#electrical equipment inspection

[weprovinginspection]

Saa Approval

SAA certification is a certification service provided by SAA Approvals.

Details

SAA certification is officially known as Australian Safety Certification. It is a certification service provided by SAA Approvals, a third-party certification body approved by the Joint Certification Service of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). It is responsible for issuing mandatory and non-mandatory electrical equipment certification certificates to ensure that electromechanical equipment meets the safety requirements specified in the standards of Australia and New Zealand.

Background of SAA Certification SAA certification is one of the standards established by the Standards Association of Australia (SAI). Although SAA Approval is the most certified institution, Australian safety certification is not limited to SAA. Other institutions such as Global-Mark and TUV Rheinland also provide similar certification services. SAA certification is a safety standard that must be met by electrical equipment in the Australian and New Zealand markets. It applies to products such as external power supplies, chargers, plugs, some home appliances and lamps.

SAA Certification Process Applying for SAA certification requires submitting detailed test reports and product photos. The certification process usually includes the following steps: 1. Submit test report: The product needs to be tested by a nationally recognized laboratory and submit a test report. 2. Audit test report: SAA Approvals audits the test report to ensure that the product meets the relevant standards. 3. Issue certificate: After the audit is passed, the SAA certification certificate will be issued, and the certification number and logo will be marked on the product.

Validity period of SAA certification The validity period of the SAA certification certificate is up to 5 years. The holder needs to be a local registered company or local agent, and the product needs to be marked with the certification number and logo on the label.

The importance of SAA certification to enterprises

1.Legal compliance: SAA certification is a mandatory requirement in Australia and New Zealand. All electrical products entering the market must comply with SAA certification standards. Uncertified products will be detained or confiscated.

2. Supply chain management: For enterprises that need to purchase SAA certified products, purchasing certified products can ensure the quality and safety of products, which is conducive to supply chain management and risk control.

3. Technical standard compliance: SAA certification follows strict technical standards, such as AS/NZS 3000 electrical installation standards and AS/NZS 3820 basic safety requirements for low-voltage electrical equipment.

Weproving Inspection one stop certification, audit and product quality control service. We ensure you find the best suppliers in China and get the best products.

[thermoeliteinc]

Infrared Thermographic Inspection Services by Thermo Elite: Ensuring Safety & Efficiency

In today’s world, maintaining the safety and efficiency of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems is more critical than ever. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through infrared thermographic inspection. Thermo Elite specializes in this cutting-edge technology, using high-resolution infrared imaging to identify issues that are invisible to the naked eye. This non-invasive inspection method detects temperature variations that can signal underlying problems, enabling proactive solutions.

What is Infrared Thermographic Inspection?

Infrared thermographic inspection involves capturing heat patterns using specialized infrared cameras. By detecting areas of abnormal heat or temperature differences, this technique can identify problems such as overheating electrical components, moisture intrusion, insulation deficiencies, or mechanical failures. Thermo Elite’s experienced thermographers use this technology to provide comprehensive insights into the health of your systems, making it an essential part of predictive and preventive maintenance.

Why Choose Thermo Elite for Infrared Thermographic Inspection?

Thermo Elite offers expert infrared thermographic inspections designed to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for businesses and homeowners:

Certified Thermographers: Our team is trained and certified in advanced thermographic techniques, ensuring accurate, reliable results.

State-of-the-Art Technology: Thermo Elite utilizes high-resolution infrared cameras and industry-leading tools to capture detailed thermal images.

Detailed Analysis & Reports: After each inspection, we provide detailed reports with thermal images, findings, and recommended corrective actions to address any issues.

Custom Inspection Plans: We tailor our inspections to your specific needs, offering one-time assessments, regular maintenance checks, or custom solutions for unique systems.

Non-Disruptive Services: Our inspections are quick, non-invasive, and performed without disrupting your operations or daily activities.

Benefits of Infrared Thermographic Inspection

Early Problem Detection: Thermography allows you to detect issues like overheating circuits, loose electrical connections, and structural inefficiencies before they escalate.

Reduced Downtime: By addressing small issues early, you can prevent equipment failures and reduce costly downtime.

Fire Hazard Prevention: Excess heat within electrical systems is a significant fire risk; thermography helps pinpoint and eliminate these dangers.

Improved Energy Efficiency: Identify areas of energy loss or inefficiency to optimize system performance and reduce costs.

Compliance & Safety: Many industries require routine inspections for safety compliance, and thermography is a key part of meeting those standards.

Applications of Infrared Thermographic Inspection

Thermo Elite’s services have broad applications across various industries and environments, including:

Electrical Systems: Detecting loose connections, overloaded circuits, and equipment failures.

Building Inspections: Identifying heat loss, moisture intrusion, and insulation issues.

Mechanical Equipment: Locating wear, misalignment, or excessive friction in moving parts.

Data Centers: Ensuring proper cooling and preventing overheating of critical infrastructure.

Industrial Facilities: Maintaining production equipment and ensuring operational safety.

Thermo Elite’s Inspection Process

Thermo Elite’s infrared thermographic inspections are comprehensive and designed for accuracy. Our certified thermographers use state-of-the-art infrared cameras to capture thermal images of your systems. These images reveal temperature anomalies that could indicate potential problems. After completing the inspection, we provide a detailed report outlining the findings, thermal images, and specific recommendations for corrective actions.

[wizard-mp4]

MURDER MURDER KILL KILL KILL

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Idia Shroud - Room Relaxation Vignette

"Happy Birthday"

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

Idia: …Hrrm, I can't find the 15th Anniversary special Star Rogue diorama.

Idia: I told Sam-shi I'd look for it myself, so I wouldn't have to deal with him talking to me, but… There's way too much stuff here to look through!

Idia: And I came all this way 'cause I wasn't fast enough to get it online.

Idia: I can't go back empty-handed after telling Ortho that there's no way I wouldn't get my hands on one as a number one fanboy!

Idia: Oho? This shelf over here has a ton of specialty figures and other hobby stuff… EEHHHH!?

[products fall of shelf]

Idia: OUCH! OW OW OW!!

Jack: Woah!? That was close! Some of the falling goods almost scraped by my nose…

Idia: I-I-I didn't do anything! They just fell off on their own since they were thrown haphazardly onto the shelf!!

[Idia runs away]

Jack: Huh? No one said it was your fault or nothin'…

Jack: …What the, he's already gone! Idia-senpai… He looks slow and frail, but is he secretly actually pretty nimble?

Jack: Oh, man, and he just left everything on the ground. Ugh, I guess I'll have to…

Jack: …Hm? Isn't this box the one Ortho mentioned today…?

[Ignihyde Dorm – Idia's Room]

Idia: …Haah. And in the end, I just ran away… Without a Star Rogue diorama…

Idia: It's all because they sold it first-come-first-serve, instead of pre-order... Not my fault what happened earlier…

Idia: If I went back now, that terrifying beast of a man from Savanaclaw might still be there. I'll try again tomorrow…

Idia: K. Now that I've decide that, time to get all the annoying dorm work stuff done!

Idia: Uhhh, so, the notices I have to give the other dorm students are… Oh, right, the equipment replacement schedule, and the AC inspection time.

Idia: Just in case, I'll add "Important", "Good News", "Response Required", and "Read Immediately" to the subject… K, sent.

Idia: It sure is hard work bein' a Housewarden. Thought it's not that bad since I implemented a chat app once I became Housewarden.

Idia: Efficiency above all! No face-to-face meetings! Conserving my own energy is the best way to do things!

Idia: Finished all my Housewarden tasks, and even took a shower, as annoying as it is. I'm awesome. I'd give myself 100,000,000 points out of 100.

Idia: Nice, so… It's finally me time!

[Ignihyde Dorm – Idia's Room]

Idia: Ah, I got a message from Ortho… He's spending the night in the first year rooms, huh.

Idia: Then, I guess I can just game all night by myself! Fheeheehee!

 [beep, beep!]

Idia: Hm…? What's with this reminder…? Man, right when I was getting into things.

「Survey on Quality of Life Improvements for the Student Body」

Idia: Ugh.. Right, that was a thing. You don't really see paper surveys anymore. Let me think, it should be around… Yep, here it is.

Idia: Uhhh, so what, they want to know what I'd like improved? I mean, kinda late to ask a third-year, isn't it? I can't really think of anything.

Idia: Sides, there were stuff I used to not like about the dorm, but I already made upgrades to all that stuff.

Idia: We soundproofed the walls and floors, installed commercial-grade AC, and the dorm-wide servers are of my own technical specs.

Idia: To live the perfect shut-in life, we can't not have walls that can't take loud shouting, or ACs that can't keep overclocked PCs cool, so～

Idia: …Ah, wait a mo'. I just thought of one issue I got. "There's not enough electrical outlets"!!

Idia: This kinda stuff needed specialized qualifications to do, so it's not like I coulda bought the parts and DIY it.

Idia: I'm using a power strip for now 'cause I have to, but I hate how the wiring just looks like spaghetti. Even a master wiring tech like myself can't stand a sight like that!

Idia: Oh, I just thought of one more thing. "I want to have the low-capacity breaker replaced"!

Idia: It's so weak that the breaker flips just 'cause I try to have 4 computers, the server, a 3D printer, microwave, and electric kettle all plugged in at once!

Idia: I mean, I'd set up a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system in case of emergencies, so my computers and server was fine, but...

Idia: Because of that, my plan to add an AC unit and a refrigerator in my room went out the window. That was a nightmare. Oh, and…

Idia: …Dyehehe. I said I couldn't really think of any, but it's hilarious how the ideas keep flowin' out.

Idia: I'll attach some of the numbers we have on the cost of estimated damages by having Ignihyde students continue to use those useless breakers.

Idia: The Headmage is pretty much influenced by profits, so. If I explain how it's necessary to get better equipment, then he might listen to improvement suggestions.

Idia: Nice, mission clear. Time to watch some new anime episodes while grinding levels in my gams.

Idia: See, nothing beats watching anime while mindlessly leveling… Ooh, I pulled a rare one!

Idia: I thought I'd be bored of this anime 3 episodes in, too, but it's actually starting to get interesting!

Idia: Well, now that the mood's getting good, I just gotta let loose! TIME FOR A SNACK PARTY!!

Idia: …Huh? I'm out of my favorite snack. Ugh, I completely forgot to re-order some more when I ate all of it last time.

Idia: If only the Mystery Shop had 24-hour delivery service… Maybe I should add that to the survey?

Idia: Nah, nevermind, I should just focus on the anime. NOTHING'S GONNA BRING ME DOWN!

Idia: Woah, the animation's clean…! They're all movin' so smoothly… Maybe the production team changed this week?

Idia: I'm getting pretty into the main theme song, too! Heehee, fheeheehee…!

[Ignihyde Dorm – Idia's Room]

Idia: Urrghnn… Aaarghh…

[～♪]

Idia: Gah! Urgh, what's that noise…? What time is it right now…?

