. A deserted straight stretch with only one-lane in each direction will afford you ample chance to get around slower traffic. A winding, sixty-year-old state road carrying the burden of 60 years of housing boom will be hellish.****

Rush hour can be a deal-breaker on certain routes. On interstates this can sometimes be mitigated by express lanes and bypasses that go around a city instead of through it. Orlando has a series of toll road bypasses that are probably the only reason inhabitants don't burn down the city. On interstates and toll roads, traffic is usually caused by accidents, heavily-used exits, or undesirable weather conditions. All other roads have to contend with traffic lights, and usually a lower speed limit when entering a town.*****

Speaking of Orlando, some roads are very, very dangerous. I-4 is one of the deadliest and busiest roads in the United States. It's also rumored to be haunted. Go figure. Driving in Miami is a unique and horrifying experience. Tampa is, I think, the state leader in wrong-way driving thanks to the way the interstate is laid out. The gist is that there are definitely times you want to take a bit of a longer trip to avoid getting involved. Also, heavily-wooded areas, especially winding ones and in the middle of the night are animal strikes waiting to happen. Avoid speeding through wilderness areas after dark.

If you're familiar with an area, you may know which spots are infamous speed traps (I-10 in Madison County) and where the cops will out-pace you every time (pretty much all of I-95 south of Martin County). This, and the average traffic flow, can be used to determine that a 50 mile detour might be quicker than the straight shot.

Road construction (and Florida roadways are constantly being resurfaced) can throttle any trip and may require evasive maneuvers.

Alternate Routes

State roads, county roads, and U.S. Routes are numbered roads that you may choose to bail out onto if the road gets rough. The numbers and shapes are significant.

U.S. Routes are indicated by a black-and-white shield and are contiguous between states. They pre-date the Interstate System. Like the interstate, numbers indicate roughly where in the country they're located and whether they primarily go east-west or north-south. This is your best bet (other than the interstate) if you don't know the roads.

State roads are indicated by a circle, and change at the state border, while county roads are indicated by a rectangle, and are confined within county lines. Sometimes these interact in frustrating ways.

But it gets worse!

Please enjoy SR-17 being east of the region's major conduit US-27 (that is partially also US-98), while US-17 is to the west (where it also joins up with US-98). It's actually a pretty good illustration of how the US routes spiderweb into each other, because even-numbered US-98 is an "east-west" road, but it has to go diagonally here.

If you do not have a GPS paper map: take my advice and stick to either the interstate or US routes where at least you know which direction you're heading and that you'll hit another one in the series eventually. I have had a GPS completely shit the bed on me, incorrectly pin my location, and give incorrect directions and it is not fun nor is it funky-fresh. Please know which general direction you are supposed to be heading and have a back-up plan

That, uh... about covers it, I think. Road trip responsibly, everybody.

*"Back in the day, you could drive on the Sawgrass Expressway full speed and backwards." —my dad

**See if there is a website that lists your local expressway's schedule

***Because of this, local rental cars will come with a transponder and an unavoidable upcharge

****gas prices can change significantly county-to-county, so keep an eye out when you cross a county line

*****I think SR-60 in Florida may be the only road in the country where you can hit a once-every-ten-miles passing lane, speed up from 60 to 90, and not move up in line because the bastard in the right lane sped up too!!!

******Speed traps are a common source of revenue in out-of-the-way rural towns so beware an abrupt speed limit change

Writing fanfic as a non-US citizen like

[head-post]

Former mayor urges tourists not to pay to enter Venice

Tourists arriving in Venice should not have to pay the “absurd” entrance fee charged to day-trippers when it is introduced today, the city’s former mayor has said.

Massimo Cacciari, who was mayor of the city from 1993 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2010, stressed that tourists already “pay for everything” and that he was “suggesting that everyone should not pay” the €5 (£4.30) levy, which comes into effect on Thursday.

He said day visitors already pay “three times as much as residents” for public transport in the city and that all travellers contribute to the longevity of Venice’s restaurants and museums.

The former mayor also said he would “like to see” city officials “justify in court the legality of the city’s entry tax.” He told Adnkronos news agency:

“What are they going to do, block people’s movement, send out the police to ask to see everyone’s papers?”

Venice will become the first city in the world to charge entry fees for day-trippers. This is intended to reduce the number of short-stay tourists who create unmanageable congestion during peak hours.

The “tourist tax” has caused much controversy, with several committees and residents’ associations planning protests to coincide with today’s launch in Italy. Representatives argue that the levy will not solve fundamental problems, but will only tarnish the public image of the city.

Read more HERE

[decorworks]

Travel Destinations that want Tourists to Stay Away

Where Solitude is the True LuxuryWhile the world of travel writing typically beckons readers toward breathtaking destinations and the warm embrace of the locals, it's equally intriguing to peel back the layers of places that, paradoxically, seek refuge from the tourist hordes. These are the hidden gems, the well-kept secrets of the world where solitude and preservation trump the desire for footfalls.

Faroe Islands, DenmarkNestled amid the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands exude rugged beauty and untouched landscapes. While many seek to explore this autonomous Danish territory, there's a growing awareness of the need to protect its fragile ecosystem. The Faroe Islands have devised an innovative "Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism" campaign. It invites travelers to lend a helping hand in maintaining this pristine environment while treading lightly on these unique islands.

Machu Picchu, PeruMachu Picchu, an ancient wonder nestled high in the Andes, has seen an influx of global admirers. Unfortunately, the heavy footfall has taken its toll on this historic site. In response, the Peruvian government has introduced stringent regulations to control the flow of visitors. While they're not closing the doors entirely, they are encouraging a responsible approach to exploring this magnificent Incan treasure.

Venice, ItalyVenice, with its labyrinthine canals and timeless charm, has been a long-standing magnet for tourists. But with popularity comes the weight of overcrowding, and Venetians have voiced concerns about the sustainability of their unique way of life. To strike a balance, Venice has implemented measures such as a day-tripper tax, redirecting tourism towards a more sustainable path.

Annapurna Circuit, NepalThe Annapurna Circuit, a renowned trekking route in the Himalayas, was once the epitome of adventure and cultural discovery. However, the excessive flow of trekkers led to both environmental degradation and cultural erosion. Nepalese authorities have initiated strict regulations and local fees to maintain the integrity of this trekking gem.

Santorini, GreeceSantorini, with its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings perched on cliffs, has been celebrated to the point of straining the island's resources. Concerns about preserving the traditional way of life have spurred authorities to take action, including limits on cruise ships and an emphasis on sustainable tourism.

The Galápagos Islands, EcuadorThe Galápagos Islands, renowned for their unique and delicate ecosystem, have taken proactive measures to protect their pristine environment and the wildlife that calls it home. Ecuador has enforced strict regulations, restricting visitor numbers and implementing rigorous environmental guidelines for tour operators.

