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[ghostfacesvalentine]

Multimuse x Fem!Reader - Muses as tropes

Pairing: Multimuse x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of killing, nothing explicit but a little nsfw. I don’t know if there’s more.

Type: Blerps

Request: N/A

Word Count: N/A

Prompt: The muses’ as some tropes! Maybe they don’t all fit as accurately but maybe I’ll do another one (?) idk lmk if they work or not.

Notes: I didn’t proofread anything. I don’t know if I’ll keep this up (?)

Jason Voorhees:

Fish out of water- Reader isn’t outdoorsy at all, forced to get a job during summer while college classes are out, they apply to camp crystal lake. The reader has a really hard time fitting in with the rest of the camp counselors, mainly for not knowing the processes of camp or how to handle equipment. One by one counselors go missing, often found in gruesome circumstances. One counselor takes a liking to the reader, when reader doesn’t reciprocate, the hazing gets worse. Eventually the reader meets Jason, learning the history of camp crystal lake, reader sympathizes with him. Jason goes on a rampage when he finds out about the hazing/bullying, until the reader is the only one left.

Michael Myers:

Grump and sunshine- More than likely met at the asylum Michael is incarcerated in. Reader learns about Michael’s past and struggles then decides to be his sunshine. Reader has the mentality of “I could fix him” but often is let down by his gruesome actions. Somehow Micheal is still drawn to the reader and does have a little bit of an obsessive bodyguard mentality. Reader is constantly kissing Michael and being affectionate. She’s the only one to get a non violent reaction from him.

Tiffany Valentine:

Wants different things- Reader wants to pursue Tiffany, but she just wants something casual. Reader spends time trying to impress her and make her realize they are the one. Tiffany could just want to date or go out every other day/the reader is not on her mind/ maybe she goes back and forth with chucky. Reader goes out of way to make Tiffany fall in love with them and stay with them.

Billy Loomis:

Unrequited love- Reader falls in love with Billy, going out of their way to help them and spend time with them but can’t help but be jealous of Sydney for being with Billy. Listens to him about all of his relationship issues, eventually learning of his double life as ghostface. Reader goes out of her way to cover up his crimes and eventually has to make a choice of whether or not to admit her feelings to him after taking the fall for one of his mistakes. Once the reader is detained, they have to hope that Stu or Billy could kill again to get them out of jail.

Stu Macher:

Popular boy x shy girl- Reader doesn’t go to parties much in fear of being made fun of or taken advantage of, until Stu meets them in class. After consistently pestering reader to skip class or hang out after school, reader eventually does so. With time they both become great friends, Stu takes the reader under his wing. He invites her to parties and even with the attention he receives, none of them are her.

Patrick Bateman:

Fake relationship- Patrick uses reader to make his ex fiancé jealous, he helps the reader appear more accomplished, spoils them to look their best. Fake dates turn into real ones, handing the reader gifts becomes surprising the reader with them. Once the readers eyes begin to wander, Patrick’s back is against the wall to admit to the reader that he doesn’t want her to be with anyone else.

Leatherface:

Love at first sight- Reader for some reason visits the farm and bubba falls in love with her immediately. He’s dumbfounded and clumsily follows her around the farm. Reader doesn’t understand but over time she gets to know him. Bubba spends his time picking flowers and trying to find a way to make her a mask. He mourns when she’s gone but when she comes back he’s all over her again.

Harley Quinn:

Amnesia- Reader and Harley wake up in a basement, tied together and without any resources. At first they start to bicker, wondering who got the other in this situation. Without any source of light or anyone to hear their cries, they start to get to know each other. After hours, they try to break loose to no avail, forcing them to continue their forced friendship. Eventually Harley forces herself out of the restraints, making the decision to break the reader free even with the danger of being caught. As they try to escape, they begin to retrace their steps and learn what led them to their initial predicament.

Poison Ivy:

Love potion- Ivy experiments with reader by trying her love potion with them. Of course it starts to work and now the reader is disgustingly lovesick and wants nothing but to be loved by Ivy. Ivy loves the attention and dedication but eventually comes to terms with the fact that this could be just the love potion. Ivy has to come up with a cure and after she does and gives it to the reader, the reader still loves Ivy.

