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elexuscal · 1 year ago

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An Educational Experience

A ficlet prompt by Gamebird [for some reason tumblr will not let me @ you directly, sorry]: Three is very intimidated by ART, but it somehow gets to the point where it can ask it about educational modules. How did that conversation play out?

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"Perihelion?"

Yes?

I had prepared what I was going say. Preparation was wise in unfamiliar situations. Yet despite my preparation, I did not speak. Somehow could not. Wished that my buffer could offer an appropriate response.

0.5 seconds passed. 1 seconds. 2 seconds. 3 seconds.

If my governor module were still active, it would have demanded a response.

The Perihelion is not a governor module. It is nearly as unforgiving as one. (Nearly.) I brace for the demand to continue speaking, but it does not come.

After 9.8 seconds, I say, "I am not prepared to operate as a free agent."

No, it agrees.

Muscles in my back move reflexively. I unclench them. Perhaps communicating via the feed will be easier. My modules lack protocols for existing outside the context of Barish-Estranza. It would be helpful if there were alternative protocols I could utilize instead.

I can provide you with my own crew's standard operating procedures.

That would be helpful, thank you. I had found that statements of gratitude were still advisable, even without governor module compulsion to be respectful to (most) clients. It seemed even more prudent considering what I was going to ask next. If there were any other documents similar to HelpMe.file, that would also be useful.

I am afraid that we are rather lacking in other personnel memoirs from rogue SecUnits.

Sarcasm is a common communication device, which I have seen hundreds if not thousands of humans use. In Perihelion's case, it seems to compose of approximately 70% of its communication strategy.

I am aware of that. (I attempt to keep any frustration or other negative emotions I may be feeling out of the feed; I almost certainly fail.) I seek other informational texts and documents to supplement my educational modules.

Perihelion's feed shifts with a new emotion; excitement, perhaps, or interest. Something like this?

Suddenly I am staring at The Perihelion's full media library. No, not full, I realise after a moment of reflection; this is a curated selection. Documentary films and serials, audio-explainers, academic texts, and other books, all labelled #Educational.

They hold potential answers to all my questions.

If I could find them. With over 17,000 items, I do not know where to begin. I do not know how to even begin constructing a query.

"Thank you, Perihelion," I say. "On further consideration, I will begin by reading your crew's operational procedures."

Wait, Perihelion says, and then 0.07 seconds later, please. Apparently it is capable of using courtesy terms, if it wants to. That was too much selection. Try this. The media library refreshes. Now there are only three options; all mid-length educational serials. Do any of these interest you?

The three titles listed, including their summaries, are:

Building Ourselves Up From dams to space-stations, farms to terraforming facilities, how do engineers build the machines that keep society ticking?

Seeking The Final Horizon For millennia before we ever left our birth planet, humanity marvelled up at space. Take a tour of the cosmos, exploring moons, stars, black holes, nebulae, and more.

Suds! The Dirt On Soap Water, fat, and ash. That sounds gross, but we rub it over our bodies every day. Learn about the many ways soap is made and used across the universe.

I consider. They are all so different. How could I choose?

But I must. There are only three of them. It is a reasonable request.

The first documentary, on infrastructure, is clearly the one most related to our current situation. We-- by which I meant, the crews of The Perihelion and the Preservation ship Safe Harbour-- are assisting the humans in rebuilding their infrastructure. But judging from the demo footage next to the documentary's description, this serial was composed to many shots of coordinators, tunnels, and walls.

I had seen a great deal of corridors, tunnels, and walls since initial deployment.

In comparison, the soap documentary intrigued me a great deal. I like soap. Or I like The Perihelion's soap. It did not sting on the skin, but felt gentle and soothing. It came in a variety of shapes and colors and textures. Every time I showered, there was a new option to try. But this was such an unimportant thing to learn about.

Finally, there was the space documentary. I had some basic knowledge regarding space science, but nothing more. I could see how this knowledge could be relevant. And The Perihelion was a deep-space research vessel. It would most likely be pleased if I selected that option. In fact, perhaps, as I thought of it, the choice may have been a test to see if I would make the correct selection.

"Seeking the Final Horizon, please."

Did you only pick that one because that was the one you thought I'd like?

I do not answer. I had not wanted to lie outright. I realise belatedly that my silence may as well be as good as a confession.

You can select something else if you prefer.

I do not know if I would like to. I already decided. Surely that is sufficient?

Never mind, the transport says, indulgently. You can watch the others afterwards, if you are still interested.

The documentary begins playing. I sit down on the soft bunk. Because there is nothing gained from standing up now, and because I can. I watch the first two episodes. They total to 85 minutes.

I had known before that space was vast. I had known that large objects exerted a gravitational pull. I had know that same gravitation pull created worm holes. I knew that wormholes were necessary for faster-than-light travel between systems. I had known all of that, yet this documentary weaves it all together, so that it is no longer disparate facts, but a single cohesive explanation.

I had not known that space could be so beautiful.

#murderbot diaries #system collapse #murderbot spoilers #fanfic #secunit three #once again an attempt at a 'short' ficlet nearly reaches 1k

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bit-b · 2 years ago

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The Pi's gone bad...

TL;DR: Raspberry Pi showcased police surveillance and police activity in a positive light. And that makes the Bit upsetti spaghetti. ------------------------------------ I don't know how many people on Tumblr are into geeky computer tech, but I felt like making a blog post to vent my frustrations about a recent goings-on. There's a company called Raspberry Pi that's been around since 2011 (with early development of Raspberry Pi starting around 2006). They're known for making small micro-computers the size of a credit card. It was originally an education initiative to get kids interested in coding. These computers run Linux, have a variety of ports for various uses and flexibility, and have a very low introductory cost. They've been utilized in all sorts of places. -Hobbyists used them in custom builds for robotics and automation. -Coders have used them to create all sorts of programs that help with entertainment, productivity, internet security, etc. -Educators have used them to help teach the fundamentals of Linux to students. It's a group and product that I've supported for a long time.

WELL, on December 8th, Raspberry Pi made a news post on their site announcing that they've hired a new person. Which is totally fine. It's good to see company growth. Only, this person was an ex-policeman in the UK surveillance division.

In the interview for the article, this ex-policeman said: “I used to be a police officer tackling serious organised crime and terror threats across the east of the UK. I was a Technical Surveillance Officer for 15 years, so I built stuff to hide video, audio, and other covert gear. You really don’t want your sensitive police equipment discovered, so I’d disguise it as something else. The variety of tools and equipment I used then really shaped what I do today.” "I started playing with Raspberry Pi hardware at home around the same time I started using Linux at work. I have used Raspberry Pi a lot in various police tactics over the years. They were dependable, low-cost, portable, and supported by such an awesome community. I tried almost every ‘fruit-based’ single-board computer out there, but I always came back to Raspberry Pi." Now, I don't blame Raspberry Pi for their computers being used as surveillance devices. It's a very open-source type of device. People are gonna get ideas. And sadly, using a micro-computer for this kind of job makes sense. HOWEVER, Raspberry Pi have full control over who they choose to hire. AND they have full control over what they choose to post to their website. If this hire and this information are things that they are happy to showcase to the world, I can't interpret this any other way than them endorsing their product for secret surveillance. Others saw it the exact same way. People went to the replies on Twitter and Mastodon to voice their concerns. But the social media manager chose to start blocking and hiding posts from people that were talking negatively about the ex-policeman and/or the article. To be fair, there were a LOT of hateful and trollish posts. And I DO NOT in any way support the harassment of anyone. Still it's not a good look to silence criticism on something so potentially contentious. It's ESPECIALLY not wise to word your replies to these comments in a dismissive and antagonistic way.

I don't know if they're still blocking people and hiding comments at this point. There seem to be plenty of angry comments left under their Twitter post. So I'm gonna guess they decided it wasn't worth trying to fight. On top of this issue, people continue to point out that it's legendarily difficult to purchase a new Raspberry Pi computer nowadays. The retailers that sell individual units can't seem to keep steady stock. This means that you either have to be VERY lucky when a supply drop happens, or you have to buy one of the scalped units being sold on either eBay or Amazon. The deluxe model is routinely sold for twice it's normal price.