Ibiza, SpainIbiza's reputation as a nightlife hub and beach paradise draws partygoers from around the world. Yet, the island is intent on safeguarding its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Measures include clamping down on unregulated parties, curtailing bar hours, and promoting sustainable tourism.These destinations, seemingly unwelcoming on the surface, are, in fact, the custodians of their unique charm and allure. What they seek is not avoidance but a more mindful, respectful exploration. Their call is for responsible travel that ensures these treasures remain untouched and captivating for generations to come. As travelers, we have the power to protect these wonders by appreciating them in a way that safeguards their beauty for the future. Read the full article

[lostprofile]

DEATH IN VENICE

THE MALIGN EFFECTS of mass tourism, a narrowly-based economy, and climactic change on the fragile city of Venice have been foreseen—and repeatedly experienced—for at least the past 30 years, but little of consequence has been done to mitigate them.

Venice grows more crowded and congested every year, but its population has been declining since the 1950s. Today, a scant 50,000 people reside permanently in the centro storico, down from 120,000 in 1950. Italians in general are fiercely loyal their birthplaces, but Venetians are reluctantly fleeing their native city, citing the degraded quality of life caused by the intolerable numbers of tourists and the rising cost of living in a city where basic types of businesses and residential housing are being replaced by souvenir shops and hotels.

The scourge of the city are the day-trippers who, 20 years ago, arrived by tourbus in lots of 100, but now come in 350m cruise ships carrying 2,000 passengers. The invading herds generate no income for hotels or restaurants, or the municipality which taxes both. The expense to the state and commune, however, is high. The heavy wear and tear on the unusual urban fabric of Venice requires costly maintenance and even more costly conservation work for the historical monuments.

With few Venetians in sight, tourists increasingly view the place as a theme park and selfie backdrop. This attitude was vividly illustrated by recent images of tourists making light of the record flooding in November 2019 by “swimming” in the Piazza San Marco as the monuments around them suffer catastrophic damage. This was an affront, but not a surprise, to the locals toiling with buckets and sandbags in the background.

These are the same residents, of course, who readily cashed in on the city’s glorious past and embraced tourism, making it a central component of the local economy. In 2019, tourism is the economy and Venetians are dependent on the very hoards of foreign sightseers destroying their way of life. The natives bemoan the gargantuan cruise ships towering over the city but, at the same time, they have built up a lucrative industry charging the large ships € 30,000 each for provisioning and servicing them. With the heavy industry on the terra firma in steep decline, the Venetians cannot afford to ban cruise ships or restrict the number of daily entries. As a result of these conflicting needs, anti-tourism measures are regularly proposed, only to be watered down or defeated. A recent decision to restrict large ship access to the Grande Canal will not be fully implemented until 2023. The Italian government has declared its opposition to Venetians’ proposed ban on cruise ships, many of which are built, owned and operated by Italian companies, and other plans to reduce tourism.

THE IMPROBABLE NOTION of city built in the middle sea with canals for streets and boats for taxis has been the key to Venice’s mystique for over a millennium. Aware of precarious nature of such a city, residents have sought to protect it from the sea and the elements by building barrier islands, dredging the lagoon and other major undertakings. In the past decade, however, those measures have proven inadequate to fend off the increased incidence of high tides caused by storms in the Adriatic. In the past, aque alte were annoyances confined to winter and major events like the flood of 1966 were highly unusual. Due to the rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather caused by global warming, severe, even disastrous, aque alte are now regular occurrences year round. June 2018 saw aque alte. Tides exceeded 4.5 feet above sea level four times in November 2019.  On 12 November 2019, flood waters reached 6 feet above sea level and flood waters inundated 85% of the cities streets. Damage to the 11th-century church of San Marco caused by flooding is expected to exceed € 27 million.

Defending the city against rising waters is clearly a much larger problem than tourism. The long-discussed plan, called Project MOSE (MOdulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico), to build movable sea walls at the three inlets of the lagoon, meant to repel tidal surges, was finally begun in 2003. Quickly mired in kickback scandals, the completion date of 2018 has been changed to 2022. The entire project, however, reminds one of the Maginot line--a supposedly stalwart bastion that proved to be useless the first and only time it was deployed, and indeed, several of the gates installed in 2003 have already failed. Project MOSE also includes the reinforcement of coastlines, the rising of existing quays and the paving of the lagoon.

During the November flooding , the regional council of Venice held an emergency meeting to discuss measures to deal with the issues caused by climate change. So. severe were the high tides that the chamber in which they worked began to flood. Despite this vivid illustration of the magnitude of the problem, the council voted down every proposal for short-sighted reasons.

More bad news.

If you love Venice, stay home.

[iotaarcane]

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

What does it all mean?

Pain of birth, good time, trips over

Animal brain mankind living

Minimal to opulent

Who is right? Why a meaning?

They want everything minus the goods

Good to know you, be good

Umbrella arm span, brain matter tingles

They search feelings

could unpleasurable to point of losing Freedom, Family, Resources.

You know better than this

The vessel is constantly abused, food choices entertainment options

Spiritual punching bag, energy forcefield depleter

Bring the help

Press on for improvement

Emanate motivation, fortress wall togetherness

Warmth love compassion, unity, joy

Working through day with a smile

This causing others to smile

Frown flip

Souls whistle holding hands

Skipping on the way to share path to enlightenment

Functioning towards targeted purpose

Enjoy living in universe together

Trust issues with those in Authority

Make majority living off land, isn’t possible

Now to navigate in world as it currently exists

Rules that contain rules

Power trippers gainfully employed in wrong career

Fantastical faith vibrations

Humming in harmony

Light airy fuzzy connections with people

It’s over populated

Was it ravaged by previous Generations?

Those that know they gone before operations become irreversible

Greed fueled destruction

War murders for profit

Taxed for privilege to profit within boundaries

Give back to future existences

Deed with good intentions

Be translucent

Let it Happen

[bunkershotgolf]

Montcalm Golf Club Offers Stay & Play Packages

Ideal Time to Golf and Visit New Hampshire for Weekday, Summer & Fall Stay & Play Packages

If you’re considering a New Hampshire golf trip this summer or autumn, look no further than the award-winning 6,829 yard Montcalm Golf Club, one of Golf Digest’s top rated courses and one of New England’s premier golf experiences.

Located in Enfield, New Hampshire, Montcalm is currently taking reservations for a new Stay & Play package that provides visitors access to this hidden gem with unlimited use of the course and club’s practice and training facility. The packages, which are offered now through the fall, include accomodations at the nearby Courtyard by Marriott Hanover Lebanon.