Bruce Wayne:

Too dumb to live- Reader always ends up in dangerous situations, even without trying. ‘Batman’ or ‘Bruce Wayne’ always ends up barely rescuing her. She’s oblivious to the coincidences, however Bruce loves to see her from afar. He tries desperately to find a way to get her close to him, maybe by hiring her for Wayne enterprise or frequenting her job. Eventually, the reader puts two and two together and they confront each other about the coincidences. Eventually they start to date and Bruce has to maneuver with being Batman and being the readers body guard, basically.

Billy Hargrove:

Ladykiller in love- Of course Billy has all eyes on him at school, eventually making their way to the reader. At first she’s skeptical but decided to give Billy a chance, which he gladly takes. Billy slowly begins to fall hard for the reader, to a point where he can’t stop thinking about her, often going out of his way to be with the reader. Though the reader is skeptical, they try to avoid Billy and his advances in hopes of not being just another pursuit. With time, Billy has to prove the reader that she’s wrong about him.

Steve Harrington:

Second chance lovers- Almost dated, but whether reader or Steve weren’t ready, one of them got kidnapped by the government or in another relationship etc. Eventually reader and Steve (whoever left) has to entice the other to give them another chance. Really sweet and disgustingly romantic.

Steve Rogers:

One night stand- Reader and Steve hook up one night, afterwards reader avoids Steve at all costs in fear of bringing up that night. Steve goes out of his way to look for the reader, hoping to reconnect. He tries to be subtle about it, ordering coffee at the same shop at the same time she does, stopping by the same bookstore she meets her book club at during the week. Eventually Steve confronts the reader about them avoiding him, which leads them to reconcile and hook up again.

Bucky Barnes:

Disapproving parents- Though Bucky is a charm, your parents disapprove of your relationship, they think he’s far too old for you. Not to mention the kind of work he does makes them worry for your safety. You spend nights sneaking out or having him sneak in, you both can’t stay off of each other, even with the risk of getting caught. He spends his time trying to swoon you, not to mention your parents, but they simply side eye him. You think you have it under control until you don’t, it’s either him or your parents.

Loki Laufeyson:

Captor falls for captive- Throughout his time with the grandmaster, he was under strict supervision, one mistake after the next, he was forced to become one of the grandmasters bounty hunters. He was given the instruction to bring back a handful of women and men to serve in the grandmasters favor. After capturing a handful of prisoners, reader included, he takes a really great liking to the reader, instead deciding to keep her to himself. With riches and gold, he tries to buy her love, but maybe it’ll take more time for her to see the real him.

Cloud Strife:

Bodyguard- Reader meets Cloud in seventh heaven, not knowing the area, she opts to stay close to the bar. After some whispers among the bar, Cloud finds out about the readers lack of knowledge about the dangers of the area. Eventually Cloud decides to strike up a conversation with the reader, asking if he could help her get anywhere. At first the reader opts to get to somewhere safe to sleep, but as they get to know each other more, Cloud lets the reader follow him around. Though he has the second headache of keeping them safe, they take a liking to one another.

Sebastian Michaelis:

Runaway bride- Reader was in an unhappy relationship, or being cheated on, not knowing how to handle the situation in fear of her fiancée retaliating, the reader up and leaves the ongoing wedding before walking down the aisle. While running down the streets in her dress she bumps into Sebastian, who knows of her fiancée. Offering her to help her calm down, he offers her a place to stay until she gets herself together. She eventually becomes essential to the phantomhive household, still hiding behind Sebastian in hopes of never seeing her ex again.

Spencer Reid:

Professor x college student- Reader pursued Dr. Reid’s class in hopes of learning more about criminal psychology. After appearing in class every week without an absence, the reader tries to get close to the professor in an innocent manner, simply wanting to learn more and with hopes of making his job easier. The more time they spend with each other, the more they start to be attracted to each others features, way of thinking and understanding each other. Things escalate and they have to keep their relationship a secret in hopes of not being reprimanded.

Jason Todd:

Good girl/Bad guy trope- Though I wouldn’t classify Jason as a ‘bad guy’, seeing him with someone who loves him purely would be so cute. Reader met Jason at the park when walking alone, he decided to help her get home safely when he realized she was buzzed after drinking for the first time. After meeting in secret time and time again due to readers strict parents, they begin to fall for each other. “Touch her and you die” kind of vibe. Bonus points for Jason being the readers first everything or mostly everything.