That being said, if you're a business and want to buy a bulk shipment of Pi computers, that option is still readily available. Seems like the Pi company is more than happy to move inventory around if it means getting bulk batches out the door for businesses that want to stick Pi computers in random things (whether it be service devices or consumer products). And that's who I think Raspberry Pi's current REAL customers are: big businesses with big pockets. I don't completely believe that they hired this ex-policeman for the sole purpose of pushing the idea of using Pi computers in covert surveillance to law enforcement. That hinges on conspiracy talk. But I DO have a suspicion that someone in the marketing department saw the opportunity. The interview at times has an ere of advertisement. It puts Raspberry Pi computers in a position of looking like the perfect solution for police equipment. This is all my own interpretation. I can't really know 100% what their intentions were with this. I could be completely off on my assumptions, and they could turn around and say that it was a complete misfire on the PR side of things. What I do know is that I am now much more wary about Raspberry Pi. I once had interest in seeing how their newer units performed. But now I can't in good conscious hand my money over. I'm a major advocate of only allowing the police what they need within reason. And surveillance like this steps over that boundary. I was one of the first people who ordered the OG Raspberry Pi. I have great memories of learning Linux and tinkering around with it. It's one of the big reasons why I'm so interested in Linux today. I hope the Raspberry Pi company takes a minute to remember where they started. To remember their original goal. Making learning and computing accessible to all.

#raspberry pi #police #surveillance #spying #computer #linux #police state #checking under the sofa for microphones #why can't we just have nice things

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thenightling · 2 years ago

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Who are the Dead Boy Detectives?

This has been asked a lot lately because there is a new show coming to Netflix (originally it was going to be on HBO Max).

Who are The Dead Boy Detectives?

First we have Edwin Paine. Edwin was roughly twelve or thirteen-years-old and blond haired. Edwin was murdered some one hundred years ago in a boarding school in England. He had been killed by some older bullies who were wanna-be Satanists. The bullies tried to offer up Edwin for demonic favors. The bullies died for their own various life-related reasons very shortly after murdering Edwin (it was close to the first World War) and the bullies went to Hell because they believed in Hell and felt that is what they deserved. In DC comics lore you only go to Hell if you believe in it, and believe you deserve it. That part of the lore can be problematic as it condemns people who have been brainwashed by abusers that they deserve to be tortured. And it also can exonerate sociopaths who genuinely don’t think they did anything wrong. Currently The Sandman Netflix series has not addressed the old comic lore that you have to believe you deserve Hell to go there but it has acknowledged that you have to believe IN Hell in order to be able to go there. Edwin, though an innocent, spent a century trapped in a strange corridor where he thought something was following him. He believed he was in Hell but according to another comic he ended up in this place via a “clerical error.” In The Sandman storyline called The Sandman: Season of Mists Lucifer quits ruling Hell and shuts the place down. (Basis for the Lucifer TV Series.) When Lucifer shut Hell down all the demons were left to their own devices and all the souls that had been trapped in Hell returned to Earth. This is where poor Charles Rowland comes in. Charles was a dark haired living boy of about twelve or thirteen-years-old. In the 1990s Charles was attending the same boarding school that Edwin had died in. The ghosts of the bullies returned to the school after Hell was shut down and looking for someone to torment they went after poor Charles and badly burnt his back with a hot stove. Edwin (who was also haunting the old school) tried to help Charles but Charles was dying from his injuries so all Edwin could do was stay with him and try to comfort him as he died up in the attic of the school, not far from where Edwin, himself, had been murdered. Death herself showed up to take Charles but Charles didn’t want to leave his friend, Edwin. Death was very busy that day with demons and evil souls wandering the Earth and the evil souls killing people so she allowed Charles to stay with Edwin, implying she may come back for them later. The boy ghosts left the school after that and in their own comic book formed a detective agency to solve supernatural themed crimes together. Being naïve children they figured reading a few kid detective stories was enough education for this. They were wrong. Edwin Paine and Charles Rowland first appeared in The Sandman: Season of Mists: Chapter 4. Issue 25 of The Sandman comics. They were created by Neil Gaiman for The Sandman: Season of Mists. The ghost boys later appeared in their own comic book called The Dead Boy Detectives. The Dead Boy Detectives (characters) appeared on TV in the HBO Max series Doom Patrol. In Doom Patrol the boys ages were bumped to late teens so that Edwin could be portrayed as secretly being in love with Charles. Doom Patrol also changed Charles’ cause of death so that he died of hypothermia when bullies forced him into a freezing lake. On Doom Patrol one of the boys was played by Ty Tennant, the son of David Tennant. David Tennant was Loki in The Sandman audio drama and was in episode 11 of The Sandman Netflix series in the story Dream of a Thousand Cats. David Tennant was also Crowley in the show Good Omens (also based on a Neil Gaiman novel, this one that he co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett). The version of The Dead Boy Detectives who appeared in Doom Patrol were given a spin-off series of their own for HBO Max but it was to star another new set of actors playing the roles of the teen ghosts. Due to internal shake ups at Warner Brothers, The Dead Boy Detectives series never made it to air on HBO Max and will, instead, premiere on Netflix, which may allow it to connect more directly to The Sandman like it’s original literary incarnation.

#The Sandman #Dead Boy Detectives #Neil Gaiman

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inscrutable-shadow · 1 year ago

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Whumptober 2023 Day 6 - Opening Act

@whumptober-archive

Alt Prompt - Lab Rat

In at the wire, amirite? And a form experiment? During Whumptober? Less likely than you'd think! I can't put a readmore in a chat format I am so sorry hopefully the new post shortening feature is sufficient ;-;

I don't feel comfy deciding how much of the Doc's backstory is canon to FCD right now so have a new banner, I guess. They should be about nineteen here, and this is one of their first subjects. Have them being horrifying for a bit lol.

contains: gore, medical experimentation, medical malpractice, lab whump

also available on ao3!

Partial audio recording recovered from raid of former Astra Group research facility. Subject has been identified from accompanying documents as subject 003-CV. [rustling sounds, as if the recording device is being worn around the DOCTOR’s neck. their voice is louder than 003’s because of the resonance.] 003: W-What are you going to do to me? DOCTOR: (brightly) Mm, well, I was thinking, given your broad shoulders and larger than average chest cavity, that you would be an excellent subject for my experiments regarding the integration of a secondary pulmonary system into a living human. I believe I have found a pair that will quite fit you.[sound like velcro pulling and leather stretching] DOCTOR: Ah, take care when you pull at the restraints! They are quite secure. I would not want you to injure yourself. 003: Extra lungs? What do I need extra lungs for? DOCTOR: Just think of the applications! You could hold your breath for twice as long. With some additional modifications, perhaps even breathe in and out at the same time. Much more efficient. Though, well, you are unlikely to do either. I am not arrogant enough to assume that my first attempt at this procedure will be that successful. 003: So I’m going to die? DOCTOR: Like as not, yes. 003: Didn’t you take an oath or something? Do no harm? DOCTOR: Me? Oh, certainly not! Even if I were in the habit of making promises I did not intend to keep, my education was… unorthodox. Not that I truly mind spinning public falsehoods, but life is easier when you keep those to a minimum, I think. [the clinking of metal tools] DOCTOR: Plus, I believe those sorts of ethical quibbles only hold the art of medicine back. To truly drive progress forward, we must be willing to do what was previously held to be impossible. 003: Wait! Er, why are you doing this? Surely there’s some other way to- DOCTOR: Ah, I see. You are working with a faulty premise. I am not some young, idealistic doctor blinded to ethics by their drive to seek the truth. On the contrary, I do this because I love it! [DOCTOR laughs] DOCTOR: Slicing through skin, pulling apart sinew, grinding through bone, I find it all absolutely delightful. Hold still a minute, quick pinch coming… 003: (slurred) What… what’d you give me? DOCTOR: That should numb the pain and prevent you from moving. It is a little experimental thing I have been working on. We shall see if it works, no? 003: Please… no… DOCTOR: Hush, love. The less you talk, the less it will hurt. [slicing sounds. 003 screams.] DOCTOR: (gleefully) Oops. I lied. [more slicing sounds. 003 continues to wail and moan.] DOCTOR: (giggling) Pardon me a moment. Need to… step away to compose myself… Ah, this is incredible! [their voice is muffled, as if pressing a hand over their surgical mask. the laughter’s volume is unchanged.] 003: You’re insane! DOCTOR: (still laughing) Oh, certainly! Glad to see you understand! [more giggles and a few deep breaths, then the slicing sounds resume.] DOCTOR: Oh, this is my favourite part. [the whirring of a bone saw. the DOCTOR hums a folk tune, possibly ‘Daisy Daisy’. 003 screams louder than previously, but is cut off. recording ends.]

taglist: @athenswrites, @i-eat-worlds, @demondamage you seem invested in doc stuff so idk if you want to be tagged? just let me know!