Idia: Urk! Everything's so bright, I can't see anything… How's it morning already…? Wait, before that, where'd that noise come from…!?

Idia: Huh…? Ortho…? Weren't you spending the night with the other first years…? Oh wait, is this just a message…?

Idia: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"…? Oh, right, today's my birthday! I completely forgot, since there wasn't anything to look forward to…

Idia: I'll just write back… Thanks, Ortho.

Idia: Urp…! But now I feel a bit sick…! And my whole body hurts…!

Idia: I fell asleep running my games, and I'm just stiff all over. Can't I just go move to my bed and go back to sleep?

Idia: Nah, if I end up crashing and forget to login and get all the birthday login voice lines, I'll never recover. Gotta wash my face or something…

Idia: Woah, I can see how crazy my bedhead is reflected in the monitor! I think this every time, but why does my hair end up this bad whenever I fall asleep at my desk?

Idia: Kinda looks punk, but that's totally a different vibe from my usual, lawl.

Idia: Meh, my hair can be whatever. Not like anyone looks at me, anyway.

Idia: It's a pain to go all the way to the washroom… I'll just use magic like I normally do. I'll chill the water, then.

[splash!]

Idia: WHEEEEW, THAT COLD WATER HITS JUST RIGHT!!

Idia: Normally, I'd just leave it here, but… My face feels so dry after pulling that all-nighter.

Idia: But I'm all good. I'm a functioning nerd, so I know how to fix it.

Idia: Ta-da～ I don't really get it, but here I go with the number one most popular all-in-one cream～

Idia: Putting on lotion and moisturizer one at a time is a waste of time. Just plap it on, and ta-da, done. Next is my clothes…

Idia: Nah, nevermind, I'm not gonna change. Now all I have to do is to jump into all my games and collect the birthday login voice lines. Fheeheehee.

Idia: Perf, I've gotten them all for now. …Huh? There's another message from Ortho…

Idia: …HUH!? HE GOT THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL STAR ROGUE DIORAMA!? SERIOUSLY!?

Idia: "I was planning on picking it up in the Mystery Shop after classes, but if you can't wait, you can go pick it up whenever"…?

Idia: Well, I gotta go right now, then! That means I have to finish getting ready.

Idia: I don't really wanna go outside, but… I can't keep my poor Star Rogue waiting! Hyah!

[Idia magics hair and clothes]

Idia: K, bedhead fixed. And now, onwards, to the Mystery Shop!!

[Main Street]

Idia: Fheeheehee…! Look at this craftsmanship…! It looks just like the scene I imagined as a kid!

Idia: Ortho… Did you look for this Star Rogue diorama because you knew I was sad I didn't get it?

Idia: Wheew～ The best thing in the world is a little brother who thinks the world of his older brother, and is really good at search functions～!

Jack: Hm? Is that… Idia-senpai? Good morning.

Idia: GYAAAAAA!? J-Jack-shi…? Why are we making contact two days in a row…?

Jack: I mean, it's not really anything, but… I heard from Ortho yesterday that today was your birthday, is all.

[Idia runs away]

Jack: Happy Birthday. So, uh, did you get what you were looking…

Jack: Huh, he's already gone! Ugh, I don't get him at all.

Requested by @farfalla049.

[goosewriting]

Hello! I loved your "baby 🥺" fic and was wondering if we could get a version of it but with Donnie?

Another bebe?🥺 (rottmnt Donnie x reader)

summary: a turtle baby suddenly appears in the lab, and she looks suspiciously a lot like Donnie

relationship: Rise!Donnie x GN reader

warnings: none, just fluff!, soft Donnie

word count: 2k

A/N: the moment everyone's been waiting for lol this time Donnie gets better lab equipment xD

More “Baby 🥺” versions: Leo | Raph | Donnie (you’re here) | Mikey

(english is not my first language. constructive criticism and grammar corrections are very appreciated!)

— — —

Donnie was in his lab, because where else would he be? He was jamming to some EDM music in the background while tinkering with some project of his. You sat in front of him, starting to get bored. He had invited you over to show you his latest masterpiece, but it hadn’t worked yet, so now he was trying to fix the issue. Which according to him would be a quick fix, but he had been at it for over half an hour now, cursing under his breath.

“You better leave all the tools how you found them,” he said without looking up, as he could hear the light clattering.

“I know your system,” you reassured him. “You've explained it in great detail several times, don’t you worry.”

“Then, can you pass me the screwdriver, please?” he asked, stretching out his hand in your direction.

You reached out to pick it up from the box but it fell from your hand, rolling over the edge of his work table. You flinched slightly, ready for the clatter it would make as it fell onto the floor, since that screwdriver was modified by Donnie and particularly heavy. But the sound never came. Instead you heard more of an electrical zap and a whoosh.

Taking a couple of steps to get around the table, you saw that there was a hole on the floor where the screwdriver would have been. It was circular, formed by several zapping rays of a yellow-ish glow. You couldn't see through it, but it was clear that the tool fell in there. You merely blinked at the sight in front of you, unable to say anything.

Not getting a response from you, Donnie also moved from his spot, leaving his work on the table, and walked over, now standing in front of you on the other side of… whatever that was. 

“Huh,” is all that he said.

“What is that?” you asked after a moment. “And why are you not alarmed?”

Donnie scoffed. 

“It’s obvious it's some kind of portal,” he explained, turning around to his wall of machinery, tapping something on this brace device.

You raised your hands and eyebrows in a ‘well, sorry I didn’t immediately recognise it as such’ gesture, even though he had his back to you.

“I need to analyse it,” Donnie informed you as he turned around. “Better get a little further back just in case–”

Suddenly the screwdriver appeared again, coming out straight out of the portal, a tiny turtle hand attached to it.

You both stood in silence and shock, watching how a little turtle tot climbed out the portal carrying the heavy tool, finally getting to sit on the floor with a huff. The baby had a little ribbon tied to her head, which hung a little askew because of her efforts. She looked at you with a smile, then at Donnie, and squealed in glee, holding out the screwdriver with both hands towards him, as if offering it to him.

Then the portal zapped loudly, and shut closed. The little turtle seemed unfazed by this, still waiting for Donnie to react.

Donnie opened and closed his mouth several times but no words came out. You approached the baby and  crouched down next to her.

“H-hey there, little one,” you greeted her, and she cooed. “Where did you come from, hm?”

You took the screwdriver from the little hands, placing it on the table, and picked up the baby in your arms. 

“Huh, look at you, aren't you cute?”, you said as you inspected her chubby cheeks and big eyes. “What’s your name?”

The baby cooed and babbled as you moved the ribbon up her head to where you thought it was meant to sit. You fixed your grasp on the turtle to carry her better against your hip, in the process stroking over her back with your hand, and your brows raised at the sensation.

“Donnie look,” you pointed out to him. “She has a soft shell, just like you!”

You turned back to him and he was still in shock, unmoving. But you had been with him long enough to pick up on the tiny changes in his face to read them. Given the twitch of the corner of his mouth, you knew his mind was not only racing, but he already had a plausible hypothesis for this situation.

“Spit it out, Don,” you said with an amused sigh. “You already know what happened, right?”

“I think I do,” he answered. 

Donnie approached you and the baby, guiding you to a different part of the lab, where he instructed you to place her in a little open chamber, which you knew he used to analyse materials. You tilted your head at his request.

“Do you really need to know her molecular composition to tell she's a turtle like you?” you deadpanned. 

“I just want to know for sure if she’s who I think she is–”

“Whoa!” came a voice from behind you suddenly. “You two sure work fast!”

You both turned around to see Leo, Mikey and Raph at the entrance of the lab.

“We leave to get food and you already had a baby?” Leo joked. 

Heat spread on your face, burning on your cheeks. 

“We- Wha-??” you stumbled over your words. The baby in your arms squealed in glee, apparently very on board with Leo’s comment.

“That’s not how it works, Leo,” Mikey said, grabbing his brother by the shoulder. “Babies aren't made in labs, they–”

“Yeah, they grow in a cabbage,” Raph interjected. “Everyone knows that.”

You all went silent. 

“I’m obviously joking!” Raph called, Leo and Mikey erupting in laughter.

While you were busy trying to get your heated cheeks under control and everyone was making fun of Raph, Donnie had taken the little turtle from your arms and placed her into the chamber. He left the front panel open so she wouldn't feel trapped.

There was a loading bar on his screen, labelled „retrieving genetic material“. The bar progressed fairly quickly and after a couple of seconds the message appeared: „Analysis successful: Congrats, it‘s a girl!“ accompanied by the sound of a party blower, and followed by some caricatures of you and Donnie's faces surrounded by confetti.

At that, the laughter died down and all eyes fell on you. 

“Oh my god, called it!” Leo exclaimed.

“Shut up,” you told him, but the embarrassment in your voice didn’t make it sound particularly stern. “Donnie, clearly that's not possible, right?”

As you asked this, you turned around to see the turtle in question averting his eyes, a bit tensed up with his shoulders slightly raised, and hands curled into fists. Under his mask you could see a furious blush reaching to his neck.

“Eh?” is all you managed to mutter out.

“Clearly she came from a different timeline or dimension, but…” Donnie started, bringing up his hands to his face to try and hide from you. “Yeah, it's true.”

Letting out a shaky sigh, he picked up the little turtle, who had been following the whole exchange with great interest, looking from one person to the other. Donnie then moved to sit where he had been earlier, at the table, with the little turtle on his lap, looking lost in thoughts.

You shooed the other three out of the room, much to their dismay, to get a moment alone with Donnie. He was being a bit uncharacteristically quiet and … non-rambly, science-wise.

Grabbing your chair, you brought it to the other side of the table to sit next to him. Meanwhile, the baby turtle had discovered Donnie’s abandoned project on the table and her focus shifted completely to it. From his lap she could reach properly and started investigating the device. Donnie didn't seem to mind at all, which was sounding yet another alarm in your head. Instead of reprimanding the smaller turtle to leave his things alone, as you would have expected, he watched with soft eyes how she skillfully turned the device in her little hands, babbling to herself as if trying to make sense of his contraption.

“Is… everything okay?” you asked softly, placing your hand on his arm.

“I’m just…” Donnie took a moment to find the right word. “Stunned, I guess.” 

“How so?” 

“I’ve tried imagining this a couple of times,” he started, scratching the back of his neck, then clicked his tongue. “Scratch that, I think about this all the time.”

“About what?” you questioned, and your heart skipped a beat; does he mean what you think he means?

“You’re really gonna make me say it out loud,” he mumbled, lifting his eyes to meet yours, then heaved a deep sigh. “About us. What life will be like with you by my side.”

He then gestured to the little turtle still tinkering with the device.

“And about having kids, apparently.”

“Y-you think about our future together?” you said almost in disbelief, your chest tightening at his confession.

“Of course I do,” he responded immediately. “I can't really imagine a future without you in it. O-only if you want to stay, that is.”

“Obviously I want to!” you said and held his hand. You were leaning in, about to give him a kiss, when the turtle tot exclaimed in glee. And you could have sworn it sounded like she was trying to say “eureka”.