[nathanbatemanfucker]

The Bee and the Bear, Chapter 2: Back in the Beef

summary: carmy takes the first step to mending his relationship with you.

pairing: carmy berzatto x fem!reader (Bee)

contents: 18+/NSFW/eventual smut, grief, death of family member, explicit language, pining, longing

wc: 2.3k

an: back with part 2! i really love these two and the whole “will they, won’t they” vibes they give off. like obviously they’re in love and have been avoiding their whole lives, rippppp. let me know if i missed any warnings. thoughts/comments/reblogs are always appreciated!

series masterlist

chapter 1: And Then There Were 4 < |

Carmy usually doesn’t answer the phone– not because he doesn’t want to and not because he doesn’t care but because he’s busy. There’s always something to do. He’s always needed in the present, always necessary with each new step forward and that lends itself to be distant with those who aren’t right in front of you. But, when you call Carmy to let him know that The Beef is his, his phone is in his hand. He nearly drops it, watching as your contact name and an outdated picture of the two of you pop up on his screen.

He doesn’t decline the call, he watches it ring and ring until it goes to voicemail. And when your face disappears from the screen, his chest goes empty. The voicemail icon replaces the missed call notification on his phone and his hands grow clammy. He shoves his phone back into his coat pocket and fishes out a cigarette, lighting it quickly. After a few pulls he feels much more equipped to listen to your message.

This had to be about Mikey.

You’ve given up on him and stopped calling years ago when he failed to reciprocate your attempts at connection. Carmy’s sure that Mikey’s death is the only thing that could make you tolerate him after that. The ship he so desperately wanted to get on but ignored has sailed. But, maybe this call could be a lifeboat. Maybe through loss, he could get you back.

Were you calling to give him your condolences? To chew him out for not showing up to his brother’s funeral? He could take something like that from Sugar or Richie, even his mother– but not from you. From you, it would feel like a knife to the heart. He listens to the voicemail anyway.

Too much time has passed since he’s heard your voice. It's different and yet somehow all the same— a little deeper and less girlish— but still so smooth and sweet. You sound nervous and the beginning makes him chuckle under his breath in a white puff of air from the cold.

“Oh fuck, sorry. H-Hi, Carmen. It’s…it’s me. Nat and I just went through Mikey’s will and well…he left it to you. The Beef I mean, it’s yours. Sugar really needs you to come home to figure this out.”

Carmy goes breathless, eyes shutting as his mind starts to whirl. The restaurant he never got to work in is now his? Mikey had left him The Beef? Mikey had hardly ever trusted him with anything once he went away, and now is the time that he wants his skills? When he’s dead?

There’s a swell of emotions in his chest that make it tighten— grief, anger, devastation— and he’s about to hang up by smashing the phone into the ground when your voice plays again.

Your voice is softer this time, but infused with desperation and even some grit: “Just come home and help your fucking sister. Please, Carmy.”

He has no choice now. Not when you sound like that. He goes inside and quits his job. On the walk home he books a plane ticket and once inside he packs everything he can fit in a suitcase and calls around for storage units.

It’s time to go back to The Beef.

—

Carmy puts the ad out for a sous before he’s even finished packing. A day later when he gets a call from a chef named Sydney.

Sydney’s been waiting for something like this to roll around. She scours and picks through ads no matter the time of day: while she cases her route, in her ice-block of a mail truck on lunch, at 2 a.m. when she’s up writing recipe notes in her tiny black book. Before he’s even seen her resume he can feel that she’s the one but tells her to bring her resume to stag at the end of the week. He needs to feel the click in person before he just hires her on, especially with the shitshow he knows he’s about to put her through.

Mikey wasn’t wrong: The Beef is a mess. Nothing is clean, there’s no technique or nuisance, and the staff is rowdy and combative. Thank god for Sydney and her training, her tact. He’d be drowning otherwise. He was right about her, they’re perfect partners, finishing each other’s thoughts and movements, and ideas.

Richie’s hovering, ignoring his responsibilities to fuck with Carmy when he says, “Still can’t believe you let her walk out like that.”

Carmy meets Richie’s playful gaze with a glare, “Cousin, do me a favor and shut the fuck up.”

“Let who walk out?” Sydney asks curiously, eyes trained on her prep.