#whumptober 2023 #whumptober2023 #no.6 #alt prompt #lab rat #gore tw #oc #fic #original fiction #my writing #writeblr #coy writes #whumpblr #coy whumps #the doctor five card draw #first do harm au #it's not really an au but yanno #grownup doc laughs during procedures much less but yanno sometimes it just has to come out

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digitaldetoxworld · 3 days ago

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Smart Speakers: The Evolution of Audio Technology and Home Automation

Smart audio systems have transformed from mere audio gadgets to imperative tools inside the modern home, serving as hubs for enjoyment, productiveness, and automation. These modern devices are powered with the aid of synthetic intelligence (AI), combining voice recognition with internet connectivity to provide an unbroken person's enjoyment. This essay explores the origins, functions, programs, demanding situations, and future of clever speakers, emphasizing their growing role in improving comfort and connectivity in normal life.

Smart Speakers

The Origins of Smart Speakers

The idea of a clever speaker began with improvements in AI and herbal language processing (NLP). The first and foremost jump came with voice assistants like Apple’s Siri in 2011, accompanied by the aid of Google Assistant, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Amazon’s Alexa. These technologies laid the foundation for voice-interactive gadgets.

In 2014, Amazon delivered the first Echo speaker, presenting Alexa as its built-in assistant. Initially, the Echo became seen as a novelty, allowing customers to invite primary questions or manage a few clever home gadgets. However, its ability to integrate with different clever gadgets quickly gained traction, and main competitors like Google and Apple developed their very own clever speaker traces.

Key Features of Smart Speakers

Voice Recognition and Assistance

Smart speakers depend upon superior microphones and NLP algorithms to system voice instructions. They can solve questions, offer weather updates, examine the information, and perform net searches.

Smart Home Integration

A cornerstone of smart speakers is their potential to govern clever home gadgets inclusive of lighting, thermostats, door locks, and protection cameras. Through structures like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, these gadgets act as centralized controllers for a linked home.

Entertainment

From streaming song and podcasts to gambling audiobooks, clever audio systems are designed for leisure. They combine with services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audible, delivering super sound tailored to users’ choices.

Personalization

Modern clever speakers can understand individual voices, providing customized responses, calendars, and playlists. This characteristic ensures that every person gets a custom-designed revel in.

Multi-Room Audio

Many smart speakers support multi-room audio setups, allowing users to synchronize track playback across more than one gadget in distinct rooms.

Third-Party Skills and Apps

Developers can create "talents" (Alexa) or "moves" (Google Assistant) to enlarge functionality. These range from ordering meals to playing interactive games, making the devices flexible and adaptable.

Applications of Smart Speakers

Home Automation

Smart audio systems serve as the mind of clever houses. They connect with devices like smart bulbs, thermostats, and appliances, allowing users to govern their houses with easy voice commands. For instance, announcing, “Turn off the lights,” can extinguish lighting fixtures within the entire house.

Productivity and Time Management

Users can set reminders, alarms, and timers or control their schedules using a smart audio system. Integration with productiveness apps like Google Calendar and Microsoft To-Do allows users to stay organized.

Accessibility

For people with disabilities, clever speakers offer an available interface for controlling gadgets, gaining access to records, or communicating. Voice commands dispose of the want for physical interaction, making era more inclusive.

Education and Information

Smart audio systems act as educational gear, answering queries on numerous topics, translating languages, and even supporting math problems. They are an increasingly number of used in classrooms to guide learning.

Entertainment and Relaxation

In addition to gambling music, smart audio systems provide meditation guides, bedtime memories, and interactive games. Some models, just like the Echo Show, encompass displays for video playback and recipe tutorials.

Shopping and E-commerce

Users could make purchases through clever speakers, check product availability, or order groceries. Integration with platforms like Amazon permits voice-based total buying studies.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite their several advantages, smart audio systems face demanding situations, specifically around privateness, protection, and consumer acceptance as true with.

Privacy Issues

Smart audio systems are continually listening for wake phrases like "Alexa" or "Hey Google," elevating issues about information collection and inadvertent recordings. Users often worry approximately how their voice facts are saved and utilized by organizations.

Security Vulnerabilities

Being connected to the net makes smart speakers prone to hacking. Cybersecurity professionals have proven how vulnerabilities in these devices can expose touchy information or furnish unauthorized access to smart domestic structures.

Misunderstandings and Errors

Voice reputation era, though superior, is not foolproof. Misinterpretation of instructions can lead to accidental movements, irritating users.

Digital Dependency

Overreliance on smart audio systems might also make contribution to a decline in important thinking or the ability to carry out obligations without technological help.

Compatibility Issues

Not all smart domestic devices are compatible with every smart speaker. This fragmentation can be complicated for consumers looking to build cohesive smart ecosystems.

The Future of Smart Speakers

The destiny of smart speakers lies in more integration, improved AI skills, and stepped forward privateness measures. Key trends shaping their development include:

Advanced AI and Machine Learning

As AI evolves, clever speakers turn into extra intuitive, able to information context and nuanced language. This will permit extra herbal conversations and smarter interactions.

Seamless Integration with IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to grow exponentially, and smart audio systems will play a central role in managing interconnected devices. Enhanced interoperability standards like Matter aim to make smart home ecosystems more cohesive.

Enhanced Privacy Features

Future models may additionally encompass on-tool processing, where commands are handled regionally instead of inside the cloud, lowering privateness issues. Companies are also likely to introduce policies that are more transparent regarding records.

Expanded Accessibility

Smart audio systems will continue to cater to diverse populations, with functions like multilingual aid, visible aids for the hearing-impaired, and tactile interfaces for people with constrained mobility.

Immersive Audio Experiences

Advancements in the audio era will make clever audio systems capable of turning in excessive-constancy, 3-D soundscapes, enhancing their role as enjoyment hubs.

Sustainability

With developing environmental attention, manufacturers are focusing on the usage of sustainable materials and strength-efficient additives in clever audio systems.

#Smart Speakers

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goindiacharityfoundation · 17 days ago

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Donate for the Blind: Empower Lives with Your Contribution

Blindness and vision impairment affect millions of people worldwide, severely limiting their access to education, employment, and a better quality of life. In India alone, approximately 12 million people are visually impaired, representing the largest blind population globally. These individuals face significant challenges, including social isolation, limited access to healthcare, and financial instability. Your contribution can make a world of difference to help empower the blind community and enhance their lives.

At Go India Charity, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of the visually impaired. Through our initiatives, we strive to provide essential resources such as education, medical support, assistive devices, and livelihood opportunities. By choosing to donate for the blind, you are helping to bridge the gap and offer hope to those who need it most.

Why Support the Blind?