Before Donnie could stop her, she detached two cables, turned the thing around and connected them on the opposite side. You three looked at it expectantly to do something, but nothing was happening, so she gave it a smack with a grunt, and that's when the lights went on and it started whirring.

“No way! You fixed it?” Donnie exclaimed happily and held the baby under her armpits, lifting her up, to which she cooed and blew a raspberry.

With a smile, you leaned your head on your hand, propped up on your elbow on the table.

“Well, it’s no wonder she’s smart,” you spoke. “She’s got good genes, after all.”

Donnie’s gaze came to meet yours and he smiled as well, one of his rare soft ones, and your heart started racing all over again. 

Just as you were about to ask what you should do with her, there was some zapping behind you, the same zapping you had heard from the portal earlier. 

“Donnie is gonna kill meee,” came a familiar voice as a figure crossed through the portal into the lab, and you couldn’t believe your eyes: it was an older version of Mikey.

When he spotted the baby in Donnie’s arms, his shoulders slumped visibly in relief.

“You little rascal!” Mikey scolded her. “I look away for three seconds and you go off running!”

The baby stuck out her tongue at him, trying to hide behind Donnie’s arm.

“Heh, looks like brains aren't the only thing she inherited from you,” you tell Donnie with a mischievous grin.

“Whatever could you be implying,” he remarked sarcastically.

Mikey went to pick up the baby but she cried out, her arms doing a grabby motion towards you, and you could feel your heart tightening a bit at the sight.

“Hey now, it’s okay, little one,” you tried comforting her as you held her tiny hands. “We’ll see each other again, I’m sure.”

Donnie tensed up his jaw as the baby was taken from him, and you couldn’t help the sad smile on your face. Mikey shot you an apologetic look, and turned back towards the portal.

“This never happened, we were never here,” he said over his shoulder with a wink, and stepped through the whirls. 

The portal zapped closed again, and not a second later three heads peeked into the lab through the door.

“Is everything alright?” Raph asked.

“We heard voices just now, was someone here?” Leo questioned as he looked around. 

“Where's the baby?!” Mikey said, bringing his hands to his head.

“It’s okay,” you calmed them down. “She's back where she's supposed to be.”

Donnie’s hand came to hold your own under the table.

“We’ll see her again,” he promised, more to you than the others. “Hopefully soon.”