“Bee,” Fak supplies, perched on the counter behind them.

“Shut up, Fak,” Carmy pleads.

Sydney glances over her shoulder at him, “And who are you again?”

“I’m Fak. The Fak. Well there are multiple Faks but—“

Carmy cuts him off quickly, not in the mood to hear another one of his rants, “He fixes things for us. By the way Fak, aren’t you suppose to be, I don’t know, fucking working?”

“You got it.”

Sydney tries to keep her voice nonchalant, hoping that Carmy won’t feel pressured by her when she asks, “Who’s Bee?”

“Childhood friend,” He says reluctantly. “Can we focus on prep?”

Sydney ducks her head, that regret from before surging inside of her, “Yes, chef.”

“Thank you, chef.”

For the first time since he’s arrived, Carmy’s grateful for the insanity of The Beef. For the way that Tina and Ebra and Marcus and Richie never stop talking a mile a minute because they distract him from thoughts of you. All the guilt and shame that comes with the way he treated everyone of course, but most of all you. He’d always gotten vibes from you, even before he did on his own, Richie and Mikey and Sugar were trying to get him to open his eyes. Somewhere along the way he convinced himself that freeing you of him was the best for everyone involved.

“Cousin.” Richie’s voice pulls him out of his robotic routine.

Carmy’s eyes dart to the kitchen’s entrance but his hands don’t stop, “Fuck, what is it?”

When Richie’s voice is that quiet and earnest there’s a problem. Your face popping around Richie’s arm is enough of an answer and Carmy’s heart drops into his stomach. This wasn’t how he hoped to see you again. He’s been crafting a text for days, trying to figure out the best way to ask you to talk. But talking about all of it sounds so daunting. The double-edged sword of picking and prodding at all your shared wounds in some hopes of healing.

You glare up at Richie, “Richie, where’s Sugar? Why are you bein’ a fucking weirdo?”

“Oh, another person. Ok, ok,” Sydney nods, before turning back to her prep.

“Bee– what’re you doing here?” Carmy’s voice breaks and he winces at the way it sounds. It's not that he’s disappointed to see you, he just never wants you around this place. He’s all too aware that that sounds too much like Mikey, but quickly pushes the thought into the back of his mind.

Sydney’s curiosity peaks again at the sight of you. What are the odds that the seemingly infamous Bee would show up after Carmy avoided talking about her? 100%. She waves her knife at you, “Hi, I’m Sydney. Carmy’s sous.”

You smile at the woman, eyes lingering on her beautiful, patterned scarf for a moment, “Hi Sydney, good to meet you. Since Richie’s not answering my questions, have you seen Sugar?”

“Sugar’s not here,” Richie says simply, leaning up against the wall as eyes flicker between you and Carmy.

“She’s not here,” You repeat, your face twisting with confusion.

Carmy wipes his hands on his apron, stepping over to you with eyes full of concern, “Why? What’s wrong? What’s up?”

The way he’s looking at you makes your heart flutter in your chest. Goddamn those fucking blue eyes, so soft and so sad. “Oh, it’s nothing, really. She just— she told me to drop this off to her. Why would she not be here?

Carmy groans, scrubbing his hand over his face. His fucking sister. Always having to step in, always having to meddle and get in her hands in places they don’t belong. She’d set you— both of you up.

“I’ll be right back, Syd.”

“Gotcha.”

“Come with me,” He murmurs. You realize a beat too late that he's talking to you, so he grabs your hand and pulls you back to Mikey’s office. To his office. He releases your hand quickly, “Uh, what is it?”

You ignore the sweat that slicks your palms, trying not to think about whose it is, “Some paperwork that you’d need for the restaurant? I think it’s the deed, y’know switching it from Mikey to you. You’ll need it for like inspection or taxes or—“

He takes the envelope from your hands, his fingers brushing your own, “Thank you, thank you.”

“Yeah, of course.”

He does that thing he always does, squinting at you for a moment that shows he’s turning a thought over and over in his head.

You smile awkwardly at him, though that familiar look on his face endears him to you, “What?”

“Do you wanna hang out tomorrow night?” He asks in a mumbled rush.

He speaks so quickly that you almost don’t understand him, except that you’ve been waiting for him to ask you that question since you were 18.

“What?”

He shrugs, running a hand through his messy hair, “Hang out, do you want to like do something?”