Two Stay & Play packages are available:

·       The Montcalm is a two-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriot in Lebanon, NH and includes three rounds of golf, preferred tee times and breakfast or lunch at Montcalm daily. It includes cart fees, green fees, club storage and unlimited use of the practice facility with complimentary shuttle service from the Marriott. Rates are $375 per person, double occupancy which includes tax and $495 per person, single occupancy which includes tax.

·       The Vista is a one night stay with two rounds of golf and the same offerings at $229 per person, double occupancy which includes tax and $289 per person single occupancy which includes tax.

“For those who want to golf in a splendid setting or take advantage of other nearby activities, this is a great time to visit Montcalm,” said Steve Rogers, Montcalm Golf Club’s Director of Golf. “During these unprecedented times we have welcomed many day-trippers who visit us from Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. Why not come for a few days? The golf is great, the views are magnificent and the weather is ideal. When autumn arrives you won’t find a more stunning backdrop than the panoramic mountain views that surround our club.”

Situated between the Green Mountain National Forest and the White Mountain National Forest in the Upper Valley section of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, Montcalm Golf Club has outstanding views of Killington, Vermont’s Green Mountains and Mt. Ascutney, as well as rolling hills of velvet fairways and greens.

In addition to Montcalm, there are endless adventures while visiting New Hampshire -- from scenic kayaking, walking trails and hiking opportunities to lakes, seacoast offerings and tax-free shopping. When it comes to dining options you’ll find delicious local offerings from farm to table, and fresh craft beer and wine throughout the state.

Montcalm Golf Club is conveniently located off of I-89 Exit 15 at 2 Smith Pond Rd. Enfield, NH 03748.

To learn more about the Stay and Play packages call 603-448-5665 or visit the website: https://montcalmgolfclub.com. Blackout dates will apply so it is recommended to secure your tee times by contacting Montcalm first

[boarix]

Wraith in the Ruins: A Fallout 4 Story Part XIII

Let Me Go

Trigger warnings: canon language/violence/gun, drug and alcohol use. Suggestive/mature content

Bloody mess warning!

Game spoilers!

Please enjoy

 “My dad’s old Highwayman would’ve come in handy right about now. Are we sure we’re still on ninety-five? I figured there would be a little more asphalt than this. ”

A week out from Sanctuary, Wraith’s caravan had been traveling in almost nonstop rain and the road was thick with mud.

“Was that a truck? I’d think we’d need some big tires for this slop, ya feel me?”

���Nothing can stop a Highwayman!” Wraith did her best impression of the spokesperson but then frowned to herself when she realized she was the only person to have actually ever heard the original commercial.

“I’d rather have a vertibird… fly above all… nngh… stupid… wet… CRAP!” Falling over sideways, MacCready lay defeated and motionless as the ever helpful Dogmeat licked his face.

Deacon fished him out, smiling at the cork-like pop, “No thank you, I’d rather not.”

“How long, in a car would this trip have taken anyway?” Hancock crouched slightly, “You want me to give you a piggyback ride, MacCready?”

“Naw man, I’m all gross and… oh… very funny.”

Laughing at them, Wraith snapped her fingers, “I don’t even have the heart to tell you. A Blitz would have gotten us there like that.” She smiled as she reminisced, “Plus they had those really cool gull-wing doors!”

“What kinda doors?”

Raising her arms out to either side, Wraith bent her elbows and spread her fingers like pinions on a wing, “Like this.”

“I know what it means, sunshine. Wanted to see if you’d make a silly pose.”

“I’m not silly! I’m a majestic shorebird.”

A small smile twitched at the corner of his mouth as Deacon enjoyed listening to and occasionally joining the trio’s banter. However, while maintaining the Harley character he had to be careful about breaking into his establish Deacon-the-funny-guy routine; laughing too loud or too frequently. Successfully gaining enough muscle mass to almost completely change his physicality, along with a full, red beard and without his glasses, he was completely unrecognizable even since Valentine’s wedding. Hancock, MacCready and Wraith had been consistent with calling him by his alter ego and he along with the five synth refugees all remained safely anonymous.

“Yes general, this is the highway. Behold your tax dollars at work.”

“Well… I’m gonna write my congressman…” Wraith slowed to walk next to Deacon, letting Hancock and MacCready move ahead. “Are we going to be able to stop in Baltimore? Or… whatever it’s called now. Or do we have to skip it like Philly?”

“There’s not a whole lot to see if we do stop; there’s some small trading stations that pop up in the summer but we might be early yet.” Deacon’s smile broadened as Hancock, noticing Dogmeat struggling in the mud, hefted the pup and carried him against his chest like a child, “We might have left too early in general… General. I haven’t seen spring rain like this in ten years.”

“Are we… talking about the weather like old people?”

“The weather will do more than… dampen our spirits. Time is a concern.”

“We wouldn’t want to get sick… being under the weather would slow us down.”

“If L&L sent a party after us… their rain of terror would…”

“Ugh, no! That’s stretching.” Wraith play-punched his arm.

“Oh? Couldn’t think of another one? I guess I won that round.”

Careful! Harley wouldn’t be this familiar. Tune it back…

Making note of the sudden shift in Deacon’s body language and tucking her chin, Wraith whispered her concern from the corner of her mouth, “L&L, huh? I thought you found the last two…”

“Later.”

 MacCready had found a small rise that was relatively dry and despite the fact that it was still a good two hours until sunset, the caravan stopped for the night. After making sure the brahmin were sound, everyone was being fed and watch shifts were selected, Wraith broke away to meet with Deacon.

“Hey, that’s my trick!”

Wraith doubted that she had actually been able to sneak up on him. “You’re being kind.” Folding her slender legs under her, she propped her back against a wretched-looking tree, “How much will you tell me?”

Seating himself on the opposite side of the trunk, Deacon’s voice was low, “My contact in Underworld is Tulip. Captain Sally and The Bruiser are still at large.”

“I thought Hancock’s network had found them.”

“Shit happens.”

Not for the first time, Wraith berated herself for leaving the Railroad, “I should have stayed. Should have finished…”

“Not everything that happened or will happen is your fault, Pippa. Fuck’s sake!” Genuinely annoyed, Deacon leaned around the oak to glare at her, “Dial down your ego for two seconds and you’ll realize the Earth doesn’t fucking revolve around you!”

“Holy shit! What the fuck was that for?!”

With Wraith’s angry frown inches from his own, Deacon had an impulse to kiss her. Letting the image carry him away for far longer than was healthy, he felt heat on his face.

Shit! FUCK! SHITFUCKDAMN!

“…are you?” Clearing her throat, Wraith sat back on her heels, “What was that? Please, tell me what…”

“No, Wraith.” In one fluid motion, Deacon rose to his feet, turned and melted away into the evening shadows.