And then you knew the heat that prickled your cheeks probably wasn’t gonna leave any time soon.

~~~~~

🐥 taglist: [more info in my pinned post!] ( i really hope i got everyone! ) @hearteyedracoon, @maribatshipper, @whygz, @lovelylovelydreams, @o0-starboy-0o, @xnorthstar3x, @yarabutterfly, @isometimeswritestuff, @spacelesbianfanclub, @lieutenantlashfaz, @dybynyght, @snipersiniora, @je-m-appelle-yam, @lunar-lover1, @normal-internet-user

[sayruq]

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Emergency doctor Amjad Alewah once saved lives at Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. But after 200 days of war between Israel and Hamas militants, he now stands in its ruins. “We are now in the middle of the rubble of this great hospital,” Alewah, who returned to inspect the now charred emergency reception room, told AFP. Following the outbreak of war, Al-Shifa became a safe haven for the thousands injured or fleeing the Israeli onslaught on the Palestinian territory. “Every day, we received thousands of wounded,” he said, recalling having to work without enough medical equipment or fuel for electric generators. “We had picked up the habit of spending all our time here, as if it was our main residence.” But war came to Al-Shifa, with Israel launching multiple raids on the medical facility after accusing militants of operating a command center from tunnels below.

“Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law,” [UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk] said. Alewah said he was saddened by the destruction of a “cornerstone of health for the whole north of the Gaza Strip,” calling on the international community and World Health Organization (WHO), which visited Al-Shifa to assess damages, to help rebuild. “We’re lacking operating theaters to treat patients, particularly patients on dialysis or those with heart conditions.” A rehabilitation medical committee has already been put in place, its head, Marwan Abu Saada told AFP, adding that they were working on building an emergency department in another part of the hospital complex. “We will not lose hope,” he repeated, despite acknowledging the difficulty of the task at hand.

[kcg69]

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a Great Lakes freighter built by Great Lakes Engineering Works of Ecorse, Michigan, and launched on June 7, 1958. Here are the detailed specifications and description of the ship:

length overall: 729 feet

length between perpendiculars: 711 feet

breadth molded: 75 feet

depth molded to spar deck amidship: 39 feet

draft (designed summer draft): 26 feet, 6.5 inches

gross tonnage: 13,632 tons

deadweight capacity: 25,891 gross tons

service speed: 16 mph

power: 7,500 shaft horsepower

engine manufacturer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation

registry number: US 277437

hull number: 301

The Edmund Fitzgerald was designed to carry taconite iron ore pellets from mines near Duluth, Minnesota, to steel mills in the Great Lakes region. The ship was noted for its luxurious interior, including deep pile carpeting, tiled bathrooms, leather swivel chairs in the guest lounge, and two guest staterooms for passengers. It featured advanced nautical equipment for its time, including a large galley and a fully stocked pantry.

On November 10, 1975, the ship sank in a severe storm on Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan. All 29 crew members perished, and the exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, though it is speculated that the ship may have suffered from structural failure, topside damage, or grounding on a shoal.

The wreck was located in deep water, split into two large pieces. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald led to changes in Great Lakes shipping regulations, including mandatory survival suits, depth finders, positioning systems, increased freeboard, and more frequent inspections of vessels.

[bees-making-art]

Beat of the Heart, Chapter One: Electric Feel

This is the start of my silly little LoganxGN!Mutant!Reader story! It will loosely follow the plot of the first x-men movie. Basically just switch out Jean for reader as the center of Logan's romantic affection. Reader has a described power but other than that no physical description. Reader is also a medic/scientist like Jean and Hank. This is also cross posted on A03 if you want to read it there!

“So, do you know what happened to the new arrivals?” you ask Jean, who walks beside you to the in-school infirmary and research bay.

“Not much. I haven't had the time to talk to Scott or Ororo yet. All I know is that one is a teenage girl named Rouge and the one, we will see now, is a man.”

As you reach the door, you give a little hum to show her you're listening. You press your hand to the sensor. The device takes a minute to scan your palm before flashing green and opening the doors. 

Beyond the door is a sort of ‘mud room’ that holds lab coats, gloves, masks, goggles, and other lab safety clothing. You and Jean both grab your respective lab coats (which have your name embroidered on the inside) and a pair of disposable gloves. Once the equipment is on, Jean compels the glass doors open with her mind, and the two of you walk in. 

Immediately, you see the man Jean was speaking of lying on one of the many infirmary gurneys. Completely ignoring him for a moment, you gather a clipboard with pencil and paper to take notes and fill out the general form you have for everyone in the school. Only when you are beside the gurney with your note-taking supplies on the metal table do you really take in his features. 

The first thing you notice is that this man is handsome, but you bury that thought in favor of taking actual notes. The man has dark brown hair that is tousled but seems to have been styled into two little animal-ear-like points. His skin is a light tan, which is clearly due to working in the sun. The man's eyebrows are naturally shaped into a furrow, giving even his resting face the appearance of scowling. And on each side of his lower jaw are mutton chops that truly only a man as handsome as him could pull off.

His chest, arm, and stomach muscles are well-defined. You guess this is from the same work that gifted the man his lovely tan. Said places are also covered in a smattering of dark brown hair. It curls out from the center of his chest to the edge, down the valleys of his stomach, and disappears under his pants and over his forearms.

During your inspection, Jean puts little circular, sticky sensors on the man's chest in preparation for the examination machine. Once the sensors are in their correct places, she takes his blood pressure before grabbing the pen on the table to scribble down his results. 

You try your best to stay focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by this stranger's attractive visage but it's difficult not to when you have to focus on looking at him. Jean takes notice of your ogling and can't help herself but to smirk, giving your bicep a little nudge. You turn to face her, immediately annoyed at the expression you find on her face. 

“Looks like someone is enjoying their research,” she teases in a quiet tone. She uses her powers to hand herself a syringe from the metal table next to the bed, inspecting it to ensure it wasn’t tampered with or damaged. 

You roll your eyes at her comment, write down your observations, and fill out the parts of the form you can. The clipboard is set to the side as you grab one of the man's arms, lifting his hand up to inspect it and the pocket of his elbow for any scars or markings. You don't give her the satisfaction of an answer. Instead, you simply elect to ignore her comment. 

Jean notices this and giggles as she grabs the man's other arm, lining up the syringe with the crook of his elbow. You place the hand you were holding back onto the bed. With clipboard back in hand, you write that he only has a few faint scars across and in between his knuckles, evidence of fighting but none of injection drug use. 

The two of you make eye contact, and after a shared nod, Jean begins to slowly press the needle into his skin and pierce the vein.

What happens next occurs in mere seconds. First, the man's eyes shoot open and flicker between you and Jean. Then he's standing up, pulling his arm away from the shot, the other hand curling around Jean's neck. He’s now standing behind her with his syringe-free arm wrapped around the other to secure it.

The man's eyes dart across the room before landing on you. You mentally note to write down later that his eyes are a deep brown with a speck of Hazel. But nonetheless, you raise your hands to your head to show you have no intent to harm the man.

“Hey! We’re not trying to harm you! I promise we were simply checking you and possibly treating you for injuries that you might have sustained from the crash and fight. We mean you know harm,” you try your best to convince the feral-looking man. 

His eyes flick around your face and then the room once more. A noise that sounds more like an animalistic growl than what a human makes leaves his mouth as he lets go of Jean with a shove and rushes out of the room. 

Jean coughs and catches her breath, her hands gently holding her own throat as you lower your hands back to your sides. You let out a sigh as you pick up the tossed syringe, placing it next to your clipboard on the table. You walk to Jean and put a comforting hand on her back.

“Well, he’s going to be a fun one,” you grumble, only half sarcastic. Jean’s laugh in response makes a smile cross your face. You pat her back before returning your hand to your side. She stands up straight and smiles at you in return, a quiet ‘thank you’ whispered into the back of your mind. You nod then look to the door where the man had left.

You shake your head and peel off the plastic gloves sticking to your hands, tossing them to the trashcan nearby. The lab coat slips off your shoulders as you place it onto the gurney nearby. Jean follows suit as you walk towards the glass door, beridding herself of her lab clothing and taking long strides to catch up with you.

“At least he has a pretty face to look at,” you hum, a laugh bubbling in the back of your throat. A giggle shoots out of Jean, tossing her head back in the laughter.

“I knew you were checking him out!” Jean teases, making your cheeks redden. 

You wave her off as the two of you exit out the second pair of doors, facing the long hallway to the stairs and elevators that lead upstairs. The two of you decide to split up. Jean checks out the rest of the basement while you head upstairs to look through the rest of the mansion. 

As soon as you reach the floor level of the estate, a familiar, comforting voice enters your mind. ‘The new mutant is in my office. Please meet us there for proper introductions,' Charles speaks. You assume that he sends the same message to the rest of the X-men. 

Luckily for you Xaviors office is only a few minutes walk from where you are currently. You waste no time in walking up the stairs past the many students and down the hall till you reach the ornate door at the front of the professor's office, a little golden plaque displaying his name about a foot and a half above where the handle is. 

You turn the handle and slowly push the door open, taking care not to accidentally hit the new mutant if he was standing right in front of it. Once you see that he is not there, you open the door all the way, leaning left against the door frame. You cross your arms in front of your chest. A smirk spreads across your face as you notice the jacket the man has seemingly ‘borrowed’ from the changing room in the basement. 

It's a blue-tinted medium gray zip-up jacket. And even though he's turned away from you, you know that there is a blue X-men patch on the left side. The hoodie seems not fully zipped as the fabric is not fully covering his shoulders and slipping down his back, perfectly showing just enough skin to tease your imagination. And god, does it look amazing on him like that.

Charles gestures to you with his left hand, a permanent soft smile on his lips. The man turns to face you. And it reveals just what you were expecting; the zipper is only up to about his sternum. Zipped up just enough to not show off everything but still down enough that you can see his clavicle and his chest that's painted with dark brown hair. It makes you want to slide your hands into the jacket to feel what you cannot see.

But hearing your code name coming from Xaviors mouth pulls you out of your thoughts. You push them far back as you give the man standing before you a little wave, meeting his eyes for the first time since entering the room. The deep, woodsy color is something you are slowly becoming acquainted with. A similar smirk to yours is plastered on his face as his eyes sweep over your form. If you didn't know better, you would say he was checking you out. 

You put your hand out in front of you, presenting it to Logan for a handshake. 

“Or you could just call me by my real name, Y/N. It's nice to meet you again.” This gains you a chuckle from the man and a playful eye roll from Charles. The jacket-donned man clasps his slightly bigger hand to yours and gives a half-hearted shake. 

“Names Logan, some call me Wolverine, but I'm willin’ to guess you already knew that, sweetheart,” the tone in which he says the pet name sends a shiver up your spine. And his damned smirk paired with it isn't helping your goal to not get flustered. 

So, why not return the favor? At least in some way. Using a bit of energy you always had stored away just in case, you give Logan a little shock. It’s nothing more than one of those prank hand buzzers. But it does get you the desired result, a wince paired with a hiss as he pulls his hand away from yours. 

Logan looks down at his hand to find not even a wound to be healed. His gaze turns back up to connect with yours as your smirk turns into a grin. You hold up the hand you just used to shock him, making the ‘devil horns’ with your thumb out. In between the two digits, a small, faintly purple-colored electrical current forms between them.

Logan's eyes drift to it as his hand returns to his side, then back to yours. He rolls his eyes at your unbidden glee. He tries to give off the impression he is not impressed, but you can see the hint of a smile playing at the edges of his lips. 

“I can control electrical currents, manipulate them to make machines do what I want. I can take their energy, store it in my body, and send it back out just like that.” You return the energy you were using back into your body, veins in your hand and arm glowing for no more than a second. Your arms are back to being crossed, along with your shoulder being pressed against the door. 

Logan's mouth opens as if he is about to say something, but he shuts it as Scott and Ororo appear in the doorway behind you. They are closely followed by Jean. Who, unbeknownst to you, slips her hand into Scotts.

You move further into the room so that the other three don’t have to stand in the doorway behind you. Ororo is the first to introduce herself with a little wave and her usual kind smile. They each tell Logan their names, code names, and their powers. Jean is the only one able to show it as she lifts a pencil off Charles's desk. 