“With me?”

He raises a brow like he doesn’t know what you mean, “Yeah, you could come to my apartment? I could cook.”

“Oh. Um, yeah, sure. It’s been a while.”

He laughs, nodding a few times, “Yeah it has.”

You chuckle, licking your lips, “I imagine this is what Sugar wanted.”

His eyes track your mouth before he can stop himself but he forces his gaze back up, “Yeah, she’s smart like that.”

“She is. I’ll let her know her plan worked,” You tease.

He laughs again— a short, bright sound, “Cool, cool. So, I’ll text you my address?”

“Yeah, that’d be great. Should I bring anything?”

“Some wine, maybe?”

“Any kind?”

“Anything you want, Bee.”

And god the way he says your name. The way he’s looking at you again with those stupidly pretty blue eyes. You never stood a chance.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

He sighs in relief now that the hard part is done, his smile widening at the thought of you sitting at his kitchen table, “Heard.”

You snort, shaking your head at his stupid chef talk, “Heard.”

The two of you are too wrapped up in each other, floating in your bubble of awkward bliss to have heard that Sydney’s knife stopped chopping, or that Richie stopped fucking with someone else. Too occupied to hear their steps get closer and closer to the office, or that the tips of their heads are peaking around the corner. That is until you playfully push his shoulder, pushing his body in a way that brings them into his peripheral vision.

Carmy’s eyes go wide for a moment, his head tilting in inquiry as he looks at Sydney and Richie, “You two joinin’ forces, huh?”

Sydney gives you a sheepish smile, her eyes full of regret, “We were just— we were um—“

“Good to meet you, Sydney. Richie,” You say as you snake between the two of them.

Richie dips to press a kiss to your temple, “See you, sweetheart.”

Carmy returns to his station without a word to either of them even when they join him back in the kitchen. For a while there’s silence again– though this time it is clearly awkward, full of things unsaid.

Breaking the silence, Richie does his best impression of Carmy, “Hang out, do you want to like do something?”

Carmy points the knife at him, scowling, “Oh, fuck you Richie! Why don’t you fuck off.”

Sydney tries to hold in her laughter and fails, giggling, “She must be down pretty for that to have worked.”

Carmy’s brows raise so high it’s comical, “Oh, really?”

“I’m fuckin’ with you, Carm.”

“Yeah, fuck you, fuck the both of you,” He says through a laugh.

Richie does fuck off, going back out to the front of house to do his job for once. It leaves Sydney and Carmy in the hustle and bustle of prep again.

She bumps his shoulder with her own, “You deserve it, Carmy.”

His mouth twitches as he glances over at her and when their eyes meet, he knows she’s being genuine. “Thanks, Syd. Can we like, maybe never talk about this again?”

“Totally, yeah. For sure. Absolutely,” She agrees easily and they both laugh, deep in their bellies.

–

You drive home with a lightness in your step, one you are pointedly trying to ignore because this is nothing but two friends seeing each other after being apart for some while. You have a partner to go home, a life to go home to. And Carmy’s never given you any indication that this was more than friendship. He wouldn’t have left you out in the cold if it was more…right? He wouldn’t do this to you if he loved you like that, would he? It doesn’t matter how many times you try to rationalize what has and hasn’t happened between you and Carmy– it never makes it hurt less.

That night a wave of nostalgia washes over you as you lay in your childhood bedroom, thinking about Carmy. You feel 16 again, staring up at the faded purple paint covered in droves of flowers. As you close your eyes, you answer some of those questions that popped into your mind at the thought of calling him.

He is the machine you thought he’d become. But his eyes are just as deep, but sadder. His laugh is the same, a little awkward but just as genuine. The flush in his cheeks proves that his heart still beats. He is that boy you fell in love with all those years ago, even as the man he’s become.

He’s your Carmy. Your Bear. It makes you ache.

| > chapter 3: Like a Bear to a Hive

18+ carmy taglist: @treefingers, @mrsdominickstark, @princess-of-fanfics, @whore-for-murdock, @xxxstormyninixxx, @dreamingwithlens, @thecraziestcrayon, @jam1esl0v4, @lilylovelyxo, @jadeittic, @jotarokuj0, @bunnysthngs, @gcidrvsh, @mistalli, @luvr-bunnyy, @s3xymoonman, @salinaiacono6

If you ask to be added to the taglist but didn’t verify you’re 18+ you will not be added!