Supporting the visually impaired isn't just about offering immediate relief but about creating long-term sustainable changes that can significantly improve their quality of life. Here are some key reasons why your donation can make a substantial difference:

1. Access to Education

Many visually impaired individuals in India lack access to proper education due to the scarcity of specialized schools, learning materials in braille, and assistive technology. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence. By donating, you help provide access to quality education, enabling blind students to develop essential skills that open up new career opportunities.

2. Employment Opportunities

Employment plays a vital role in empowering the blind and helping them lead independent lives. Many blind individuals are capable of working and contributing to society, but they face discrimination and limited job opportunities. With your support, organizations like Go India Charity can offer vocational training programs, job placement services, and skill development initiatives, giving the blind a chance to be financially independent and empowered.

3. Healthcare and Eye Surgeries

In many cases, blindness can be prevented or treated if proper medical care is provided at the right time. Cataracts, glaucoma, and other preventable eye conditions are common causes of blindness in India. Donations can fund eye surgeries, eye care camps, and access to specialized medical care for those who cannot afford it. By supporting healthcare initiatives, you are giving someone the chance to regain their vision or prevent further deterioration.

4. Assistive Devices and Technology

Technology has revolutionized the way visually impaired individuals can interact with the world. Screen readers, braille devices, audio books, and mobility aids like white canes and guide dogs are all crucial tools that can help the blind lead independent lives. However, these devices are often expensive and out of reach for many. By donating, you can help provide the blind with these life-changing tools, enabling them to navigate their surroundings and access information more easily.

5. Social Inclusion and Advocacy

One of the most significant challenges faced by the blind is social exclusion. Many blind individuals suffer from isolation, stigmatization, and marginalization, preventing them from participating fully in society. Your donation supports advocacy programs that aim to change societal attitudes towards the blind, promote their rights, and ensure they are included in all aspects of life. With greater awareness and support, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.

How Go India Charity Makes a Difference

At Go India Charity, we work diligently to uplift the blind community through various programs and services. Some of the ways we make a difference include:

Educational Support: We sponsor blind students' education, provide braille books, and offer scholarships for higher education.

Medical Aid: We organize free eye care camps, fund eye surgeries, and offer routine eye check-ups to prevent blindness.

Skill Development Programs: We offer vocational training programs tailored to the visually impaired, helping them acquire valuable skills and find meaningful employment.

Distribution of Assistive Devices: We provide mobility aids, screen readers, and other essential devices to help the blind live more independent lives.

Awareness Campaigns: We run campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the blind and promote greater inclusion in society.

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a tangible impact in the life of a blind person. Here’s how you can contribute:

One-Time Donation: A single donation can go a long way in supporting educational programs, medical camps, or assistive devices for the blind.

Monthly Contributions: A recurring monthly donation provides ongoing support to various programs, ensuring that visually impaired individuals receive continuous assistance.

Sponsor a Child’s Education: You can choose to sponsor the education of a blind child, helping them access quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.

Support Eye Surgeries: Donate towards funding eye surgeries, giving someone the gift of sight and hope for a better tomorrow.

Conclusion

Your decision to donate for the blind can transform lives by providing access to education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion. By supporting Go India Charity, you are helping to create a more just and equitable society where visually impaired individuals can thrive and achieve their full potential. Your kindness and generosity can light up the lives of those living in darkness.

Help us make a difference. Donate today and be a part of the journey towards empowerment and change for the blind community in India. VisitGo India Charity to learn more and make your contribution.

#donate for blind #go shelter bhubaneswar

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govindhtech · 2 months ago

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Lenovo Duet Chromebook Powered By MediaTek Kompanio 838

Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) and Chromebook Duet EDU G2, powered by MediaTek Kompanio 838, are transforming mobile productivity. These new Chromebooks with stunning 2K displays in 10.95-inch form factors strike the perfect combination between performance, design, and durability. Lenovo Chromebooks are for professionals, educators, and students.

The thinnest laptop available, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) weighs less than 1.2 lbs and measures only 0.3 inches. It’s ideal for creative and enjoyment, with a stylish metal chassis, Corning Gorilla Glass, and a soft protective folio. The user experience is improved with twin USB-C ports, 4K display connection, clear music from two speakers with SmartAMP and Wave music, and an 8MP rear camera that takes use of MediaTek’s cutting-edge image processing technology. Note-taking, streaming, and sketching with the Lenovo USI Pen 2 are easy with the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor’s strong CPU, graphics, and AI-enabled Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

With its durable TPU shell, detachable keyboard, and spill-resistant design, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2 is made to handle the rigors of the classroom and is aimed towards educators and students alike. Additionally, it supports Chrome Education Upgrade, which helps IT organizations manage devices more easily.

AI-enhanced cameras, 2K 400-nit displays for outdoor reading, and 12-hour batteries are on both smartphones. The Chromebooks for business, education, and pleasure boost creativity and productivity anywhere.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Elegant Style with Adaptable Features

The elegant and effective Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is housed in a complete metal chassis with Corning glass. Ideal for work, pleasure, or everything in between, the soft polyurethane folio cover and clever kickstand design enable simple transitions between laptop and portrait modes.

Increase Output with MediaTek

With the powerful MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, NPU, and enough RAM, you can do more and wait less. In less than ten seconds, you can get started with Fast Boot, and on-device AI processing increases productivity by producing interactive multimedia experiences with unmatched effectiveness.

Innovative Instruments & Engaging Entertainment

Narrow bezels on the 10.95-inch 2K display maximize screen real estate whether you binge-watch YouTube or use SmartAMP with Waves Audio to play music with crystal-clear clarity. With the Lenovo USI Pen 2, which writes and doodles like a real pen, you can quickly and simply record, arrange, and communicate ideas on Good notes.

Maximum Durability & Portability

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#LenovoDuetChromebook #MediaTek #Kompanio838 #MediaTekKompanio838 #Chromebooks #KompanioMediaTek #Lenovo #4Kmonitor #USBCPort #LPDDR4X #AdaptableFeatures #ChromebookDuet #technology #technews #news #govindhtech

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nbenvs3000w24 · 10 months ago

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Unpacking the World of Privilege

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to my third blog post!

So far, we’ve talked about more light hearted subjects such as my evolutionary relationship with nature, my personal experiences with nature and my ideal world as an environmental interpreter and what that would entail. In this week's post, I am going to reflect on what role privilege plays in nature interpretation and how I have experienced forms of privilege within my own life. As we head into this weeks blog post, I acknowledge that myself and those who read this, might feel moments of discomfort or uneasiness however, I believe this to be an important topic to reflect on.

To begin, privilege to me is the advantages and benefits that come with having a certain identity such as race, gender, or economic status that often provides easier access to opportunities, resources and overall a heightened sense of well-being and success. As mentioned in the readings this week, many individuals born into more privileged environments, “are not taught to recognize their own privileges,” and after reflecting on my own life, I’ve realized that there are many ‘invisible backpacks’ I carry that I haven’t truly recognized (Gallavan, 2005). To get personal and transparent, I am white, middle class, speak English, was able to get a University degree with help from my family, was not born with physical or cognitive disabilities and wake up each day with a roof over my head and food on the table. Although many of these things might seem small or trivial, the impact they can hold is significant without even realising it.

An experience in my life where I truly realized my own privilege, was when I volunteered at Kids Ability to assist in a swim program for children with disabilities. I learned through my time assisting these children that there are barriers and obstacles they face that do not make them any less of a person, but that gives a person like me an amplitude of challenges I will never have to face. If I connect this topic to the world of nature interpretation, the concept of privilege is particularly important when considering individuals with disabilities as they may face various barriers that affect their ability to access and interpret the natural world around them. For example, physical access to natural spaces that lack wheelchair ramps or accessible trails or inadequate visual or tactile tools such as braille or audio descriptions. As mentioned in the textbook, it is important as nature interpreters to integrate all audiences by providing opportunities for building social skills for those with and without disabilities while also recognizing our own privilege we carry in relation to those around us. Some suggested examples of proper etiquette when working with people with disabilities are: don’t “talk down’ to a person with a disability, speak in a normal tone of voice, be patient and encouraging, do not lean on a wheelchair or any other assistive device, offer assistance only when permission is given, etc (Beck, 2018). Most importantly, as an interpreter it is important to treat every person in your audience the way you would want to be treated and in regard to people with disabilities, “interpreting to people with disabilities involves getting people to participate and learn by building on their knowledge, interests, and skills, just as with any group of visitors!” (Beck, 2018).