 The insects were becoming a problem. The rains had finally let up but the further south the caravan progressed the warmer it got and the swarms of bugs were insufferable. Ranging in size from annoying to lethal there was a growing concern over the amount of ammunition being spent.

“Goddamn bugs!” Hancock seemed especially agitated and would routinely spend his daily allotment of shells, “Someone take my gun from me; I can’t help myself!”

“You could always just stab them…”

“Hey, that’s right!” Brandishing his beloved combat knife, the ghoul licked the blade with a mad light in his eyes.

“Or, or you could take some Day-tripper and we could strap you to a brahimn for the rest of the trip.”

Hancock made a show of being torn between ending all bug life at the end of his knife, or enjoying a nice high, “Gee, Harley how will I ever choose?”

Surprised that he would play along, Deacon’s confusion mounted when the lanky mayor draped an arm across his shoulders, “What’s got you so… friendly?”

“Wraith’s been lower than brahmin udders since she snuck away to chat at ya.” Hancock pulled the other man close to whisper in his ear, “And you’ve been even lower, brother. You kids feuding or what?”

Alarmed to know that his mood was affecting his body language, he straightened his back. Feeling uncomfortable under the ghoul’s arm, mostly because he enjoyed the contact, Deacon shrugged and was able to side-step away. He chuckled, “Damn, you are just as dangerous as she is.” Still feeling the weight of Hancock’s touch and angry that he had liked it, he rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. “I told her about the L&L setbacks; the false intel… more or less.”

“You tell her ‘bout the mole? About how I killed that fucker?”

“No Mr. Mayor, I didn’t. Because she’s not supposed to have to know about the Railroad and where I’m at or about whatever it is that I’m doing. I’m trying to give her one less fight and one less worry.”

“Well, you’re doing it wrong. Lyin’ has never worked with her.”

Annoyed, Deacon talked through his teeth, “Well, how exactly would you go about it?”

“Fuck if I know.” Folding his arms behind his head, Hancock walked away while whistling Keep a Knockin’.

 Hancock was whimpering. It wasn’t unusual for him to battle his demons in his sleep but it still made Wraith’s heart hurt. She pulled him closer to her and his eyes opened briefly. He smiled, thankful to be rescued and he laid his head against her chest.

“Fighting ninjas again?”

“Heh. Not this time, sunshine.” He yawned and nuzzled her breasts through her shirt, “MacCready and Dogmeat still on watch?”

“Yeah. I’ve gotta get up soon. We’ll do a swap-out so you won’t be alone for long.”

“Stay with me for a couple more minutes.” His voice carried a surprisingly high level of anxiety.

She kissed his head, “A bad one, huh? I can stay a little longer.”

“I’ve told you I love you, right?” His voice wavered, almost as if he had been crying.

“Yes, of course!” She squeezed him tightly, “And I love you. What was it?”

“Don’t wanna trouble you with it.”

“It’s no trouble. It was just a dream, right?”

“I… MacCready didn’t want to leave th’ Capital and you decided to stay with him. I… I lost you both.”

  “That you, Wraith?” MacCready was staring intently through his night scope, “You picking up anything on your fancy wristwatch?”

“No. Why?”

“I… my neck hairs are up… I don’t see anything but…”

“You feel.”

Lowering his scope, MacCready’s shoulders slumped, “That’s from that book again, isn’t it? You enormous nerd.”

Wraith gave Dogmeat a pat, “Puppy here seems to be relaxed.” She stuck her hand in MacCready’s back pocket to give his butt a squeeze, “Now, now. We have been through this; if you know what I’m talking about then you’re just as big a nerd.”

Returning the scope to his eye, he pretended not to notice her hand, “Darn it! I feel like I’m being stalked. Harley isn’t out there being a… messing around, right?”

“He’s out and about but he’s taking this all very seriously.” She checked her Pip-boy again, “I still don’t see anything. You sure it’s not just a case of the jitters? Tell you what; I’ll go do a quick sweep. The bad vibes are coming from the east, right? Hang tight.”

Moving silently through the scrub, Wraith calmed her mind for peak focus. Stopping every few yards, she strained her ears to listen for any minute change in the night sounds around her. Crisscrossing back and forth, she moved east until she reached a swamp and ran out of solid ground. Slowly standing in the moon-cast shadow of a large bolder, she held her breath and closed her eyes.

You never thought that maybe Mac would want to stay. You never thought that up until a couple of years ago his whole life had been in the Capital Wasteland and maybe he prefers it. What if Duncan refuses to leave and Mac doesn’t want to traumatize him by forcing him? What if Carol and Greta convince him not to take his son? What if he had been in love with Morningstar and when he sees her he’ll realize that you’re not as good? What if…

Dangerously close to hyperventilating, Wraith was able to snap herself back… just as the deathclaw hit her.

 “Light, GET SOME GODDAMN LIGHT OUT THERE!”

“How?! We don’t have a generator with us, Mayor Hancock!”

As soon as he heard the deathclaw’s roar, MacCready had raised the alarm and he and the dog sprinted off into the night. Now, Hancock was left to organize the pursuit and was terrified that his nightmare was coming true.

“Lanterns! Torches! Fucking sake! Let’s GO!” When Deacon made as if to follow, Hancock stabbed his finger at him, “Not you! Stay and protect the camp.”

His jaw clenched as he ground his teeth but he complied.

 Get up! Getupgetupgetup!

Able to gather her legs beneath her despite her lungs being devoid of air, Wraith ducked and dodged as the monster did its best to bifurcate her. She felt hot blood streaming down her face and she realized she had forgotten her armored hood back at camp.

I am such a shitshow!

The moon was full and so afforded her enough light to evade the monster’s swinging talons. Injured as she was, Wraith knew that she would tire quickly and needed to get on the offense. She expected that her companions would hear the beast’s bellow and attempt to come to her aid but she had traveled fairly far from camp. Even with the moon’s light it would take time to find her. Options seemed to be limited…

I need to slow it down. I don’t know how deep the swamp is but if I can get it stuck in the mud…

Weaving through a small copse of trees, she gained enough distance to grab a syringe of med-X and the bottle of Buffout from her pack. Bolstered by the chems, she unsheathed Kremvh’s Tooth and sprinted straight at the creature. Diving between its legs, she slashed its Achilles tendon as she passed and rolled to her feet behind it. Ducking under its tail as it spun around to pursue her, she sprinted for the water.

Leaping to a fallen tree, Wraith ran along its length and turned to mark the deathclaw’s progress. It seemed oblivious to the fact that its left foot hung by a strip of hide and she watched in horror as it gathered itself to jump to her log.

I’m drowning here! The only way this could be worse is if there were two…

A second deathclaw bellowed from her left.

Oh. Swell.

 Trying to keep up with Dogmeat, MacCready paid no mind to the branches whipping across his face. He was terribly worried that he hadn’t heard gun shots and he was attempting to convince himself that it was because she preferred melee weapons and not because she had been killed.