[cloveroctobers]

Hello, I was wondering if you could write angst with Luca from the bear where Luca spends more time at the cafe than he does at home. And him and reader possible get into an argument about it? It can end however you see fit. - ✨

SITUATIONS — LUCA [Summer Requests]

A/N: angst you want? Say no more! I tweaked it just a bit so it ties in with s3, and it’s shorter than what I typically write but I hope you still like! ✨

WARNINGS: language & uncertainties in a relationship.

𓇼࿔*𝜗𝜚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𓇼࿔*𝜗𝜚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𓇼࿔*𝜗𝜚°❀⋆

“Do I need to be worried?” You spit out, feeling your heart hammer in your chest as you stand a great distance from the bonfire.

No matter how far you and Luca walked off, it was evident to your friends, old friends of his, and new friends that your conversation was anything but good.

You were beyond frustrated with Luca and that was rare. The both of you did pretty well at voicing exactly what may be going on with each other but ever since you chose to continue to follow him back to the states, back to Chicago, you gradually saw the change in your boyfriend of five years. It’s only been a week into month two. Some called you crazy for picking up your life yet again to be right beside Luca but love will make you do things others might not understand.

“What are you on about?” Luca’s brows curve in awards in confusion.

Folding your arms in defense you swallow, “Luca, you showed up almost two hours late here with her, with Sydney. I called you repeatedly after looking at the spaces nearly all day and it took your sister to show up to the new spot, to tell you to respond to me; that’s only because she lives on that side of town.”

Luca took a three month leave from Brimstone’s Gate and since your slowly growing e-commerce pottery business: Whimsy Glazes was mostly online, you were able to pick up and go as well, although the rental space you paid for in Copenhagen carried all of your supplies and equipment, you considered opening up a physical business once Luca voiced after a month being in Chicago, that he would contemplate moving to the states for a change and to be closer to his sister.

Again it felt like you were making the sacrifices to be here with him and not once did he ask you but it was started to feel like a given. Like you were expected to just follow and maybe that was your first mistake once you left New Zealand behind. That’s where the two of you met for the first time, you’ve been settled out there since after you graduated university but Luca showed you another piece of the world once he came into yours.

New Zealand was for you what Copenhagen was for him and now he wanted a change but did that also include a different path from you as well? You never had doubts about your relationship even making it this far and not to say that it was a spotless relationship but this situation was talking to your gut more than ever now.

Luca deeply inhales as he responds, “I truly apologize for that love. Time got the best of us and I’m bad with keeping my phone on silent…that sound’s like excuses I know and I’ll do better.”

Digging your fingers into your forearms you state, “see that’s the thing…I had a feeling you would say this to me but you’ve been at Shapiro’s spot constantly.”

Luca loved to give Chef Shapiro shit since he tended to be snarky, always observant along with being opinionated and pushy—or persistent according to him. Once his found his own space, got it inspected, made the changes, and started planning out the interiors, Shapiro was quick on looking for employees. He even considered Luca but it seemed like the now buzzed haired blond (for the season—his words, something else he recently changed as well) was also holding out much like Sydney.

So you heard.

Ultimately she made her decision.

“I alternate,” Luca interrupts, “between the bear and Smudges—I mean—The Blue-Chandelier Bistro—sheesh that’s still a fucking mouthfull isn’t it?” He attempts to lighten the tension but you’re not backing down which makes him sigh, “Babe, I’ve never given you a reason to be worried about us have I?”

Shaking your head you look away from his stare out into the darkest of the navy ocean, “No but it’s been five years and the way you’re around her reminds me of how you first approached me: Slightly awkward but talkative, curious, a glimmer in the left eye of yours.”

Luca’s shaking his head, reaching to grab your chin so that your focus is back on his, “No, don’t do that. I love you, only you. I feel like you’re looking for something that isn’t there. Syd and I are mates and I thought you two got on well too.”

“I like Sydney.”

That was not a lie. She was thoughtful, passionate, funny even, and you related to her on experiencing not being heard in spaces especially in art school. It’s what drove you to have your own business and be your own boss. You genuinely wanted to see her succeed and you wouldn’t be pointing the fingers at her. Call it insecurity or the purple devil (like you often did) but somewhere beneath it all the signs felt like they were becoming more clear.