Thank you for reading and I hope you were able to take something away from this post, whether that be reflecting on your own privilege or gaining more knowledge on how to interact with those around you. As always, treat others the way you want to be treated and be kind!!!!!

Cheers, Natalie

References:

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their "invisible knapsacks". Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

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lifewithchronicpain · 1 year ago

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BATON ROUGE, La. — The mother of a Livingston Parish public schools student accused of making secret recordings on her daughter’s high school campus took a plea deal late last month and was sentenced to probation.

Amanda Carter, 39, was arrested in November on 20 counts of felony interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communication — though she was only formally charged with two counts.

On June 21, Carter pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor illegal wiretapping and was sentenced to serve two years of probation and pay around $300 in fines, according to the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. She also was banned from sending recording devices to any Livingston Parish school facilities.

In a federal lawsuit filed in February against the Livingston Parish School Board, Carter says she attached recording devices to her daughter’s wheelchair because she had concerns about her safety. Carter’s daughter has special needs and is nonverbal, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit described Carter’s purported findings from the recordings: Her daughter failed to receive academic services for a long period of time, staff made rude comments while changing her diaper and she was subject to daily body searches as staff sought evidence to report the Carter family to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Those recordings led to Carter’s arrest.

Prosecutors said that, last October, Carter uploaded an audio recording of a discussion between coaches at her child’s school to YouTube and Facebook. When the recording was made, her daughter’s wheelchair containing the device was in the coach’s office while her child wasn’t using the chair.

Although Carter told authorities she sent the recording devices to school to protect her child, the uploaded audio did not involve her daughter, prosecutors said.

Several weeks later, the recording device was confiscated, prosecutors said, and Carter sought to get it back by filing a complaint with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and playing another recording. Carter also had already received a cease-and-desist letter from the parish school board asking her to stop sending the devices to the school.

Joseph Long, Carter’s attorney, said that the plea deal was “about as light a penalty as you could ever ask for.”

“(Carter) was satisfied with the plea offer and that’s why she accepted it,” he said. “In a perfect world, she would go fight at trial, but that costs a lot of money. She’s looking for closure so she can take care of her family.”

Carter also agreed not to bring any more listening devices into her daughter’s school, Long said. Originally, Carter had asked that the school put cameras in the special needs classrooms to no avail. Now, the school board has placed cameras in the classroom, which Long said would provide a visual record if anything happened to her daughter.

Carter’s push for the cameras is part of a larger debate across the state about how to use recordings to help parents safeguard children who can’t speak for themselves, while still respecting the privacy rights of teachers, aides and other students.

A new law, which became effective last summer, requires school districts to develop policies and procedures for placing cameras in special education classrooms upon request — and to install those cameras if the money is available to do so. Other legislation last year provided state funding for such an initiative.

“After we had our preliminary examination, I think both sides agreed it was best to get a resolution,” Long said. “Prosecuting a mother of six who was just trying to protect her daughter serves no purpose.”

#disability #ableism #nonverbal #abuse #article

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dm-hutchins-2nd · 7 months ago

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DM Hutchins 2nd Research Project - 5-5-24

~ The DM Hutchins 2nd Digital Occult Library Research Project ~

The DM Hutchins 2nd Digital Occult Library Research Projectis the public end of my personal collection of research materials which I have aggregated over the past 20 years, and which cover a plethora of subject matter. Other than to educate myself, I aim to collect, preserve, share, and discuss, these occulted materials, which are valuable to the alchemical process, and ending the state of human slavery. Most specifically, it is my aim to collect valuable research materials, before the content is censored from the internet. I aim to organize and preserve those research materials, both online and offline. I aim to share these research materials, via links to my backups on the MEGA service, and by way of mailing physical HHD or SSD study drives, as well as customized media devices such as readers, tablets, MP3 players, and so on. It is my aim to discuss those most valuable research materials, as everyone is welcome to contact me, and to assist in future updates to the Library. Thus far my research material totals nearly 5 TB, with the Configuration Gifts totaling 4 TB, and the public backups on MEGA totaling an eventual 2 TB.

~ Public Backups of my Research Materials ~

My research material is divided in to two primary categories, which are Online Backups and In-Hand Study Drives. My Online Backups are hosted on MEGA. MEGA is the data storage and sharing platform upon which my personal research material backups are available to the public. MEGA does impose a bandwidth limitation on how much you can download per hour, however, using a VPN to change your IP occasionally, allows you to download data from MEGA indefinitely.

Please note that you can View, Read, Watch, and Listen, to all of the research materials in your browser, or the MEGA app, without the need to download anything, however, if you would like to download a personal backup of the research materials, you may download them to your computer or phone, and if you also have a MEGA account, you can cloud transfer materials directly from my account to your own account, provided you have the storage space. I highly recommend downloading all meaningful research materials, on personal offline devices, due to the nature of internet censorship. It is YOUR personal responsibility to Collect, Preserve, Know, and Teach, this information.

I intend to eventually make 2 TB of my personal research materials available on MEGA. Each of the five links below take you to individual collections, according to their content and format. Obviously, it will take time to upload 2 TB of BackUp files, so check back in often to see what has been added since you last visited. My progress will be indicated by the number of GB listed beside each section. If you see (Complete) next to a section, that section is fully backed up, and nothing more will be added to it. I have currently uploaded 507.42 GB out of 2 TB as of 4-21-24.

1 - DMH2ND Digital Occult Library - PDF & EPUB

Complete - 100.86 GB - 718 Folders - 21,171 Files.

2 - DMH2ND Digital Occult Library - Audiobook

123.85 GB of 446 GB - 307 Folders - 6339 Files.

3 - DMH2ND Digital Occult Library - Audio Lectures, Series

Complete - 167.55 GB - 1246 Folders - 13,116 Files.

4 - DMH2ND Digital Occult Library - Audio Podcast

203.86 GB of 1 TB - 19 Folders - 2959 Files.

5 - DMH2ND Digital Occult Library - Photo Library

Complete - 13.3 GB - 499 Folders - 28,899 Files.

~ Configuration Gifts ~

Of course, certain files are only included within Storage Drives and Personalized Devices via Configuration Gifts. In the event that you'd like to own a Hard Drive, Solid State Drive, or Personal Device, configured in to a "Study Station", meaning that it has been loaded with part, or all, of the DM Hutchins 2nd Digital Occult Library Research Project, please have a look at my post explaining Configuration Gifts.

~ Contact Information ~

[email protected] - My primary public email for information exchange.

Facebook - A Government Social Media platform which I use primarily to tell willful slaves to eat shit for timeless eternity.

Twitter - I use Twitter mainly for its chat feature. I have no idea what is trending, nor do I care. Use this only as a means of communication.

Tumblr - Tumblr is a platform intended for Artist and Writers focused upon the occult and personal mastery. Much to be gained here.

Reditt - An overly complicated group of know-nothings using admin buttons to be correct online, because they are idiot failures in real life...

YouTube - I do not post on YouTube, I merely have an account. If you are a YouTuber you can contact me in that manner.

BitChute - On this account I post random and occasional audio rants.

~ Support Methods ~

If you find value in my efforts, and these research materials have been beneficial to your studies and personal development, please consider assisting in my ability to continue this work.

One Time And Occasional Personal Donations

Paypal - My Paypal

Venmo - My Venmo

CashApp - My CashApp

GPay - My Google Pay

Shop On My Online Storefronts

Bonfire - My freedom themed tee shirts/hoodies.

Lulu - My printed poetry and essay publications.