Has she lost her mind? Didn’t she learn anything from the last time?!

Man and dog rounded the bolder just in time to see the second deathclaw rear back and bellow its challenge. They then both watched in horror as the injured deathclaw leaped to Wraith’s log. She was catapulted through to air to land with an enormous splash, where she sank like a stone into the swamp’s dark waters.

Snarling as viciously as Dogmeat, MacCready quickly doubled back and climbed the bolder. Rifle in hand he sent shot after shot to the second deathclaw’s right knee as Dogmeat led it in circles around the rock’s base. The sniper cut through the beast’s leg like a lumberjack felling a tree and it collapsed heavily to its side. Dogmeat continued to worry it, preventing it from getting up and MacCready changed his target to the monster’s left knee. As soon as it was destroyed, the former merc whistled the canine away and tossed a grenade; finishing it off.

 Although her flight had been ungainly, Wraith had seen the deathclaw coming and so had been able to steel herself before being launched into the water. Unable to see through the silt, she swam to the bottom and headed back toward the shore, hoping to flank her foe.

The deathclaw had somehow tracked her progress and so dragged itself through the muddy water after her. Wraith surfaced right next to it and it lunged at her with its mouth open. Pulling her .44, she unloaded a full clip into its gaping maw. Her angle was bad however and so even though the wounds she inflicted would prove to be mortal, the monster wasn’t dead yet.

Frantically doing the backstroke, she was able to find footing enough to leap at the deathclaw with her blade leading the way. Landing heavily on its head she pushed the dagger through its upper jaw and pinned its mouth closed, roaring defiantly into its face.

The deathclaw plunged and shook; crow-hopping to try and dislodge her. With one hand on her weapon and the other on one of its horns, Wraith held on for dear life as the monster thrashed. Her substantial strength still augmented by the Buffout, it should have come to no great shock when the creatures horn came away in her hand. Losing her grip on her weapon’s blood-splattered hilt, she was once again flung into the water.

Moonlight reflected through the great spray of blood, clearly defining its crimson hue. The deathclaw stood with its head raised and arms spread wide, almost as if it was appealing to the moon for mercy. Then with a deep, mortal groan it fell dead.

MacCready stood motionless in complete shock. When Wraith surfaced, sputtering and cursing he realized he had been holding his breath, “Are… ARE YOU OKAY?!”

“GrrrrrrrAWWRRR!” Splashing and growling, Wraith kicked at the beast’s head before retrieving her dagger. Then, suddenly spent, she flopped onto her back in the mud, “Ugh. I think so.”

Dogmeat ran to her and setting his nose to her head wound, whiffled unhappily.

Wraith sheathed her weapon and reached up to run her fingers through the dog’s neck ruff, “I’m okay buddy. I… I think.”

“NO! YOU ARE NOT! YOU ARE BLEEDING!” MacCready had his med kit out in a flash.

“You have a flare gun, right? Do that first, okay?”

 The relief Hancock felt when he saw the flare was dashed when he saw MacCready hovering over Wraith as she lay on the ground. Unconsciously gripping his chest over his heart, he walked with slow, heavy steps to stand next to Dogmeat. “MacCready…”

Taken aback by Hancock’s stricken look, the young man waved his hands, “She’s alive! She’s a crazy monster but she’s alive.”

“Who’s a monster?!”

“Have you ever seen yourself fight?” MacCready bent to kiss her, his slight shiver evidence of his fear, “My knock-out, monster woman…”

Hancock kneeled in the mud and placed a hand on Wraith’s blood-caked forehead, “Did you pick a fight with two deathclaws all by yer lonesome?”

“No… I’m ashamed to admit they got the drop on me.”

“I distracted you. Got in yer head. Shouldn’t have told you ‘bout that dream.”

“It’s not your fault! Don’t… just don’t, please.” Wraith caught MacCready’s hand, “Don’t bother stitching me up; I have a couple of derma-fuses at the camp.” She sat up as the young man bound her head. “It’s a shame Bear isn’t with us; I’d have him skin these two… deathclaw armor would be super cool.”

“The one I got was an albino too. That’s pretty rare.”

“What am I, chopped liver?” Hancock turned to one of the Minutemen escorts, “How ‘bout it Lloyd, you wanna help me set yer general up with some swanky new threads?”

“Do you have the right kind of knives for that?”

Placing his hand on his chest as if she had given him the greatest of insults, Hancock raised his voice to a falsetto, “Do I have the right kind of knives? ME?! You’re asking ME?!”

 It was the last night before the caravan reached the designated rendezvous at relay tower Kx-B8-11. MacCready and Wraith lay together in her bedroll and a nervous Wraith had not slept at all. Her mind was tormenting her with Hancock’s dream and she couldn’t shake the image of MacCready’s back moving further and further away from them.

“Wraith, you keep sighing…”

“Oops, sorry!”

Gathering her gently into his arms, MacCready kissed her temple, “What’s the matter?”

“What’s Morningstar like? Fahrenheit calls her a ‘beautiful giant’ but I don’t think it’s a complement.”

“No, probably not.” MacCready laughed, “It’s accurate though. She’s about as tall as Hancock but like two of him across. Maybe three…”

“Were the two of you friends?”

“No...” The pregnant pause suggested otherwise and it was his turn to sigh, “Maybe… It’s kinda complicated.”

“Tell me a story, Mac.”

“Sure, fine. It’s not like I’m gonna get any sleep anyway.”

“Yay.”

“Nyx is a nosy, goody two-shoes. She’s a busybody who can’t seem to leave sh… stuff alone.” He rolled away from her onto his back and stuck an arm behind his head. “She came to Little Lamplight so she could get into a vault. I helped her out and then I couldn’t get rid of her. She said that she owed us. I told her to… leave us alone.”

“You told her to fuck off?” She could see him smile in the dark.

“Verbatim.” His smile grew larger, “She didn’t listen, of course. She would bring supplies; food and clothes and stuff. When I turned sixteen and left she offered me a job but I was… stupid and told her ‘no thank you’.”

“Fuck off, part two?”

“Yeah. I thought I could make more money, faster with the Gunners. Looking back… I acted like such a idiot kid.”

“Mac, you were sixteen! That is a kid.”

“Not in the wasteland.” His smile gone, he looked sadly backward in time, “Then I found out that she had cleared Lamplight out and set up an orphanage in Megaton. I was so angry… but I don’t know why. Honestly, it was pretty amazing what she did for those kids. She gave them a chance to be... well… kids. That didn’t stop me though. I went and told her exactly what she should do with herself.”

“The return of fuck off, part three the sequel?”