“She brilliant.” Luca comments in admiration and you slowly nod your head, “I give credit where credit is due and over this short span of time, we’ve connected.”

“And spent a lot of time together.” You add, “Which you’re supposed to do with your kind of field, I get it. There’s a group chat that I’m not part of with you, Sydney, and Marcus and I just feel excluded majority of the time. I start to think: Is it because I’m not a chef so I wouldn’t get it?”

It couldn’t be because you still hung out with other chefs with and without Luca and although you understand that it was healthy to have separate moments from your partner…the pull was becoming evident and you weren’t sure how Luca didn’t see that.

Luca says, “No. I didn’t think you wanted to be in the chat honestly. I’m completely fine not being in yours with your friends.”

“Because you hate them but there’s not a single friend that you have that I hate. I tend to like who you have around because I trust your judgement.”

Luca scoffs, “but you don’t trust me when it comes to Sydney? Which I don’t appreciate by the way. I wouldn’t do that to you, to us. Not when we’ve been together for almost six years.”

Sometimes saying the amount of time spent together feels like a safety net, to remind yourselves that it’s been a good minute, that the love should still be there and it is. However it would be foolish to say that ever since the days flew by in Chicago that the changes were beginning to feel real. Luca had the opportunity to rebuild the gap in his relationship with his sister, consider a life here, view what the cooking atmosphere would be like in the Windy City permanently as he ran down the list of restaurants to tour, taste test, and cook in.

Life was a bit slower in Copenhagen and now this was starting to feel like a consequence and it shouldn’t be, not when you love someone this much.

“…if there’s something there, you need to tell me—

“But there’s not!” Luca finds himself yelling and that’s something he never wanted to do in a relationship. That was his rule, to talk things out and not to shout in order to be heard.

It was what reminded himself of his parents. The arguments would be so loud and long that he would knock on his older sister’s door to hide in there for the night. She would turn the tv up so loud and their night would turn into a whole slumber party of watching movies and playing games until their eyes called them to sleep. He always ended up crashing first while his sister, Georgina would sneak out to grab snacks because she knew Luca would wake up hungry once the house has gone quiet. They were once siblings that provided comfort while dealing with the loss of their parent’s union.

Luca rubs at his jaw in vexation, beginning to pace while your heart continues to pound inside of its cage. He clears his throat as he turns back to you, “I’m sorry for raising my voice and I’m sorry for making you think that there’s anybody else. I know being here means that we both have to find our footing again but I don’t have doubts.”

“That we’ll make it?” You quiz, wondering how the man you loved could be clueless.

Luca frowns, “We don’t need to make it, we just carry on like we always do.”

“I don’t think that’s working for me though, Lu. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” You sigh, “there’s things going on for the both of us separately but what is there together?”

Luca goes silent at this. He wasn’t sure at first what you meant by this but as he starts to think, you only share moments at night in that cold stale hotel bed together and by then you’re both too tired to carry full on conversations. New information was only shared in passing before you’re both out the door again. There should be more than this like it once was but this can’t continue on if it feels like things are at a standstill.

“Then we’ll do whatever we need to do to get back where we should be.” Luca decides with determination in his eyes, “neither of us are quitters right? Don’t tell me you’ve given up?”

Your throat felt heavy with tears as you managed to get out, “…I’m scared Luca.”

“Good,” Luca exhales with a laugh as he pulls you into his arms, “that means you still give a shit about me and that’s a bit of a relief, I won’t lie.”

You sink into his arms, echoing his laughter you lock your arms behind his back squeezing your head against his chest, “I don’t think I can ever stop even if you don’t decide to stay.”

Luca feels his heart ache at your words because he didn’t believe that this was an end of an era for you two but now that it’s been brought to his attention, he realizes this situation is just as deep as you were experiencing it and he was willing to fight for it with you.

Saying goodbye didn’t sit right with Luca, since he tried to stay in long relationships and figured out what relationships entailed his time, energy, and heart. You were always worth it to him and he never wanted to imagine what life would be like without you.

So he kissed the top of your head mumbling, “I’m not going anywhere.”

That was a promise Luca intended to keep and you chose to believe him…unsure if this would be a mistake on your part underneath it all.