Throughout the entire exchange, Logan keeps an unimpressed look on his face. But it's a little more genuine than with you. You can’t help but giggle a little, covering your mouth with your hand to pass it off as a cough. The two of you meet eyes again, and Logan's lips twitch into a smile at your actions. 

Charles notices the two of you no longer paying attention to the others and claps his hands together. All the heads in the room snap to face him as he wheels around to be in front of his finely carved wooden desk. 

“Y/N, since the two of you appear to be getting along, please show Logan where his room is and give him a tour of the school.” It sounds like a gentle request, but you can tell from the look on Xavior's face that he is a bit miffed at your behavior. 

A blush blooms across your cheeks as you nod.

“Will do, professor,” you respond not a moment later. Your tone is much like that of a student who was just scolded by a teacher, and in some ways, your relationship with Charles was like that.

You turn to face the door to walk out. As you turn your head, you catch Jean's teasing smirk. You roll your eyes at her antics. You nod your head towards the door and only start moving when Logan follows. You only glance at him briefly as you quickly turn to exit. Storm bumps your shoulder almost imperceptibly and winks at you. You narrow your eyes in return to her gesture, waiting for Logan outside the hall. 

Once he stands beside you in the hall and the door is closed, you huff and drop your shoulders from where they had been practically pressed to your ears. You feel almost like Logan is looking at you, but you don't bother checking. Taking a step forward, you begin your tour of the institute. 

The air around you is filled with awkward tension. And part of you is tempted to let it stay that way lest you become distracted by Logan again. And his stupidly good-looking stolen jacket. However, despite your valiant effort, your eyes flit to Logan's face. 

From his side profile, you can see his defined jawline through the facial hair and subtle frown lines that stretch from the edges of his nose to the outer corner of his lips. 

Catching yourself, you return your gaze onward. You find yourselves at the top of the staircase before the entrance. You perk up a bit at the opening of conversation.

“This is the entrance to the school; you can access most of the inside areas from here. The kitchen is through there, the student dormitories are down that hallway, and the teachers are opposite. Classrooms are upstairs, as are the rest of the dormitories. Downstairs is where the infirmary, laboratory, and battle practice rooms are,” you explain as you walk down the stairs, pointing to each of the doorways and stairs to tell him what they are. 

“We were holding you in the infirmary early if you couldn’t tell, but we also occasionally use it as an extra lab. We have a library and a few common rooms on this level that connect the dorms.”

Turning to Logan, you see him nod, his particular way of showing you he was listening. You flash him a grin and head to the teacher's rooms. Walking down the hallway, you pass by a few students, to whom you give high-fives as you pass.

“I'll show you the room we’re providing you while you're with us. And I’ll tell you whose room is whose in case you ever need any of us.” Logan raises an eyebrow at this but doesn't comment. He just simply follows.

The hallway is mostly just a long series of doors. However, it is occasionally broken up by large windows with couches in front of them, bookshelves, and small tables with decorations and plants on them. As you pass by the doors, you point to each, telling Logan whose room it is and how to remember it.

“These two are Jean and Scott's rooms, though usually they are in one or the other. They’re the first room, so it makes them easy to find. This room right here is Ororo’s, and Hank’s is across from it. You haven’t met him yet ‘cause he's on a mission right now, but he’ll be pretty hard to miss when he returns. Hanks always has blue fur at the threshold, and you can usually hear music from Ororo’s.”

There's a bit more hallway that you two walk before you reach your door, and by some gracious being above, where Charles decided to put Logan. You smile upon seeing the familiar door to your room.

“This one is my room,” you say while pointing at the door. “It’s probably going to be the easiest for you to remember because it's right across from where you will be staying.”

A smirk spreads across Logan's lips, and he turns to you. “And I’m sure that was by complete accident; it's definitely just a coincidence.” He nudges your shoulder teasingly as he walks to the door of his new room.

You chuckle and roll your eyes at his insinuation. 

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? But no, I don’t have a say in how rooms are picked; that's all Xaviors doing. Trust me, if I had any say, I would be on the top floor with my window facing the backyard.”

Logan's smirk never leaves as he opens the door. The nod he sends your way gives you the impression that he doesn’t entirely believe you. He steps inside the room, looking around. You walk in behind Logan but stay near the door. 

“All the rooms have separate bathrooms, so don't worry about sharing. Right now, all we have is basic clothes for you, but feel free to get yourself some new ones. The closet's that door right there if you do,” you point to each door after explaining their respective purpose.

The room is in its basic cookie-cutter style, which all of them start with: plain off-white walls with wood paneling and crown molding. A window facing the outside has a plain queen-sized bed right under it. All of the cloth in the room is the same cream color. It gives the feeling of a hotel.

Logan turns to face you after sitting on the bed's edge. Arms propping him up from behind and legs mildly spread.

“What? Don't want me wearing your fancy X-men clothing?” Is his only response to anything you said. You smile and roll your eyes at him, one of your hands resting on your hips.

  “No, I just got the impression that you wouldn’t want to wear Scott's hoodie,” you gesture to the gray zip-up, which, in your opinion, looks better on him than it ever has on Scott. "And he won’t be too happy about it either. “

The way Logan looks at you can only be described as incredulous, disgust, and dread all rolled into one. It almost makes you laugh. But you manage to keep it at just an amused smile. 

“You're just saying that to get me shirtless again.”

You give him a shrug with your hands raised, “You don't have to believe me, but I can bet you $100s that Scott's name is on it.” The man grumbles under his breath about something you don’t quite catch as he unzips the jacket and strips it off. 

You’re tempted to look, but you peel your eyes away to show Logan you are being truthful and don't just want to see him shirtless. As you look away, you’re reminded again of how bare the room is. 

“You can also decorate how you like. Charles just asks to keep it child-appropriate in case one of them has to come in here.”

Logan chuckles and shakes his head as he tosses Scott's jacket to you.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. I won’t get anything too ‘adult’.” He makes quotation marks with his fingers as he says, ‘adult.’ You smile in return as you catch the jacket. You drape it over one of your arms, willing everything that you don’t blush or start glowing. 

“Oh yeah, I forgot to show you earlier, but the laundry room is further down the hall. It has a little plaque, so you won't miss it. You know, for whenever you do get your own clothes.”

You expect him to laugh at your retort, but he gives you this quiet smile instead. Not a smirk, a genuine smile, albeit a very small one, but a smile nonetheless. It makes a bundle of butterflies spread through your chest. Much like the blush, you try your best to suppress the feelings. You don’t need your powers giving you away this early.

All he says in response besides the smile is a simple, “thanks.”

You smile wider in return and give him a little nod. You turn and exit through the doorway, turning to him once you're past the threshold. 

“I’ll be across the hall or in the lab if you need anything.” You close the door behind you and walk over to your own. You let out a relieved sigh once in the safety of your room. A faint purple glow begins to emanate from your veins. A result of you releasing the hold on your powers. Once the light fades, you take a moment to collect yourself before leaving to return to the lab.

Hope you all enjoyed! I can't promise a consistent schedule but I'll aim for a chapter a week. Thank you to my friend c20w for beta reading! And credit to strangergraphics for the beautiful banners!

[metamatar]

In 1975, civilian nuclear technology was part of a worldwide strategy to bring the Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC) to heel. That body’s power seemed unprecedented, given that most of its countries were historically impoverished or “backward” peoples. [...]

Many developing countries did adopt nuclear technologies, often with crucial parts of their national infrastructures relying on American and European expertise, equipment, and fuel. Rather than seeing liberation from nature, such countries faced renewed forms of dependence. Iran certainly never gained reliable access to uranium and did not become the economic miracle envisioned by Ansari back in 1975. Instead of lifting up the poorer nations of the world, the global nuclear order seemed structured in ways reminiscent of the colonial era. The most heated debates within the IAEA pitted the nuclear weapons states against the so-called LDCs—less developed countries. The agency never became a storehouse for fission products. Instead, one of its primary functions was to monitor an arms control treaty—the Treaty 4 on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. By the end of the century, the IAEA was referred to as a “watchdog,” known for its cadre of inspectors. In 2003, IAEA inspections were crucial talking points in public debates about the invasion of Iraq by the United States [...] evidence gathered over the years by the agency created for the peaceful atom was being interpreted by the United States government as justification for military intervention. [...]

Focusing only on arms control glosses over the domestic politics of nuclear programs, particularly the role of high technology as symbols of state power and legitimacy. But it also does not square with what scholars of the Cold War have been pointing out for decades—that governments, especially the United States, deployed science and technology as diplomatic tools, to achieve feats of prestige, to shape business arrangements, to conduct clandestine surveillance, or to bind countries together with technical assistance programs. Poorer countries’ dreams of modernization, of using advanced technology to escape hunger, poverty, and the constraints of nature—these were the stock-in-trade of US diplomacy. Why, then, should we imagine that the promises connected to peaceful uses of atomic energy were any less saturated with geopolitical maneuvers and manipulation? [...]

American officials in the late 1940s and early 1950s were very worried that commercial nuclear power would siphon off supplies of uranium and monazite needed for the weapons arsenal. So they explicitly played down the possibility of electricity generation from atomic energy and instead played up the importance of radioisotopes for medicine and agriculture—because such radioisotopes were byproducts of the US weapons arsenal and did not compete with it. The kinds of technologies promoted in the developing world by the United States, the USSR, and Europeans thus seemed neocolonial, keeping the former colonies as sites of resource extraction—a fact noticed, and resented, by government officials in India, Brazil, and elsewhere. Mutation plant breeding, irradiation for insect control or food sterilization, and radioisotope studies in fertilizer—these were oriented toward food and export commodities and public health, problems indistinguishable from those of the colonial era. These were not the same kinds of technologies embraced by the global North, which focused on electricity generation through nuclear reactors, often as a hedge against the rising political power of petroleum-producing states in the Middle East. By the mid-1960s and 1970s, the United States and Europe did offer nuclear reactors even to some of the most politically volatile nations, as part of an effort to ensure access to oil. Convincing petroleum suppliers of their dire future need for nuclear reactors was part of a strategy to regain geopolitical leverage. Despite the moniker “peaceful atom,” these technologies were often bundled in trade deals with fighter jets, tanks, and other military hardware [...]

By the close of the century, two competing environmental narratives were plainly in use. One was critical of atomic energy, drawing on scientific disputes about the public health effects of radiation, the experience of nuclear accidents such as Three Mile Island (1979) and Chernobyl (1986), or the egregious stories of public health injustice—including negligence in protecting uranium miners or the wanton destruction and contamination of indigenous peoples’ homelands. In contrast was the narrative favored by most governments, depicting nuclear technology in a messianic role, promising not only abundant food, water, and electricity, but also an end to atmospheric pollution and climate change. [...]

As other scholars have noted, the IAEA tried to maintain a reputation of being primarily a technical body, devoid of politics. But it had numerous political uses. For example, it was a forum for intelligence gathering, as routinely noted by American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) documents. It also outmaneuvered the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization in the early 1960s and was able to assert an authoritative voice playing down public health dangers from atomic energy. Further, it provided a vehicle for countries to stay engaged in atomic energy affairs even if they did not sign on to the non-proliferation treaty—India, Pakistan, and Israel most notably. It provided apartheid-era South Africa with a means of participating in international affairs when other bodies ousted it because of its blatantly racist policies. By the same token, it gave the Americans and Europeans political cover for continuing to engage with South Africa, an important uranium supplier.

Introduction to The Wretched Atom, Jacob Hamlin

[floridaboiler]