“After Duncan was born, Lucy…” MacCready swallowed, hard, “Lucy said I needed to make peace with her. I… refused.” A rim of moisture gathered at the corner of his eye, “I was still being…” Unable to continue, a large tear traveled down his cheek.

“I’m sorry. You don’t have to keep going.”

He sniffled and reached out to pull Wraith to his chest, “No, it’s okay. After I lost Lucy, I got… dark. I would drop Duncan off at Underworld and take missions that… I don’t think Charon would’ve done.”

“Charon is Morningstar’s… bodyguard? Actually I’m not sure what their relationship is.”

“Complicated. I think at one point she owned him. They might be a couple but I honestly don’t know.”

“Owned?! Like… not like a slave?!”

“Like I said, complicated.”

“Oh… no.”

“After Duncan got sick I promised him that if he could hold out until I got a cure, that I would be a better person. I finally went to Nyx. She never even hesitated, just came to help me as if we were best pals. I took it completely wrong, like she was using this as another opportunity to show how much better she is. Ugh, I was such a bastard!”

“Stop being so hard on yourself.”

“You don’t understand. If you knew all the things I’ve done…”

“Hancock says that too. You both know perfectly well all the horrible stuff I’ve done.”

MacCready shifted himself and sat up, taking Wraith by the shoulders and looking in her eyes, “You two are different. You guys did that stuff to help other people. You both made sacrifices and hard decisions so that they could be saved. I did terrible things because I hated everything. I was joking when I called you a monster. I’m the monster.”

Matching his stare, Wraith cupped his cheek with her hand, “I don’t know if you’d ever want to tell me everything but I want you to know that I would listen. I love you. I always will.” She kissed him and gently set her forehead against his.

They sat that way, quietly for a few seconds until MacCready pulled slightly back. He stared, smiling into her eyes. His look morphed from adoration to lasciviousness and he ran his hands from her shoulders down her back.  Setting his lips against hers in a needful kiss, he tucked a hand in the waistband of her jeans to squeeze her butt.

“Mmmm, Mac… We have to… stop…” As her lover’s hands and mouth traveled across her body, Wraith barely had the presence of mind to protest.

“Think so? I can be quiet. I can be good and quiet.”

“Huugh… It’s even… more fun… oh mmmm… when you’re loud…”

 “Beacon has been activated… Harley.” Wraith was genuinely regretful at not being able to make a rhyme.

“Acknowledged, general. The Morningstar escort should arrive in less than twenty-four hours. Was there anything else?”

“No. Thank you soldier, you are dismissed.”

Wraith frowned as she watched him walk away. She had made several attempts, during the last days of travel, to engage with Deacon. She understood the need for his alter ego but was disappointed that he was no longer allowing himself to be friendly.

I make jokes and laugh with all my people. Probably more than what’s appropriate but… This is so different than any other mission. He’s so different… even from when we left Diamond City.

 “General, Morningstar has been spotted. She should be here in about twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, Lloyd.”

The sun had barely risen the following morning but Wraith had been up all night. Both Hancock and MacCready had tried to calm her but her anxiety had turned Nyx Morningstar into some sort of boyfriend-eating gorgon.

And then she was come.

At well over six feet, she was perhaps the tallest woman Wraith would ever see. Morningstar wore heavy combat gear with a custom, lion-like helmet that was heavily inspired by gladiatorial armor. Lifting an arm, she waved as her group crested the hill. When she removed her helm her impressive mane of blue-black hair poured forth like liquid night. Her large, gold eyes smiled in a truly friendly manner as they surveyed Wraith’s group.

“Hey there, butt face.”  

MacCready stood, flanked by Hancock on his left and Wraith on his right, “Hey mungo.” Swaggering up, he stuck out a hand. Nyx clasped it firmly, then to his shock, pulled him to her and swept him off his feet to spin around in a whirling bear hug, “AAAAAAHHHH! PUT ME DOWN, YOU BEHEMOTH!”

After a couple more revolutions, she set him back on his feet, “I’m sorry R.J. It’s just so good to see you!” She turned her sun-beam smile onto Hancock and offered him her hand. “John Hancock, you old raisin! How are you?!”

Shaking her hand firmly he smiled, “Still sweet and wrinkly! You’re impressive as always, Morningstar. Speaking of impressive, may I have the pleasure of introducing Wraith, General of the Minutemen?”

Wraith lifted her chin and secured her face into her best I-need-to-win-over-this-jury smile, “I’m honored to meet you, Morningstar.”

“The honor is mine. And please, call me Nyx.”

“Only if you will call me Wraith.” Wraith turned her attention to the silent, tall sentinel standing slightly behind Nyx, “And you must be Charon. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” The entire hill top seemed to freeze as Wraith extended her hand to the mountainous ghoul.

To everyone’s shock he took her hand and offered her the tiniest of quarter grins, “The pleasure is mine.” Charon then turned slightly to Nyx with a slightly larger, tiny grin and a wink.

When Nyx saw Dogmeat her eyes widened and she took a knee, “Hello old man.”

The German shepherd sat and placed his paws on her leg. The two stayed in silent communion for several seconds before woman and dog rose to their feet.

Turning back to Wraith, Nyx was all business, “We should move soon. It would only be natural for my group to assist yours breaking camp. Lots of moving bodies can be confusing to those who may be watching.”

It suddenly occurred to Wraith that six of Nyx’s group very closely resembled Deacon and his five synth refugees. Nodding, she joined the throng of people and brahmin. Then, completely imperceptible to an outside observer, the two groups swapped costumes, as if by magic.

As the large caravan headed south, Nyx and Wraith walked together. Wraith’s mind was a whirl of questions but afraid that she’d be a pest, wasn’t sure where to start.

“Danse isn’t with you.”

Wraith jumped slightly, startled by the broken silence “No. I did ask him if he would like to come but I think he feels this chapter of his life is closed. Did you know him?”

“I know everyone.” Nyx’s smile somehow softened the egotistical declaration, “Not well, but I did meet him before Maxson whisked him away. I have a letter for him from former scribe Haylen.”

“Ah. She did end up quitting then.” Wraith somehow felt even more awkward, “You might find this a strange question but, is she… okay?”

“Wraith, to be clear; I am connected to the BOS but I myself am not an active member. I have an understanding with the elder. To be blunt, they owe me. A lot. As such, they understand that certain towns, settlements and people, are under my protection. Places like Underworld. People like the ghouls living in and around the Capital Wasteland. People like my super mutant friend, Fawkes. People like Haylen.”

The large women had unconsciously picked up her pace and Wraith had to practically jog to keep up with her, “Did they threaten her?!”

“Not at all. That whole… debacle, was a huge embarrassment and setback for the Brotherhood. You remain public enemy number one but Haylen will be fine. I have her doing medical research for me and she seems to be happy.”