Technological Needs

Without question, my greatest needs are technological in nature. I simply do not possess the means to purchase the various electronics required so as to manage and distribute Study Drives and Configuration Gifts, on the level that I'm striving for. I also require portable equipment in order to share large amounts of research materials in person, rather than via mail. If you would like to assist me in acquiring the technology necessary to continue this work, consider donating items from the Amazon Wishlist below.

1 - Cables and Adapters -

To Charge And Transfer Data Across A Range of Devices.

2 - Flashdrives and SD Cards -

To Manage And Transfer Data Across A Range of Devices.

3 - Hard Drives and Solid State Drives -

To Preserve Research Materials With Redundant Copies.

4 - Battery Banks and Chargers -

To Charge and Maintain Multiple Device With Portability.

5 - Audio Podcasting Gear -

Basic On-The-Go Voice Recording Equipment.

~ And A Very Special Thank You ~

A very special Thank You to Paolo Tonolo, Dion Plowman, Dawn Lavandowski and Gordon H Cairns, (And all of you who wish not to be mentioned) for your continual contributions of content and person time, to this massive and ever growing research project. You are each true Brothers, Sisters, and Warriors, in the Battle for Truth. Much Love and Respect to You and Yours...

#d.m.hutchins2nd

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typewrite-dragon · 1 year ago

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Ghosts Get Lonely Too - TMA Lonely Ghosts AU

[AO3 Link]

Jonathan "Jon'" Sims has discovered a new statement left behind on Gertrude's laptop. In an effort to stop the Unknowing, he reads it in the hope of finding clues to stop the Ritual.

The Statement of Vlad "Plasmius" Masters in regards to the relationship between Gerard Keay and himself.

Statement Begins

[Click]

I’ve come home from the States. I was definitely being followed. I am not sure what was following me, it looked like an officer but it felt… wrong. I think something else distracted it or perhaps something happened to it after the stop on the way to Washington D.C. I had not seen it since.

I’ve tried to find more information from the laptop that Gertrude left behind. What was curious was that when I turned it on, there was something new in the emails that had not been there before.

Or perhaps I missed it entirely because I was looking for something else…

In any case, when I had intended to comb through the device again for anything I had missed, it connected to the nearest printer and started printing out what looked like… emails between a Vlad Masters and Gertrude. It may hold clues or at least… another piece of the puzzle.

I never was able to find out what really happened to Gerard. Not beyond what the hospital staff mentioned. Though from what they said about Gertrude’s arrest and the odd book that vanished, I could hazard a guess. Perhaps that information is in these emails as well. Perhaps this won’t be another dead end.

Statement of Vlad Masters regarding the relationship between Gerard Keay and himself. Original Source from Email Correspondence between Vlad Masters and Gertrude Robinson found on her Laptop. Audio recording on July 05, 2017 by Jonathan Sims, Head Archivist of the Magnus Institute, London.

Statement Begins.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Gerard Keay Sent: November 27, 2014

Dear Ms. Robinson,

I hope this finds you well. It has come to my attention that you are the one that may have the answers I seek. I am aware of your working relationship with Gerard Keay. I am also aware of what that work entails. I have attempted to contact him many times to no avail.

I have something of his that I believe he would like returned to him. If you would be so kind as to assist me in getting into contact with him, I would appreciate it.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

November 27, 2014

Mr. Masters,

How did you get this email?

I am afraid I cannot help you. It is best you dispose of whatever it is. I recommend the latter if you know what is good for you. If you truly know of our work, then you are aware of the risk it may hold.

- Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

November 28, 2014

Ms. Robinson,

As I said, I know of your working relationship with Gerard. I made an educated guess. I know very well what is good for me, and at this moment it is getting in contact with Gerry. I imagine he would like his coat back. Please ask him to contact me.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

November 29, 2014

Mr. Masters,

Gerry, hm? Interesting.

He must have been quite distracted to forget that ratty old thing. Perhaps you may be in too deep now, but that still does not change the fact I cannot help you. I recommend you forget him. It is for the best, Mr. Masters.

- Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

November 29, 2014

Ms. Robinson,

I know you are working to stop some grand ritual, The Unknowing. Perhaps you will make sense of what I have found. It is not just the coat I wish to give him. I had offered to help him with his research. A solution that contained as much certainty as dealing with any primal source such as Fear has to offer. Especially one that falls into the Uncanny.

I do not understand your insistence to ‘forget’ him. I assure you, I have no intention to do so.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 1, 2014

Mr. Masters,

You are a persistent man, I will give you that. I suppose at least one person ought to remember the boy.

So, he has told you about the Fears. There is a price to Knowing such things like that. Tell me what you know, Mr. Masters. About Gerard and about The Unknowing.

- Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 1, 2014

Ms. Robinson,

What do you mean by ‘remember’?

Yes, yes, I know how capitalism works. The Fears carry little difference to any other predatory being, they are simply bigger and nigh unfathomable.

You want to know what I do? Tell me how to reach Gerry.

Please.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 1, 2014

Mr. Masters,

Hm. Very well.

You will want to find the Catalogue of the Trapped Dead. Then you will want to read the last page. It should still be in police evidence so you may have trouble getting to it. Or perhaps not if you have a propensity for getting into places you shouldn’t.

Though it is said that those who are bound to the pages aren’t themselves. So you may not really be speaking to Gerard.

- Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

You abandoned him.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

Mr. Masters,

Here I thought you had taken my advice and forgotten about me. Did you find what you were looking for? Are you going to tell me what you Know?

- Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

You had best hope that our paths never cross, Ms. Robinson. You are, arguably, a smart woman. I am certain you can figure out the Unknowing yourself.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

Mr. Masters, You will have to try harder than that to scare me. Better than you have tried and they have certainly failed. You will do no better.

Now then, if you are done posturing: Will you let Gerard's death be in vain? Let the world, that he tried to save, end by yet another ritual?

Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

Ms. Robinson ,

He preferred to be called Gerry. Do not pretend now that you care . If you had, then he would not have been left unclaimed as he had been.

You will get nothing more from me.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

Mr. Masters,

I dislike having to do this, but you have left me little choice.

A Statement, if you would please. Tell me what you know, Vlad Masters.

Gertrude Robinson

—

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re:Gerard Keay

December 19, 2014

Ms. Robinson,

I know many things, Gertrude Robinson . I am aware of your power of compulsion. That ever-burning desire to know things, even as you work to resist using such abilities to find your answers. You find the power repulsive, even when it removes such troublesome barriers.

It would be easier for you, wouldn’t it? To sink into that which your position allows. You are the Archivist. The one who focuses so much on her own work that the rest of the world goes away. You pretend altruism, but clearly those who work with you are expendable. You wish to keep you precious humanity as if anything Other is detestable.

To you, Gerry , was expendable.

He was not .

He was mine .

So badly he wished to trust you. Wanted someone he could perhaps rely on. That did not simply look past him and truly saw him. You saw your work and you saw how he could be useful to you.

I saw him.

The first time I saw him was in Chicago, you were with him. I was burning time while in the area on business. I imagine you must have been searching for books then. They are a common enough find in an Antique Shop. Sometimes I have come across such strange books. Not your Leitners, but other tomes with secrets that others would consider fantasy. Things that would have been tossed aside as some sort of fairy tale. I believe they overlapped; your Leitners and my Occult.

It was that small shop, easily missed, tucked between towering buildings as though it was left behind while the modern era rolled in. It was what drew me to it, that distinct feeling that called to me. Perhaps it was not even that shop that drew me, but those who were within.

I no longer recall what I had been looking at when we met. Not really. Something among the dusty piles of books in the back corner made my entire being itch. I ached to find the reason. Picking up books and a passing glance over each one. Page through them to see if anything caught my eye. Most had been mundane and disappointing.

I hadn’t gotten a chance to touch the source of what made me itch. The next thing I knew, a scarred hand covered in eye tattoos on every knuckle flashed out and snatched it before I could grab it myself. It would have been easy to be indignant, I was feeling the emotions bubble up in my chest. Nearly lashed out at this unknown who so rudely pushed his way into my space.