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a Great Lakes freighter built by Great Lakes Engineering Works of Ecorse, Michigan, and launched on June 7, 1958. Here are the detailed specifications and description of the ship: length overall: 729 feet length between perpendiculars: 711 feet breadth molded: 75 feet depth molded to spar deck amidship: 39 feet draft (designed summer draft): 26 feet, 6.5 inches gross tonnage: 13,632 tons deadweight capacity: 25,891 gross tons service speed: 16 mph power: 7,500 shaft horsepower engine manufacturer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation registry number: US 277437 hull number: 301 The Edmund Fitzgerald was designed to carry taconite iron ore pellets from mines near Duluth, Minnesota, to steel mills in the Great Lakes region. The ship was noted for its luxurious interior, including deep pile carpeting, tiled bathrooms, leather swivel chairs in the guest lounge, and two guest staterooms for passengers. It featured advanced nautical equipment for its time, including a large galley and a fully stocked pantry. On November 10, 1975, the ship sank in a severe storm on Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan. All 29 crew members perished, and the exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, though it is speculated that the ship may have suffered from structural failure, topside damage, or grounding on a shoal. The wreck was located in deep water, split into two large pieces. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald led to changes in Great Lakes shipping regulations, including mandatory survival suits, depth finders, positioning systems, increased freeboard, and more frequent inspections of vessels.

[upsidedownpaycheck]

Doc 101

Shout Out for the 200+ followers!! Here's a New Story (including links to the original owners). I'm not the best of writers but meh, hope everyone enjoys :]

OH! and A very special thanks to ♡ yasmine ♡ who made this all possible for allowing me to use her audio's! Please do check out her YouTube and drop a "Swiss Role from tumblr" msg :) link:

links will be provided throughout the storyline

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The Start xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Doc 101:

In the early stages of the fourteen hundreds, there was an undiclosed yearing for what seems to be a very odd doctor. She was avoided at all costs and there were reports of hearing metalic tables rumbling loudly at certain times of the early-misty night by late-night folks who happened to pass by. It was never really made clear on what caused these sounds however, people dared not to inspect her activity when she carries out all her strange projects-- until one patient decided to investigate, Patient 101(one-oh-one) AKA "The Private Eye Nearby".

Like any visit to a doctor, a client needs to book their session with a valid reason in order to get checked upon by one. It was a very common occurrence for the night to be chilly, one could see the carbon dioxide exiting the mouth of another as if it were steam coming out of a hot cup o' soup, this was a perfect opportunity that the Doc used to prep a warm welcome to her clients before proceeding into her lair.

Patient 101 describes the doctor as "well defined, pleasant and friendly" he recalls the Doctor to have a very soothing voice. The detective tries to take note of everything along the way to her lair, mainly focusing on her features. She (The Doc) also mentions that he is her first male patient and would love to hear any questions they he has in mind. This was phenomenal to 101 as it provides him the chance to interview her during the checkup. The interrogation consisted of several phases.

Phase 1: The Handle The Doc prepares her files and equipment and lowers the height of the table. Patient 101 is asked to lie on the table while a cozy fire keeps the room well-lit and warm for the both of them. He keeps a small book and quill to document everything

Phase 2: The Interview (101 Opens the conversation:) "You treat your patients so lovely, why all the bad rumors?" The Doc Feels 101's heartbeat

The Doc: "Breath in" "People don't like things they don't understand and my 'lair' doesn't help better my situation" "breath out"

Detective: "What situation?" The Doc takes her hand off 101's chest

The Doc: (Fetches Equipment for the table) "forget I said that" She tries to change the topic and although she looks away from 101… her eyes suddenly becomes teary

Detective: (Takes his Jacket off) "But you have customers here everyday! it is believed that you 'hide' their bodies and conduct strange projects on them?"

The Doc: the silence is loud while some time passes by (she wipes her teary eyes) "Those aren't bodies, they are realistic dummies I made to research something I'm working on"

Detective: "What are you researching?"

The Doc: she maintains her focus and measures 101's pulse with her fingers

"The problem you have at the moment, Cardiac Arrhythmias. The reason for your visit."

Detective: (stares into her eyes) "Well what more do you need to know if you have been doing research on it everyday?"

The Doc: The question caught her off guard and she couldn't help but to Blush in response "Um, well you know I've been working on like I said, uh research, I'd say it's for an emergency solution. It works by using a set charge of electrical energy that will send a great amount of current into a person which will grant the cardiac muscles in their heart enough energy to function again, provided that the moment of contact between the person and the current is true"

The Detective: (The Doc gently pushes her patient at the central chest to lie on the table) "How do you manage to access such levels of that 'set charge' you mentioned?"

The Doc: (Measures lower abdominal pulse) "When I rub a certain material long enough (She smirks), it stores this static energy which converts into this charge after it makes contact with special materials, It's not witchcraft like people think it is"

The Detective: (giggles) "Soo what does this all achieve?"

The Doc: "It saves lives, it stops you from dying, it…"

The Detective: "Brings you back to life from the dead, how is that not witchcraft?"

The Doc: "Your heart, my heart and everyone else's twists, pumps and beats because of this charge energy, when your heart stops then it means that it lacks this energy and needs more of it to continue working"

The Detective: "Interesting…mind if you show me a demonstration? I believe that this is related to my condition after all" (101 places his palm on her chest) The Doc: "I don't know if that's a good idea. I don't want to kill my first patient"

https://www.tumblr.com/mangafascination/746117508199743488?source=share

[Audio link: https://youtu.be/nePPoZhUJds] The Detective: "I thought I was only your first male patient?"

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[the-trinket-witch]

ADDITIONAL ALTUS LORE

Can't believe I freakin' forgot about this 🤦‍♂️Literally spent time workshopping this with @squidwen

For a city so industrial, relying on steam and using different manners of heat to build pressure might make one think soot and smoke would cling to everything.

Not So.

Not long after the city started gaining traction in its mechanization, Those On High understood pollution and general public machinery upkeep was in order. At first the task of cleaning the city and maintaining utilities was through general hiring and freelance. Those freelancers eventually began to talk, and with a task requiring one to traverse the city's rooftops -among other places- protections were needed.

So the Sweeps Guild was born.

'Sweeps' is actually not accurate. Yes, a lot of early union members were those who cleaned chimneys. But as electricity was introduced and the city grew larger, powerlines needed inspections, parks needed pruning, streets needed cleaning and so on.

A tourist might wonder how the city keeps so bright and shining, without seeing a single utility worker wandering the streets. That's because all their work is under cover of night. Spells and specialty equipment keep their work silent so as to not disturb the neighbors. But by dawn, their work is finished and they are allowed to retreat like the stars against the morning's rise.

It's a rare chance to catch a glimpse of a Sweep. A stroke of luck, you might say. To catch sight of one at the end of their day just as yours begins is supposedly a foretelling of good luck.

A Sweep is as Lucky as Lucky can be

Taglist:

@ceruleancattail @squidwen @thecosmicjackalope @vaporvipermedia@writing-heiress

@oya-oya-okay @k-looking-glass-house @thehollowwriter @rainesol @cyn-write

@heartscrypt @honey-milk-depresso @br3adtoasty @jackiecronefield @ruggiethethuggie

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[bijoumikhawal]

Dakh’voh pthak

For Bad Things Happen Bingo: Toxic Gas. Additional warnings for canon typical violence and anti-augment sentiment, set in a daemon AU

Vulcan mantras are from: https://visakavuhlkansuvulcanlegacy.wordpress.com/vulcan-mantras-zhit-kohlanlar-vuhlkansu/

Read on AO3

---

Julian turned to get to the docking bay, only to immediately bump into someone, making him drop his bag.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, oh, fucking-" It was another science officer, with their own dropped bag.

"It's fine." Julian mentally winced at his own tone. "I wasn't looking where I was going." he said, more gently.

The other officer bent over picking up the bags. "And I was looking, but I ran right into you. I- damnit, I really am sorry, I have a debriefing." She handed him his bag. "This one's yours, I think. Again, I'm really sorry, if you catch me in Rec Room 5 later I'll make it up to you." She ran off.

Julian rubbed his face as he slipped the strap over his shoulder to carry it properly, but he found himself smiling a bit.

He supposed there was something nice about hearing the word "sorry" from someone who didn't know him at all.

Kukalaka wove around his feet. "We're going to be late."

"No, we aren't." After a moment of thought, Julian picked her up and started walking.

Kukalaka bristled for a moment, but settled into the carry. She was picky about anything thst could lead to someone thinking of her like "a baby"- it was a carry over for cat daemons from how people saw their pets. Many people mistook her for a Bengal or Savannah, and did not realize that her form was that of a wild cat. People still avoided touching her, of course- but just as Julian often found himself annoyed by people talking about his youth, so did she with the assumption that she was a housecat.

However, she did like to be held. Just rarely in public.

---

The building was dark. Julian mentally noted that the auxiliary lights needed to be repaired. Long shadows were cast by old storage units and pieces of equipment as he flicked on his torch.

He and Kukalaka walked slowly, carefully observing the contents of the room and the overall condition everything was in. This building seemed to be primarily storage, and disused. It wasn't especially interesting- no computer stations that he could see.

As he entered the second chamber of the building, his light went out.

Julian shook his light, annoyed. It didn't come back on. He sighed and put it back in his pocket. He and Kukalaka could see just fine without it.

There were four chambers in all, with two small refreshers and a small room Julian supposed might be an office, and a slightly larger room with a two tables indicating you could take lunch there. It took Julian about 40 minutes to make a full perimeter circuit in the dark.

He really needed to do more than just the perimeter, just in case, but to do that he'd need a light. He quickened his step as he saw the door again, and pressed the button to open it.

Nothing. Nothing? Again- nothing.

Julian hit his comm badge. "Bashir to Defiant. The door to Building H has locked. Does anyone know another way out of here?"

Kukalaka got up, balancing on her hind legs to try and inspect the door. It was silent as she looked carefully, sniffing a few times.

"Bashir to Defiant. I'm serious, I didn't see another exit on the map in the mission briefing."

Kukalaka's ears flicked. "Julian."

"Bashir to- yes?"

"Do you hear anything?"

"No, and I wish-" He paused. Then he listened again.

It was silent.

Meaning Julian couldn't hear the electrical hum he had heard nearly every minute of his life for the past several years.

"Damn." Julian's mind started racing. Kukalaka dashed off in one direction to look for another exit as Julian turned the other way to do the same.

If he couldn't hear the electricity, of course the door couldn't open. And worse; the manual override didn't work properly on some of the buildings. It was why up until now, this outpost had been used only sparingly. They had come to retrieve some cached arms, yes, but they were also helping O'Brien take stock of what shape everything was in to see how long it would take to prepare it for rigorous use during the war.

Part of Julian sarcastically remarked, well, there's one more strike against being able to use this place, as he kept walking, feeling the wall panels.

If it was just that, Julian could have waited it out. Maybe, maybe it would've been worth trying to force the door. It was too thick for him to try the phaser. But if he couldn't hear the electricity... then life support wasn't working either. And there were no stores of food or water in this building. 

He forced his breathing even, remembering a Vulcan exercise he used to calm himself.

Tash-tor kashek vukhut. Tash’voh kashek heh fa-wak zahal-tor vukhut.

One of the strategic possibilities for this outpost was that it consisted of several seperate buildings, spaced each a quarter mile apart, each with its own life support and atmospheric shield. It was an attractive redundancy, especially as they likely could upgrade the shields with defensive capabilities. Combined with the lower grade technology that could minimize it's presence on radars, well.

All of those particular characteristics reminded Julian of Camp 371.

If they were lucky, the atmospheric shield was still operational, and they'd been the only ones hit. He'd use his tricorder to see before they tried whatever exit they found, obviously. Once they were out, he should be close enough to visually signal someone, since his comm badge was on the fritz. If they couldn't find an exit, they had air for a more than a week. A few years ago, he wouldn't be tense at all about it- but with a war on...

Why was his comm badge on the fritz?

Tash-tor kashek vukhut. Tash’voh kashek heh fa-wak zahal-tor vukhut.

Focus. Focus.

---

Julian had circled the building twice, passing Kuks. It was on the larger side, and even though he wasn't tired, he took a rest anyway.

He pulled his bag into his lap and flipped it open, pulling out his tricorder and clicking it on.

Well. He tried to. The tricorder screen was black. Julian squinted as he tried it a few more times.

Tash-tor kashek vukhut. Tash’voh kashek heh fa-wak zahal-tor vukhut.

This was starting to feel like too many coincidences. He'd done his pre-mission check right before the meeting, since they had to board immediately afterwards. Everything had worked fine before then.

Julian heard a tinkling noise. Confused, he looked down at his feet, then around him. He hadn't stepped or sat on anything. It was too close to be Kukalaka.

He held open his bag to put the tricorder back.

Tash-tor kashek vukhut...

Julian gagged as a horrible smell hit his nose.

He saw what made the noise. A delicate little glass vial- about the size of his finger- now broken, with a simple circuit taped to it. The circuit, it seemed, had been triggered to shatter the glass.

Julian threw the bag as far away from him as he could out of instinct.

This wasn't a matter of coincidence.