“Speaking of medical research, I have a gift for you.” Wraith, eager to change the subject, passed her a derma-fuse, “It’s Institute tech designed to close lacerations.”

Nyx’s eyes took on a greedy gleam as she accepted the device, “Fascinating! How does it work?”

“I don’t actually know how it works but what it does is localized cellular regeneration. Dermis only, hence the name. I actually brought you two; one to use…”

“And one to ruin, trying to figure out how to make more?” The two women shared a laugh.

“Well, glad to see you are getting along.” Returning to the group after scouting ahead, MacCready flashed them a roguish grin.

“What of it, R.J? Why wouldn’t we? I happen to be a super-fun person!”

He rolled his eyes, “Yeah, right. What were you two talking about?”

“About how you’re a huge dork.”

“Oh, I’m huge alright. In all the right places!”

“Does that explain your enormous head?”

“Big brain.”

“I think you mean big ego.”

Despite the harsh volley of words, MacCready seemed to be enjoying himself, “Well, you would be the expert on gigantism and egos.”

Wraith, feeling out of place, dropped back to her more normal walking pace. Suddenly finding herself side by side with Charon, her feeling of awkwardness intensified to new heights.

“So, I assume this is normal? For them, I mean.”

“Yes.”

“Not to say it isn’t funny.”

“Sure.”

“Well. I um… guess I’ll go check on… brahmin stuff.”

 Wraith’s passage through the Capital Wasteland left her feeling nostalgic and sad. The ruins of The Mall were particularly emotional. Her nerves frayed by the journey and the imminent face-to-face with Duncan, she held Hancock’s arm as they walked.

“You’re gonna be fine, sunshine.” The ghoul kissed the back of her hand, “We’ll be back, all together in Sanctuary before you know it. One big, happy family; lots of weird aunts and uncles for the kids.”

MacCready sought them out just before passing through Underworld’s doors. “Whew! Here we go.”

The caravan members distributed themselves between The Chop Shop and Underworld Outfitters as MacCready, Hancock, Dogmeat and Wraith climbed the stairs to Carol’s.  Just beyond the door, flanked by his ghoulette aunts stood Duncan.

“Daddy!” Giggling, the small boy threw himself into his father’s open arms. “Daddy I’m a big boy! I poop in the potty and can come with you now! Auty Carol says so! Daddy… are you ‘kay? Daddy?”

MacCready had tried his best to hold back his tears, afraid that his crying might confuse or scare his son. Caught somewhere between sobbing and laughing he was making strange noises in his throat, almost as if he was being strangled.

“It’s ‘kay, daddy. Crying is ‘kay too.” Duncan had pulled back slightly and was now patting his father’s tear streaked cheek, “Daddy, does your tummy hurt?”

“He’s just very happy to see you, honey.” Tears ran down Carol’s face as well, “I’m Carol, you must be Wraith and Hancock. This is my wife Greta. Welcome to Underworld.” The ghoulette did a double-take, “Is that… that can’t possibly… Dogmeat?!”

“Look, Daddy! There’s a doggy! It’s a good puppy?”

“He’s… yeah buddy. He’s the best puppy.”

  Deacon sat at a barstool waiting for Tulip. After their tearful reunion, MacCready and company had settled down for the night and he had separated himself to wait for his contact to close her store.

“Do you have a Geiger counter?”

“Mine’s in the shop.”

“Harley, everything is all set. The packages will be distributed by Morningstar’s courier service starting tomorrow.”

“Well, all things considered that went remarkably smooth. Kinda waiting on the other shoe…”

“It’s funny you should say that. I need your help.” Tulip lowered her voice and set her hand suggestively on Deacon’s thy. “Follow me back to the shop.”

Maintaining character, Deacon slung his arm around the ghoulette’s shoulders and leaned into her as if too drunk to walk straight, “Ohboy, I thought you’d never ashk me!”

Morningstar’s imposing presence seemed to fill the store and she leaned toward Deacon with a predatory look that reminded him of a hunting lioness, “The L&L gang is here! They’ve killed Watts.”

“Victoria…” Deacon’s mind whirled, “Who’s running the show?”

“I want you to.”

It made perfect sense. He hated it. His mind reeled back from it, “Why can’t you…”

“Don’t do that. You know why!” Nyx folded her powerful arms, “I’m way too high profile. It wouldn’t have to be permanent. We need you to whip us in to shape like you did for the Commonwealth branch. Tulip has her hands full and,” She cast an apologetic glance to the ghoulette, “she has no leadership experience. It’s you. Take a protégé if you want. Train them… but it’s you.”

“You… you got me over a barrel.”

“I promised General Wraith that I would make sure Duncan MacCready makes it safely back to Sanctuary. I will not go back on my word. I will go… you will stay.” Her eyes softened at the pain in Deacon’s pale blue eyes, “I know you and Watts went way back. I’m sorry to throw this at you now but it just happened a couple of days ago.”

“Hancock’s network had been closing in. We knew they left but we had been misdirected north. Goddamn it…”

“You’ll do a lot of good for us here. I will make sure you’re provided all necessary resources.”

“Of that I have no doubt.” Squaring his shoulders, Deacon turned to leave, “No time like the present. I’ll be off to…”

“Headquarters are still at the late, great Manya Vargas’s. Let me know when you change location… cause I know you will.”

“You’re not going to say goodbye.” All three flinched as Wraith stepped out of the shadows.

Nyx turned and took a menacing step, hands raised and ready to attack, “Bad move, General…”

“Wait! Wraith is Railroad! Or… she was…” Deacon placed himself between them, “Whisper! Wraith was Whisper!”

Nyx calmed immediately. Looking back and forth between them, she seemed to have an epiphany, “Let’s go back to the bar for a bit, Tulip.”

“Fine. If you two fight, don’t go wreaking up my shop!”

The silence was heavy, like the pressure before a thunderstorm.

Don’t… Wraith, don’t…

“Am I a child to you? Do you honestly believe you can protect me from… why wouldn’t you have told me? Hell, lie to me about the reason but fucking tell me that you’re leaving!” Wraith still had her fists clenched.

“You’re giving me permission to lie?”

Don’t… I can’t…

“I...” She seemed to deflate before his eyes, “I guess you’ve always come and go as you please.”

“You told me to leave. You told me once…”

“That was a mistake! I fucked up. Had I known better what I was doing…”

“No! You were right! You did everything and more for the Railroad… for me. You were done. Turning your focus to the Minutemen was the best decision you could have made. Just look at everything you’ve accomplished!”

Wraith shook her head, “Look at all the lives I’ve ended…”

“STOP FUCKING DOING THAT!” Deacon’s eyes flashed fire and he took an unconscious step toward her, “STOP! Don’t belittle yourself. You are the single greatest thing that’s happened to the Commonwealth… and to me.”