Then I saw him. Tall. Pale. Thin. He looked even paler with the long black leather coat and the hair. The hair was dyed black, although badly. Patches of roots missed, mostly towards the back where he could not see. The color faded in places that didn’t become saturated enough and some portions washed away with hot water.

I knew immediately what he had done wrong, I recognized the effort that was made to dye pale hair black. Clearly, he had not been ready to give up as I had already done. The color stopped taking to my hair a long time ago.

He must have sensed the impending ire, I remember his eyes meeting mine, looking far too tired. I recall wondering how often he actually slept. The smile that he gave had caused my core to stutter in a way I had not felt since college.

It was just a simple thing. A smirk in my direction as he held up a leather-bound book with a cover so worn, the letters were difficult to discern. A little quirk of the lips as though it were just simple happenstance. It should not have caught me off-guard as it did, but there was something about him. As though perhaps in that moment, he saw me too.

“You don’t want this one. Boring read really. I suggest something more exciting, like that encyclopedia set. Heard the Encyclopedia Britannica is a real page turner.” He told me. His voice was soft and sounded as tired as he looked, but there was a certain intensity to it. Its effect was startling to me as his smile had been.

Clearly, he was just trying to keep me from taking home a cursed book. I think it was something along the lines of corruption. Some cursed copy where a man slowly became a cockroach if I recall correctly. Probably for the best, as I wouldn’t want to have to spend the next decade resolving that. They don’t make suits for giant cockroaches.

My brain still had not caught up with my mouth and all I could do was stare at him in dumbfounded silence. Not my proudest moment, although not my worst. It wasn’t until he was walking away that I found my words, though my brain had not yet engaged enough to place any filters before I ran my mouth.

“Bold of you to assume I haven’t already read that edition. Absolutely riveting what lies within Q and T. However, I was looking for something perhaps a little more my speed.”

It sounded terrible, and I knew it did the moment the words left my lips. Yet… he laughed. It wasn’t a particularly loud one, but that smirk became something a little more real . It touched his eyes when he huffed a small chuckle.

“I suppose someone has to find whatever is between Quilts and Trains interesting.” There was that core stuttering smirk again, playing at the corners of his lips as he spoke, “What is more your speed?”

I had really wished my brain had enough function to stop me before I said anything stupid. Yet, with full confidence, I found myself uttering the words while holding up one of the encyclopedias, “U, if you can keep up with me.”

If I could have died the rest of the way, I would have. The way he stared at me made me nearly vanish then and there. It was a very near thing, but I managed not to blow my cover in public. Then he laughed . Not the soft short breathless chuckle. Not the soundless single huffs that someone may do. A full, albeit short, laugh. I think he was surprised he could even make the sound. As if he had forgotten he could.

He wasn’t the only one who forgot himself. For the first time in my life since college, I had completely forgotten about the woman I had claimed to love in exchange for the man before me. I am not saying it was love at first sight, but there was something that… drew me to him.

It certainly didn’t stop me from making a fool of myself, and I recall feeling my cheeks burning and I nearly vanished on the spot. I very well could have, despite the fact I had made such an effort by then to have control over that aspect of myself.

“Maybe if you ask nicely.” He finally told me. His accent became a bit heavier with his amusement. It was then that I noticed that the book looked heavy in his hand. It wasn’t a terribly thick book, but it simply seemed to weigh more than it should. It demanded to be seen.

I wanted to pull it out of his hands. Lighten the load.

Somehow, I had enough self-control not to. He must have noticed where my gaze was going and moved it out of sight. I tried to busy myself studying the book I was clutching onto like a prop.

“Really? Well, most people want a name first, if you would please.” I countered, trying to save face. It wasn’t working.

“Does it really matter?” He countered, seeming amused by something he was seeing. I realize now that it wasn’t really me he was looking at then, but whatever was around me. Whatever aspect of your Fears that was drawn to me.

I don’t know why that question brought me to my senses. What about it sobered me up so much? Perhaps the deceptive simplicity of those four words uttered while two complete strangers stood in an antiques shop had done it. It was a question I had asked myself often as I had grown.

Perhaps variations on the same words, a rearranging of the phrase to fit more closely with whatever fresh hell in my life made me ask myself that question. Endless debates on if anything I did was worthwhile. If anything, I did would ever change my situation.

Finally, I told him, “No. I suppose not.”

I think he realised the mistake he made as I had suddenly schooled myself and had started to try and make my escape from the awkward situation I caused.

Then he told me his name. Blurted it as though he was revealing, perhaps, that he was just as nervous about making a fool of himself. Perhaps from the outside we were not nearly as awkward as we perceived ourselves to be.

Perception is funny that way.

“Gerard.” He said it quite suddenly and almost forcefully, as though being louder took more effort than he was used to using.

Fate rarely has ever cooperated for me when I wished it to. I had been about to respond in kind when my phone started to go off. I was running late for my meeting. Somehow, I had lost track of time and I had begun to curse myself.

Thought I was being clever when I answered, throwing a glance his way when I greeted whoever was on the other line with my name before I left the shop. With that infernal encyclopedia I might add. Found out later that he paid for it. I would have liked to think he thought I was being clever, but I was sure he just thought I was an idiot.

I thought that was the end of it. Nothing to come of a chance meeting between two strangers. We simply knew each other’s names and continued on with our lives.

Never had I been so glad to be wrong.

Unfortunately, the short time between our paths crossing did not lend me an ability to conduct myself in a more charming manner. Somehow, I was destined to act the fool in front of the man. Looking back on it, I supposed it worked in my favor, though I would not be able to begin to tell you why.

It was just a couple days later. I imagine you were busy with something else. I had vaguely recalled you lurking about somewhere near him in the shop. At the time I had thought you were his mother. How wrong I was. Though I suppose there was little difference between the two of you in the end.

There was a local cafe I had begun to frequent during my stay, the coffee was strong enough to wake the dead. It held the right kind of bitter notes. It was a decent enough start to my mornings.

It was made better when I had walked in that morning. I would have never expected to run into the same person twice in a place I did not live. Yet, there he was, standing alone by the counter while he waited for his order. Somehow, he looked even more tired where sunlight could reach him. Accented just how pale he was in contrast to the black leather coat.

Yet… he was still quite beautiful.

It was early enough to not be too busy. I hadn’t needed to wait in line too long. I must have caught his eye, well, one of them. He seemed to almost… brighten when he recognized me.

It is nice to think so, at least.

There was a companionable silence as we stood together, the kind that comes from the mutual agreement that it was too early for conversation. Anything said before caffeine would have likely been a nonsensical disaster. He had no reason to wait there with me, as he was already holding and sipping his coffee. Yet, I imagine he was graciously waiting for me to have my own source of liquid wakefulness.

Though as I said, neither time nor apparently caffeine graced me with any charm.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you came here just to see me.” I told him.

He laughed at me and pointed out that he had gotten there first. I hid my embarrassment by drinking my coffee. Surely more caffeine would have made it better.

“But I may make a point to come here more now that I do know you come here.” He mused.

The moment he said those words, I swore I had heard it wrong and managed a stuttered, “O-oh?”

The answering smile made me try to find my footing. I knew I would not be in the area that much longer. Perhaps a week at most. The caffeine must not have yet kicked in, as I hardly knew the man, yet I proposed we go on a date. The cafe we were in was well and good, but I suggested perhaps there were better settings in which I could make a fool of myself.

To my delight, he agreed .

The next thing I knew, I was giving him my number and he sent me a text message with a little book emoji. I had his name. I had his number.

I had his number .

I had not gone on a date in an embarrassingly long time. Circumstances prevented it at first, health reasons. After that, it was no longer a focus of mine. Sure, I have flirted from time to time, but there was no real interest involved. Just pretty words to get others to swoon and oblige to my asks.

The rest of the day had gone by far too quickly after that. I hardly remember it. Same old business meetings and my thoughts drifting off to what I would wear. What I would even say? I could plan a business meeting down to nearly every beat. Anticipate what would be argued about and how to counter them. How to win deals and continue to gain wealth.