His mind went back to the other science officer. The bags.

Had someone been trying to take out the Starbase? Or- perhaps her mission, and the vial had been timed wrongly, and the opportunity to present her with failed equipment hadn't gone as planned.

He picked up the bag again, cautious, and emptied it. There was the bits of glass, a dermal regenerator, a spare phaser, a hypospray, the trauma kit, a pair of gloves, a small tool kit, and that was it. It looked like she was also a doctor.

He slid on the gloves and felt along the lining.

His heart sank as he felt a large lump and a line of stitching. He tore it open and pulled out the offending object, about the size of his palm. A mobile EMP generator.

Julian forced himself to put it down gently instead of throwing it. It was evidence. His eyes watered, and he couldn't tell if it was from the smell or not.

The atmospheric shield might still be in place. This sort of device had a limited range at this size, and there was a perimeter of breathable air outside the building. But he had no way of finding out. And whatever was in that vial meant he had no way of knowing if he'd be alive by the time everyone else had noticed something was wrong.

Julian stood up. And for the first time in a very long time, he gave into the urge to scream.

---

Kuks had come running, of course. Their emotional bond wasn't as strong- consequences, consequences- and it was easy for one of them to have growing emotions of unease that the other only perceived as vague anxiety. But the scream was undeniable.

She let Julian hold her tight to his chest for awhile, rubbing her head against his face and neck as his fingers dug into her ribcage. But eventually, it was too much, and she had to squirm away.

"I'm going to keep looking for an exit."

"Kuks-"

"Julian." If she could stamp her feet with any seriousness, she would. "We aren't dead yet. How long has it been since the vial broke?"

"22 minutes."

"We aren't showing serious symptoms yet. It could be it's not concentrated enough to kill us for another hour, or even longer, because of how big the building is. Even if it isn't, we aren't dead yet."

Julian knew she was right (of course he did- she was himself and vice versa). But he didn't feel up to it.

She sighed. "Help look when you can." And with that, she bounded off again.

Julian sat there for a few minutes before forcing himself to get up and continue the search.

Not long after that, he started feeling dizzy. Rather- Kukalaka had started feeling dizzy, as there was a vague, achy quality that told him it wasn't this body feeling it yet.

He'd gotten used to the smell, but it was already everywhere. He didn't recognize it- it was godawful, and if it had ever shown up in any of his labs, he'd never have forgotten it. It made the dizziness worse.

He kept walking, feeling along the wall panel. He remembered the map so clearly, with its single marked exit point. Even if he found another door, it'd be the same as the first. What he really needed was a weak wall panel. Something he could pry off and shoot a hole though the other side, or something of the sort.

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.

It was so dark, his eyes hurt. They were strained, and he was fairly certain that gas vial was indeed irritating them.

He tugged on the neck of his undershirt. The old one had a bit of stretch, and he could've pulled it over his mouth and nose by now, protected them a bit.

He was almost directly across from where the vial had broken when the dizziness intensified, and he knew this body was feeling it too.

Julian pressed a hand over his mouth, desperate not to vomit. He was fairly certain it would only make things worse.

Dakh’voh pthak. Ri nam-tor ret na’fan-kitok abi’dakh odu pthak.

He kept walking. He wondered how Garak had known he recited Vulcan mantras- that crass little dig after he'd smacked his face into a bulkhead hadn't been random. He'd never mentioned it, though others knew- what a fascinating web it would be, if you could track the flow of the station rumor mill and chart it out.

Dakh’voh pthak. Ri nam-tor ret na’fan-kitok abi’dakh odu pthak.

Next chamber.

---

His head was spinning. Surely, someone had noticed by now? Gotten bored, tried to comm him- with one or two people spared for each building, the rest securing the cache or manning the Defiant, check in was at three hours. It had been three hours- longer than, actually, but who was counting? An hour and a half since the vial broke.

He'd stopped being able to walk ten minutes ago. He'd leaned against the wall for a break, and found himself sliding down, down, down it.

He wondered if Kukalaka had found a place with clearer air to stay. Her body was smaller, more susceptible- if one went, they both would. His eyes were hard to keep open already, and he couldn't tell which body was feeling it.

He wondered if he should've left a note with the abandoned bag. The vial and EMP seemed obvious enough, but what if they weren't? What if they thought-

Julian shuddered where he laid against the wall, gripped by a strange sensation. It wasn't a wholly unpleasant one, though it was clouded by the burning that had spread all over his face. Was that a symptom of whatever was in that vial?

There was a strange calm that came with it. That was nice, at least.

Julian hummed quietly to himself.

A streak of blue crossed his vision. Then again, flapping towards him.

"Butterfly...?" He hadn't hallucinated up to this point. This was new.

The streak of blue settled above his head, and started making a terrible racket. Julian lifted his shaking hands, trying to plug his ears as he squeezed his eyes shut, giving in to the urge to close them.

He thought he heard something else, but soon after his body felt weightless and heavy at the same time.

He wondered it it felt different, depending on which body went first.

---

He was certain no one had ever thought of Dr. Bashir as small before. Perhaps his daemon, comparatively, but even that seemed silly. Size was not their typical vulnerability.

It was telling that he and Itzik has sat at their bedside for quite some time before remembering to remove their air masks.

Dr. Bashir and Kukalaka had been intubated the second they'd gotten to the Defiant's infirmary, which had made flushing their eyes with water a bit of a hassle. Once the readings of uzducine gas exposure had come up, Chief O'Brien, their chief security officer, and several others had been immediately sent down to investigate.

Garak would naturally have volunteered to go with them, but his hands were full of (metaphorical) pins and needles. He wasn't sure he'd he useful. Given the others (and he had seen the regret and anger on their faces) would not be able to visit Dr. Bashir until they were underway back to the starbase, he felt obligated to sit vigil until relieved.

He kept thinking about the feeling of soft fur against his hands and in his arms.

His hands, currently, were curled tight in his lap. He had to resist the temptation to do something troublesome. Such as slamming some fingers into a drawer. 

The Defiant had different patient scrubs, and he liked them far better. These were a light grey-green. The tube crossing over them, he did not like- it was rigid and gross, provocative, primitive, exactly the sort of thing that made Garak avoid any infirmary as much as possible.

Dr. Bashir's hand twitched, and Garak straightened his posture immediately. Those damp, sticky lashes opened slowly.

Dr. Bashir looked around, gaze still unfocused- from the ceiling to the divider curtain to Garak for a long moment, then Kukalaka. Itzik had long since found a hidden perch. He gently began petting his daemon.

Garak looked away. "As I'm sure you have guessed, you have survived an attempt on your life once more. I must congratulate you again on your strength."

Something gripped Garak's hand and tugged. He looked back down.

Dr. Bashir was pulling on him with all his strength- which, considering, even with him in such a state, was hard to resist. Garak let his hand be pulled.

Dr. Bashir pressed Garak’s hand against his cheek and closed his eyes. There was a bit of unshaven hair by his ear- stiffer than the haunting sense memory, but enough that Garak's arm trembled slightly with the effort of resisting the urge to jerk his hand away.

Dr. Bashir's other hand kept stroking over Kukalaka.

He hadn't realized yet.

Oh yes, it had been necessary- by the time he had found her, she had collapsed. The fact that Dr. Bashir was still conscious right as Garak had found him was truly impressive, under the circumstances. To ensure no transporter problems through the thick walls of the buildings, you needed a working comm badge to latch onto.

Garak still couldn't imagine, even so, that Dr. Bashir would so easily forgive Garak manhandling his very soul, holding it in his arms like a small child. And worse- hesitating to let her go when the nurse indicated she needed to be put down on the biobed for intubation.

Or that, unspeakably, he wanted to do it again, kept thinking about it. Wait until no one could see, not even her human half, and cradle her in his arms again as shockwaves of alternating revulsion and shame crashed over him alongside adoration and wonder.

Garak slid his hand away, a contrasting guilt stinging him as Dr. Bashir's eyes opened again. "The nurse will be coming by to check on you in a moment."

---

Dr. Bashir and Kukalaka still needed to be intubated for awhile by the time they returned, and had to be moved very carefully as a result. Jadzia and the Chief naturally crowded around them once they were free of their duties, even managing to find some game to play with them to distract them from the tubes.

It had been a pitiful sight to watch them be shooed out as Julian was questioned for a witness statement. To watch their faces drop into heart wrenching worry and rage again.

Garak, naturally, was not requested to aid the investigation. He, naturally, did not let this stop him from keeping abreast of the matter. Should Starfleet be derelict, he would happily pick up the slack. He was contracted personnel now, after all.

It seemed a young woman- another doctor- had heard about Julian's personal history, and decided an augment was too dangerous to be allowed to live. She rather readily admitted it; from Sisko's notes, it seemed she had expected he would agree with her.

Finding a vantage point to watch as she and her daemon were loaded onto a transport after the court martial had been difficult, but necessary. He needed to know they were off the starbase.

Garak personally saw little wrong with executions. The Federation attitude towards them was laughable- death was a mercy.

Because death was a mercy, once the guilt was sealed, he did nothing. They would simply have to suffer a nice long life inside a cell.

Sisko sought him out not long afterward, brie furrowed with suspicion. His daemon padded along beside him.

"Mr. Garak."

"Captain." Garak tilted his head. "You needn't stand, there's a spare seat."

Sisko took it, leaning one of his forearms on the table as he looked at Garak with intensity. "I'm... surprised by you."

"Mm?" Garak took a sip of his drink. "Are you? What have I done now?"

"It's what you haven't done."

Garak widened his eyes. "Why, Captain. You personally reminded me this matter was best left to you and the other ranking officers- and I must say, you handled it quite well."

Sisko closed his eyes and raised his brows for a second. "Perhaps I believe that. But from what I hear, you haven't been to see Julian and Kukalaka since we got back either, and that makes me...suspicious."

Garak was glad his species' facial expressions were normally considered harder to read beyond what they intentionally telegraphed. "Your fellow officers have kept me busy, I'm afraid. After all, I'm the only contractor of my kind that they have." Garak lowered his voice. "I heard they tried reaching out to a few others, but they all declined."

Sisko's brow eased, and he sighed.

"What?"

"Nothing. I see I had nothing to worry about- nothing that I have to make a report on, at least." Sisko stood up. "Julian and Kukalaka are being fully discharged tomorrow. Back to full duty, allowed to stay in their own quarters again. In case you find some spare time."

[tiny-maus-boots]

Darkest of Nights pt 22

A/N: thank you thank you thank you @chloes-yellow-cup and @kimmania None of this would still be happening if not for your encouragement and support. I love you awesome nerds.

Chloe

She had wanted to drag Beca off to their room for a little more alone time but knew the second she shut the door that she would also shut out anything else and just drown herself in everything Beca Mitchell. And that wasn't an option right now. So she settled for pressing the other woman against the wall of the elevator for a hungry kiss as soon as the doors closed.

Beca’s hands came up and slid under the hem of her shirt. Power trailed like electricity everywhere the necromancer's fingers caressed against her bare skin. She could never get enough of the feel of Beca in her arms or the taste of her on her lips. She could devour and be devoured in an endless cycle and need nothing else.

And just that thought gave her pause. Without Aubrey there to temper their desire she might forget herself and make a mistake. Beca’s leg rose to hook around her waist, drawing her in closer before she could start to pull away. A low possessive growl trickled out and she reached back to grip the necromancer’s wrists and pin them above her head. Fangs lengthened and she grazed them lightly over Beca’s lip teasingly as she pulled back.

“So we’re going back to bed right?”

“Sadly no, we have work to do, remember? You’ll have to let me ravage you later.”

“Work?”

Chloe grinned and gently extricated herself from Beca’s leg and let her down before stepping back to tug her clothes into place. 

“Yes. We have guests arriving soon.”

Beca frowned adorably as she searched her memory. “Oh. Right. Guests. Do we know who they are yet?”

“Yep, c’mon. I’ll show you.” 

The vampire held out a hand and was pleased when Beca took it immediately. The doors slid open with a soft voiced ‘Security Level One’ as an indicator. They stepped out but Beca paused and gave the elevator a thoughtful look.

“Manners matter. Thanks, Elevator.”

Aubrey would be so proud. Chloe chuckled and guided them right into the heart of the security terminal. It was only the first of many and the smallest by far. It was only really meant as a monitoring station for the perimeter of the innocent seeming parking structure above it. At least it had been when she’d last been there, they’d made improvements since.

The few vampires that were sitting in front of large screens barely averted their gazes from them to note their presence. The redhead stopped in front of a station and pulled up the images she and Aubrey had captured earlier. Several windows popped open and Beca eased onto a stool and leaned forward to inspect them.

“What am I looking at?”

“Our security team pulled footage from public transit stations that lead directly toward the heart of the city. Conveniently just above our heads give or take a few city blocks. Look here, see the way these images here blur?”