“You… you have no intention of coming back. Do you?” Tears streamed down her face.

“You don’t need me, Wraith. You have to let me go.”

“You’re like my brother! We… you’re my family.”

“The time has come for us to part ways.”

She lifted her arms as if to embrace him but he backed away.

Don’t hug me Wraith. I’ll… I’ll shatter. I’ll break if you hold me.

“You… you’re my friend. I love you, Deacon.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“You don’t know me, Philippa. My name is not Deacon.” His face empty of emotion, the nameless man turned his back, opened the door and walked away.

Lie. Lie. Lie.

  Thank you so much for reading! Like what you read? Looking for more? Please search my Wraith in the Ruins tag in my bio. There is a link-tree master post with all of the chapters. Questions/comments/concerns, my ask is open (anon too). I appreciate any feedback. =^..^=

[highlifestyleindia]

In an effort to better manage visitors who frequently outnumber locals in the historic centre, cluttering tiny alleys and widely utilised foot bridges over the canals, Venice will begin requiring day-trippers to make reservations and pay a charge starting January.

The new day-tripper regulations were presented by Venice officials on Friday and will take effect on January 16, 2023.

Visitors who opt not to spend the night in hotels or other accommodations must register online and pay a fee for the day they want to visit. Depending on advance reservations, the time of year, and how crowded the city is, these prices might range from 3 to 10 euros ($3.15 to $10.50) per person.

Infringers who are stopped and cannot prove that they booked and paid with a QR code run the danger of receiving fines as high as 300 euros ($315).

Four out of every five visitors to Venice only stay for the day. About 19 million day-trippers visited Venice in 2019, the last year of tourism before the pandemic, although they only contributed a small portion of the earnings from those who stayed at least one night.

Any claims that the move would aim to reduce the number of tourists visiting Italy's most popular city were dismissed by Venice's tourism commissioner.

“We won't talk about number cutoffs. We're talking about incentives and disincentives,” said Simone Venturini.

Prior to the pandemic, the reservation-and-fee strategy had been proposed but was shelved. Travel limitations imposed by COVID-19 caused tourism in Venice to almost completely disappear, giving Venetians their city almost entirely to themselves for the first time in decades.

Midway through the 1960s, mass tourism started. As a result of traffic, the high expense of supplying food and other commodities in a city without cars, periodic flooding that causes damage to homes and businesses, and other factors, the number of Venetians living in the city has progressively decreased.

They are exempt from the reserve-and-fee requirement because they already pay a lodging tax as guests at hotels and pensions.

With the new rule, Venice aims to “find this balance between (Venetian) resident and long-term and short-term visitors,” Venturini said, promising that the new system “will be simple for visitors” to manage. He billed Venice as the first city in the world putting such a system for day-only visitors in place.

The tourism official wished to "minimise frictions between day tourists and residents" by charging a fee and reservations. In a city that is 5 square kilometres (2 square miles) in size, visitors can outnumber locals by a ratio of two to one during the height of the tourist season.

Just over 50,000 people live in Venice's ancient city, which is a small percentage of what it was a few decades ago.

Children under the age of six, those with impairments, and Venice vacation apartment owners who can submit documentation proving they pay real estate taxes are exempt from the day-tripper expenses.

When day-trippers depart cruise ships for a short period of time, they add to the throngs of tourists swarming Venice's maze of winding alleyways, especially close to St. Mark's Square. Unless their cruise liner firm pays a predetermined charge to Venice, those tourists will also be required to pay.

[wickedlittlecritta]

The pandemic paused the city’s plans to introduce a day-tripper tax last year on visitors who sleep elsewhere — 80% of the total tourist footfall.

Some 19 million day-trippers visited in 2019 , spending just 5 euros ($6) to 20 euros each, according to Boston Consulting. On the other side of that equation, the 20% of tourists who spend at least one night in Venice contribute more than two-thirds of all tourist revenue.

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[bisokubira1995]

Relief in Gibraltar as ‘hard border‘ avoided

Gibraltarians reacted with relief and caution Friday after Madrid and London reached a deal allowing the territory to become part of Europe's passport-free zone to keep movement fluid on its border with Spain.Some 15,000 people, mainly Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula, from Spain every day to work, accounting for half of its workforce.Thousands more tourists go through the single checkpoint on the frontier every day, mostly day-trippers from Spain drawn in part by Gibraltar's duty-free shopping.With a land area of just 6.8 square kilometres (2.6 square miles), Gibraltar must import all of its food. Some 50,000 trucks cross the border every year on the only road linking the territory to Spain.Without a deal, this flow would have been slowed by tighter checks and more passport stamping once Britain's Brexit transition period ended on December 31, creating a new "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union.The frontier was virtually deserted Friday due to the New Year's Day holiday and pandemic restrictions on the entry of tourists."It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," said Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, as he walked his dog in Gibraltar's mostly empty marina when asked about the deal.Under terms of the last-minute accord announced Thursday by Gibraltar and Spain, the tiny territory would become part of the Schengen passport-free zone, which covers 26 European countries (most of the 27 EU members, along with Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein).Spain would be responsible for managing the Schengen arrangement which would be implemented by Frontex, the agency charged with protecting the EU's external borders. All the details of the agreement will be settled between Spain and Britain during a six-month transition period.- Border frictions -Some Gibraltarians, however, expressed concern over Spain being given a role in managing the deal."We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel employee while out on a morning bike ride along the marina.While Spain ceded Gibraltar to Britain in perpetuity in 1713 following a military struggle, Madrid has long wanted it back in a thorny dispute that has for decades caused friction on the frontier.Tensions peaked in 1969 when the regime of dictator Francisco Franco closed the border, which did not fully reopen until 1985.In 2013, Spain stepped up its vehicle checks at the border and mulled imposing a crossing fee, triggering months of gridlock amid a dispute over an artificial reef.Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, said he believed the territory would adapt well whether there was a border deal or not."Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," he said.- 'Nimble economy' -Gibraltar was forced to reinvent its economy after Britain sharply reduced its military presence in the territory in the 1980s, including closing its naval dockyards, a major employer.Britain's military now accounts for less than ten percent of Gibraltar's GDP, compared to 60 percent in the late 1970s, according to John Fletcher, an economist at Britain's Bournemouth University.The territory used favourable tax policies to help build up its banking and financial services sectors, which have transformed it into one of the most prosperous regions in Europe."It is a really nimble and inventive economy and it can be that way because it is so small it can change quickly," Fletcher told AFP, describing Gibraltar's economic transformation as "amazing".There was relief as well in La Linea, the impoverished Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar which has long relied on the territory for jobs and business.Nuria Hernanez, who owns a hardware store in La Linea, estimates that 40 percent of the customers come from Gibraltar."Without them there would be nothing here," she said.ds/chz/wdb