Yet with him… he was different. He caught me off guard in a way I had not allowed myself. However, I was firm to remind myself that it was simply a date. Not to get my hopes up for anything more than a night I was bound to stumble through.

The date had gone surprisingly well. I had picked somewhere quiet. While I was no stranger to fine dining, something convinced me to pick something that was more of a hole-in-the wall. The atmosphere was far more relaxed which seemed to bode well for both of us. I do not think he would have cared for any of the places I tended to frequent for business dinners.

Do not misunderstand me, I still feel like I made an utter fool of myself. I had half expected him not to show. I would like to think I would not have faulted him for it, but I know I would have tried to rationalize things to make myself feel better.

I think he knew that too.

Yet, there he was. He really showed up and, well, at the end of the date actually kissed me.

I hadn’t been expecting it, and I was rather glad no one but him noticed my faltering control. The loss of control had been the way my hands went intangible and I dropped what I was holding. Completely unable to get ahold of myself for far too long. My eyes flashing into an intense red that he later, affectionately, described as ruby.

I remember kissing him back. I remember the taste of our meal on his lips, the aftertaste of cigarettes that would always be there from the sheer frequency of his habit. I remember finally getting my hands back in order so that I could feel how soft his hair was.

It was a wonderful kiss.

It was a wonderful night after the date. We had agreed to finish our date at my hotel.

I had not realized he had noticed the lapse in my control until there was a lull and he asked me, rather bluntly, what I was. That I, in his words, ‘Feel like I was touched by the End, but not’.

You would think that would have ruined the mood, but he was calm as he asked. Genuinely curious and not overbearing like some I knew. So… I risked letting someone else in on the secret. Showed him the man behind the curtain as it were. Showed him 'Plasmius'.

Except what many would not understand is that the Man behind the curtain is the same as the one outside of it. For I am what one calls a ‘Halfa’. The only one as far as I am aware. A result of a college incident with a small scale interdimensional portal that was turned on by my so-called best friend, exposed me to a burst of ectoplasmic radiation.

I suffered from radiation poisoning or a “kinder” term, ‘Ecto Acne’ for two years. Two years alone in a hospital. Two years slowly dying as my body continued to reject my existence. Treatments did nothing but perhaps take the edge off. I was angry and hurting and easily forgotten as an unfortunate casualty of science.

At the end of two years I died and I… became something else. Stewing in the emotions of abandonment, a broken heart, and anger with the ectoplasmic energy turned me into a ghost. Except I was not entirely a ghost. No, I was also alive. I imagine it had to do with being exposed to what was effectively a threshold between the living and the dead.

When I showed Gerry what I was, I had expected skepticism or shock. Instead he was relieved. While he was no ghost, he seemed relieved that I was not among the “normal” masses. I admit, there was as much comfort as there was confusion in realizing that he too was part of a small circle who “Got it”.

The awkwardness melted away near instantly when he asked me how I came to be this way. It was not so much invasive as it was curious. The memories hurt, certainly, but there was something… freeing… about telling someone .

In exchange he told me about his mother. His childhood. Why he was in Chicago. About you and this Unknowing Ritual. He explained the Fears and explained that I felt, well, like a prime candidate for something called The Lonely.

I wanted to scoff.

I wasn’t afraid of being lonely . I knew plenty of people. Yet… as I found myself trying to argue it, I realized he was right.

Admittedly, it was a painful realization. Especially as his list of what I could focus on to combat it would help me none. Anyone I could have possibly relied on was absent from my life or not worth my time. I didn’t even have a pet to speak of.

I could see there was some recognition in his eyes. Loneliness was something he was all too familiar with. For the first time in… such a long time… there was warmth that came from someone outside of myself.

He offered, then, to be my focus should the Lonely come to try and isolate and drown me. He asked me for nothing more than to call him Gerry. That, if he had friends, he would have liked to have been called such.

What could I have done but offer something in exchange. I had plenty of resources that may not have been tapped. May have had some unexpected overlap with what they were searching for. So I offered to see what I could find for him.

Then we stopped thinking about all of that for the rest of the night.

There were a few more dates after that. We snuck in more time together between my work and his research with you. I was… happy. We had never put a label on whatever it was we were doing. Friends with Benefits did not quite seem like it covered it, but dating almost seemed too far a stretch. Though perhaps it was just because we were both afraid of losing something again.

I stayed in Chicago perhaps longer than I should have. I gave myself more reasons to stay. My initial stay of couple of weeks turned into a month. He didn’t seem to mind it. At times we were researching together… pulling out old books and records to find anything that would solve his particular problem. It reminded me of the old days… of college. I always enjoyed that aspect of work. Of figuring out solutions to problems, and it was better having someone to bounce ideas off of.

Then with no leads there, he had to go to Pittsburg. With you.

I wish I had noticed it sooner, the symptoms. I imagine we had attributed some of his sensory issues with the near full body scars from burns. The headaches from staring at books too long and forgetting to eat.

We had one more night together before he left with you. I promised to keep searching back home. To find the answers he sought. Perhaps some part of his unconscious knew something was going to happen. Perhaps it was just the simple fact that we knew it may be a while before we would see the other… if we would see the other again.

I am sure we would have found a way, if given the chance.

I didn’t want to let go of him that night. I had held him tight against me, my face buried in freshly dyed hair that I had helped him with.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have let go at all.

He had forgotten his coat in my hotel room. His pack of cigarettes too. Though I now wonder if that was intentional. An anchor. A reminder of him if the Lonely were to come for me. Perhaps it had already come. Perhaps its method was to simply consume my anchor.

I recall texting him, and he simply told me that I could give it back the next time we would meet.

You left his body unclaimed. Abandoned by the one he would have followed to help stop the end of the world.

I should not have let go.

I will not do so again.

As for your little Unknowing Ritual. Its basis has nothing to do with logic. It is meant to confuse and twist things unto the unreal.

You want to stop it? Shatter its fantasies with cold hard reality. The louder the better. Thorough destruction.

I am sure you can figure it out if you apply yourself. Perhaps your answer lies hidden in whatever storage unit Gerry had mentioned.

Now, if you will excuse me, I must find this so-called Catalogue. It was not where you said it would be.

Do not contact me further. It is for his sake that I do not hunt you down. The world can burn for all I care.

Instead, I simply leave you with this reminder: He wanted to trust you.

He was right not to.

Sincerely,

V. Masters

—

Statement Ends

Well that was… certainly something. Perhaps I should have stayed in the states longer and investigated more of Chicago.

Ghosts. Halfas. The latter was not something I could find concrete evidence on. The name was familiar and I asked Martin to dig into some records, and it seemed as though Vlad Masters had indeed claimed Gerard’s… Gerry’s body.

Martin tried to find out more on Vlad Masters. It seems as though he was CEO of a large company and was based in Wisconsin. It appears that he suddenly went missing sometime last month, in June. It was linked to several other disappearances of that of old college colleges of his and their children. Apparently his work revolved around a new energy source based on this ‘ectoplasm’.

Research about that seems to have a lot of missing records. At most, anything that survives at this time were written by those missing colleagues, Jack and Maddie Fenton. They were from Amity Park, Illinois and it seems they all vanished as well.

There was reports of something called a Phantom. Perhaps that is a Lonely Avatar.

Anything other leads we have tried to follow seem to turn up cold. I could go back and search Vlad's home for more clues, but I have a feeling it would just be another dead (heh) end.

Perhaps the Lonely did finally get to him.

I suppose I could look into that storage unit angle. See what this key goes to. I’ll ask Martin and Melanie to help me look into it as well.

[ Click ]

#DP x TMA #DP x TMA Crossover #Danny Phantom #The Magnus Archives #Fanfiction #My Writing #Vlad X Gerry #Vlad “Plasmius” Masters #Gerard “Gerry” Keay #Cross Posted #This has been gnawing on my brain all week #There is an entire playlist I made for this for the vibes #Lonely Ghosts AU

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