“Fae.” 

Chloe nodded and pointed to another window. The blurring was all any electronic equipment could make of strong glamor magic. To the naked eye the Fae could appear as anyone or no one at all.

“So what though? You know how many Fae folk are running around out there? You’re bound to catch a few right?”

“True. But these are just the feeds from the past day, from every station. There have never been that many this deep in the city. Too much iron and pollution, they usually stick to colonies in forests, parks if they absolutely must be in the city. And not just them. Red eyes here. Here. Aaand here. Not that we needed to see their eyes to identify them. We’ve kept track of the Alphas of most of the wolf clans.”

“So what are you saying? Wolves and Fae are converging on us?”

“Pretty sure they aren't the only ones. These are just the ones taking public transit, the ones we can see. What about people coming in their own vehicles in caravans? I wouldn’t be surprised if the Great Clans were assembling again.”

“And they’re headed here?”

Chloe clicked to open another window that showed traffic cam footage of Beca’s own long abandoned truck leading a caravan of vans, wagons, and trailers. “Oh shit, that’s my rig.”

“Not just yours. It looks like your whole carnival is leading the charge. My guess is to rescue their princess from the evil demons that stole her in the dark of night.”

It was hard to miss the irritation in Chloe’s voice and Beca gave her a long slow blink.

“Okay but you DID kidnap me in the dark of night.”

“Yeah but you like it now.”

Beca’s mouth opened slightly as she processed how she should respond to that.

“To be clear, we don’t just kidnap people and justify it with crazy hot sex after they’ve fallen in love with you and taken up your rebellious cause. Honestly, the more I talk the more I feel like I’m in a Lifetime movie adaptation of the Patty Hearst story.”

Chloe acknowledged that with a nonchalant half shrug. They were meant to be, she didn’t question that. Of course she hadn’t known they were meant to be when she’d kidnapped Beca.

Okay maybe she could see where that was a little creepy. 

“Anyway. It's not like you want to go back with them. Right?”

Beca frowned at the screens again before turning to meet Chloe’s questioning gaze.

“You mean leave you and Aubrey?” She snorted at that and shook her head. “No, I'm already frighteningly comfortable in your giant bed with your fancy sheets and high pressure shower. Plus you guys have boobs. So yeah I'm good where I'm at.”

“So…then you're not going to run back to a lover?”

She wasn't usually this insecure. But Beca's old life and her new one were about to collide in a potentially messy affair. Messy in the bloody sense because she was feeling more than a little possessive. 

“Wait, are you actually jealous right now?”

“Beca, I've spent more years as second best to the memory of a dead man than I care to admit. I don't think my heart can take being second to anyone else.”

It was heartbreaking to finally say out loud. It wasn’t as if she had been celibate all that time but relationships… 

Her heart was already Aubrey’s to command. There was no room in it for anyone else. And truthfully her vow to the Bloodguard forbade anything else. 

Chloe averted her attention from Beca’s searching gaze. The weight of it was almost too much to bear. She changed the subject before Beca could respond, hoping that the necromancer would let sleeping dogs lie.

“So what did you think of Athan?”

Beca opened her mouth then closed it and shook her head slowly. Whatever she had been about to say she decided better of it and shrugged.

“He's old as hell. And strong. I could feel it but it wasn't like most vampires. You guys bleed power all over on purpose even. It's your flex. Him…it was like he was sucking it all in.”

Chloe nodded at that and fiddled with a pen on the desk. The Council had wronged many people, not just Aubrey. 

“He has to keep tight control of himself or his mind and body will completely deteriorate.”

A few of the vampires shifted uncomfortably in their seats. She didn't blame them, Athan's curse was horrific. Beca glanced around and the vampires quickly looked away.

“So what's his deal?”

Chloe hesitated and cast a glance at the other vampires. They all seemed very intent on their screens but she knew they were listening to every word.

“Athan made an enemy of the Council by choosing to live among wolves. Even going so far as to protect them from other vampires. They thought it was improper, nearly as scandalous as a vampire running off with a necromancer.”

Beca snorted at that and settled into Chloe's lap comfortably. The vampire’s arms slid around the smaller woman's waist comfortably and she smiled when the necromancer sighed happily at the contact. 

“You know for soulless immoral demons vampires sure are all about the kink shaming.”

“Hm, you're not entirely wrong. The Council will use anything against you to control you and break your spirit. Your fears, your desires, and all that you hold dear.”

“Which did they use on Athan?”

Chloe's shoulders sagged, her voice went soft with pity. “All of them. They used a necromancer to curse him then slaughtered her to prevent the curse from ever being removed. And his wolves…his family…enslaved and given to Hauer.”

“I hate him already. Who the fuck is Hauer and what the fuck did he do to those wolves?”

“Our enemy. What he does to them is…it's awful Beca. He tortures them into shifting and binds them with silver bits and collars. The pain, being constantly shifted, it drives them insane. They are vicious, feral beasts and he uses his kampfhunds to do unspeakable evil.”

Beca remained silent, her face was impassive but she could feel the roiling turmoil brewing under the faćade. 

“He's the guy. Right? The one behind everything?”

“I suspect, yes. What he did to Aubrey, to Athan, and so many others, must be answered for.”

Anger flared through their connection causing them both to gasp and turn toward the door just as Aubrey pushed through it. The blonde scanned the room briefly before making her way toward them at a purposeful clip.

“Uh oh someone pissed off our girl.”

Chloe smiled at the sing song statement and nodded in agreement. She loved hearing Beca claim them as her own. It helped ease the thread of uncertainty over her place in their lives. An uncertainty that melted away under the soft brush of Aubrey’s lips against her own. 

The unexpected gentle affection robbed her of rational thought for a moment and she whimpered softly when Aubrey pulled away. Beca fanned herself with a hand and nodded.

“Yep that gets the heartbeat up. Okay now me.” She didn't wait for Aubrey to turn and lean in. Beca grabbed the front of the vampire’s jacket and pulled her in for a deep kiss. “That's the stuff. So what's up Horny? Who got you mad?”

“Some of our people are reluctant to face the clans.”

Beca frowned and glanced between the two vampires. “Huh, I thought I had made progress. Got Athan's approval and everything.”

Chloe winced at that. She loved the people here but they were sometimes stuck in their ways. 

“That is the root of their reluctance. Athan has grown weaker, they question his sanity in the face of his condition.”

“That is ridiculous, Athan has been with us from the beginning. There is nothing wrong with his mind!”

Aubrey gave Chloe a quietly assessing look as if she too doubted his sanity, then nodded. 

“If his mind is yet whole, they must fear the ravages of his curse on his body. They are afraid of what the Council will do to them for siding with the Great Clans and a necromancer. His state is a very handy reminder for them.” 

Beca shifted uncomfortably and Aubrey’s direct gaze landed on her. The necromancer bit her lip as she pondered something well beyond Chloe’s understanding.

“So all this working hinges on Athan being healed of a curse no one can lift? Like if he was good they would be good?”

It only took Chloe a moment to see past the questions to understand what Beca intended. 

“Beca it's impossible. So many have tried over the years, the strongest witches I have ever known, good or bad, have never been able to break this curse. You can't uncurse what he has.”

Beca crossed her arms over her chest and stared Chloe down until the redhead blew out a breath and nodded.

“Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you.”

“I'm not sure how to do it yet but I know I can help him, Chlo. You just have to believe in me.”

There were only two people she believed in with her whole heart and they were both here with her now. Chloe didn't hesitate in her response because there was no doubt in her mind that Beca could do anything she set her mind to.

“Okay. How do we do it?”

Aubrey stated the obvious that seemed to elude Chloe. “She's already done it once. But it will require more power than the three of us alone can generate.”

“That's a big ask Beca.” 

Chloe would have liked to believe they would all agree but she knew that was more wishful thinking than actual reality.

“I will make them submit.”

Beca started at that and shook her head rapidly. 

“No. We don't just take. You can't hope to lead the new gathering of clans like that. Last time was an emergency, this time they should have a say. If they truly believe in Athan and care about him and this fight more than themselves they'll agree to it.”

Chloe watched Aubrey struggle to accept the decision before she nodded her agreement. She didn't like it but she was trying to change and it showed. Beca relaxed and reached out to tangle fingers with Aubrey. 

“Thank you.”

Aubrey brought the necromancer's hand to her lips and kissed the scarred knuckles.

“We will lead this newly unified Great Clan. The three of us together.”

Chloe blinked and looked up at them. “Wait. Who we? Us we? No I don't think…” 

“Chlo, look at what you built. This place? Bringing these people together? Why not we? We believe in you as much as you believe in us. More. You're our heart, me and Aubrey are just following your beat.”

“Beca is right. You make me better, Chloe. You always have. And we can make a new way, one where you are at my side the way it should have always been.” 

At their side. Where she belonged. Who could say no to that?

[jev-urisk]

OC fight game tag!! 🥊✨

Thanks to @the-golden-comet (here) and @tragedycoded (here) for the tag! I got way into this one lmao. Here's 🌐7 Circles🌐,: Immortal Combat. Ready? FIGHT!

(Some spoilers ahead~)

Klaus 🌻

Health: 11 Strength: 8 Speed: 6 Armor: 6 Cunning: 7

Special Attacks: Fae Grace, after a warm-up period Klaus' dodge becomes more effective. Seelie Fae, bonus attacks and +1HP unlocked in arenas with plant life. Climber, able to scale parts of the environment unavailable to other characters to avoid large attacks or add power to tackles. Hidden Rage, combo attacks have 20% more power right after Klaus takes a hit. Healer, able to revive downed teammates.

Weakneses: Healer, cannot perform coup de gras. Fae blooded, iron weapons do 50% more damage to Klaus and items coated with Faebane do 2x damage and have a chance to one-shot Klaus. If an opponent uses Insult Opponent's Mother against Klaus it will always be super effective.

Idle Animation: Standing with his arms crossed, occasionally checking messages on his com-ring. If left idle and not in the Nexis location he will begin climbing the background environment. If left idle in a location with plantlife he will interact with the closest plant.

Kazimier 💋

Health: 8 Strength: 5 Speed: 6 Armor: 3 Cunning: 13

Special Attacks: Shapeshift, Kazimier will appear to be a different character which has a chance to debuff opponent attacks and change the size of Kazimier's hit box. Luring Gaze, unless opponent has status 'Asexual' this move will cause character movement drift towards Kazimier as long as the effect is active. Charm, if opponent sexuality matches Kazimier's current gender appearance a debuff will be applied to strength and armor equal to that character's Horny Percentage. Perceptive, passive ability where for every 20 seconds of the fight Kazimier has an increasing chance to lock on to his enemy's weaknesses and ignore a percentage of their armor rating. Skewer, if Kazimier manages to grapple opponent, or opponent is otherwise incapacitated a moment Kazimier will perform a finishing move of placing his claws against a vital point (animation options include skull, throat, and heart) before shapeshifting the claws entirely through said location for an instant one-shot.

Weakneses: Any damage Kazimier receives will interrupt his special attacks. Electrical attacks are 20% more effective and impose a cooldown period Kazimier must recover from in order to shapeshift again. If an attack causes the bleeding status to Kazimier, it will reduce cunning by 4 and has a chance to one-shot him.

Idle Animation: Standing with his hands on his hips, inspecting his nails and shapeshifting them long and short, flipping a coin through his fingers, stretching his arms above his head, looking to the camera and saying 'What're you lookin' at?' 'Let's play~' 'Time to fuck or get fucked, bitch', etc. depending on player's score last time they selected Kazimier.

Seeker 🌠

Health: 7 Strength: 9 Speed: 6 Armor: 7 Cunning: 7

Special Attacks: Quardobracial, Seeker is able to continue attacking while grappled or grappling and has extra equipment slots. Arcane Sense, Seeker has a 15% chance to remain unaffected by any arcane attacks. Arcane Knowledge (must be unlocked), able to selectively buff and debuff any stat of any character within a short range. Arcane Strike (must be unlocked), this move damages both HP and MP and has a 50% chance of applying a cooldown timer to any magic abilities.

Weakneses: Until all abilities are unlocked Seeker is not a particularly powerful character.

Idle Animation: Waving to opposing character politely with their north hand (story mode may unlock different gestures with different hands), saying 'let's have a good match!', fixing their very long braid, humming a tune with their eyes closed. Their hands wring together in concern if the opponent is Val.

Valian 🐁

Health: 5 Strength: 4 Speed: 10 Armor: 4 Cunning: 9

Special Attacks: Smol, Val has a smaller than average hitbox, and is able to move between parts of the arena other characters cannot. Survival Instinct, Val's strength and speed get a +2 when his HP reaches 30%. Filtch, Able to steal equipped items from other characters (his speed+cunning vs theirs). Street Rat, +2 to cunning and buff to Filtch ability in urban areas.

Weakneses: As the character who is weakest and has the lowest health, players need have great sense over the controls and dodge maneuvers in particular for Val to be a viable main.

Idle Animation: Tail flicking back and forth in anticipation, turning his head to look around the environment for food or shiny. if left long enough he will steal, if he stole food he will immediately crouch over it and eat it.

7C taglist: @gioiaalbanoart @biblicallyaccuratefruitbat @katenewmanwrites @lychhiker-writes @autism-purgatory

@wyked-ao3 @cowboybrunch @zackprincebooks @smellyrottentrees @aalinaaaaaa

@quillswriting @nbkuhn @ddgraywrites @desastreus @theglitchywriterboi

@shanakin-skywalker @honeybewrites @sincerelydorky (hmu to be +/-)