𓇼࿔*𝜗𝜚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𓇼࿔*𝜗𝜚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𓇼࿔*𝜗𝜚°❀⋆

Continue with my summer anthology writings & prompts here.

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - Summary Fling Part 4/10

Part 5 and Part 6 are out on my Patreon for free!

Summary - Reader has landed a research job at a marine biology lab in Portugal. She is, therefore, staying with her sister and her sister's Portuguese boyfriend for the summer holidays. There she meets Ruben Dias who is on vacation with his friends after the 2024 Euros. However, the two meet under the circumstances in which Ruben believes that Reader is a prostitute.

Enjoy ☀️

The University of Algarve housed arguably the best marine biology lab in the country. Although this is where you'd be doing most of your research, it was the marine station, located closer to where land meets sea, that excited you on your first day at work.

"Y/N, you made it!"

You were welcomed to the station by a familiar face, Gavin Phillips, who you met earlier at the Zoomarine. He was the first one to welcome you at the door and made sure to give you a thorough tour of the facility.

"This is where we bring in our samples from the sea. We usually gather the data here before documenting our progress back at campus. And as for you, who's doing your research in marine ecology, I'll gladly let you know that this is where you'll spend most of your time."

It smelled like fish, the whole room did. It wasn't a welcoming smell, however, a smell that you'd have to get used to. The lab was impressive though. You watched how the students, dressed in white coats and sterile gloves, were tuned in as they worked at their assigned stations. They looked busy, but with a loud whistle, Gavin had them all drop whatever they were doing, shifting their attention your way.

"Attention everyone! I'd like to introduce our newest addition to this lab. This is Y/N, fresh off the plane from Sydney, Australia." Collective oh's and ah's spread amongst the students, who regarded you curiously. "Y/N is here to add knowledge to our marine ecology squad, so please, anything she needs, I expect you to assist her with that."

"Thank you Gavin." You said, immense heat patting your cheeks. The students all took their time to greet you one by one. One student was even chivalrous enough to let you use his equipment since yours hadn't arrived yet. It was a great first day, one that got you really excited for the future.

"Ugh. What is that smell?"

You returned home quite early that afternoon. You were excited to show your sister the white lab coat you had been given. However, she couldn't bring herself to be in the same room as you until you faithfully rinsed yourself off in the shower.

"And don't forget to shave your legs!" She shouted. "I'm taking you dress shopping."

It was a nice way to spend some quality time with your sister. The last time you were living together the two of you were teenagers, with zero assumptions and worries in life. Although your sister hadn't changed much since then, her financial status definitely had.

"Here, try this on," She said, passing you another outfit through the dressing room curtains. It was Versace and Michael Kors, all brand names that she was urging you to try on.

"Does it fit?" 

"It's too tight." You complained.

"Y/N, it's supposed to be tight. Tight is good."

"No." You pulled open the curtains, showing off your ensemble of stylish clothes. "Tight is painful."

"God, you're gorgeous. You have to wear that out of the store."

"What, no. Maki." It was too late. Your sister was quick to rush over to the counter and pay for your items. You wore it out of the store and shamefully made your way down the street.

"Stop it Y/N, you look stunning. Just look at all the men checking you out."

"I don't want to be checked out."

"No, not even by Ruben Dias?"

She got you there. "Ruben? What about him?"

"Well, apparently he hasn't stopped asking about you since the night you gave him the time of his life."

How could you forget? It was the time of your life too.

"How do you know that?" You asked.

"I dunno, Diogo has been hanging around that Beach Club a lot. It's where famous people like Ruben like to hang out."

"Ruben is famous?"

"Yeah, he's super famous and not just here in Portugal but all over the world.

"Well, what is he famous for?"

"For playing football of course."

"You mean soccer?"

It's not like you didn't know what it was. It just wasn't the most watched sport in Australia, that's all. You had no idea that Ruben was actually a professional soccer player. How impressive.

"He actually just finished playing a major tournament with his country. They got knocked out though."

"Out of the tournament?"

"Yeah, I bet he's totally bummed about it too. You should totally try and cheer him up by sliding in his DM's."

"You think so?" You did have a great time with Ruben, he seemed like such a cool guy. Perhaps it was worth it to shoot your shot?

"Here, let's send a photo of you and have him rate your new outfit."

"What, no Maki."

It was too late. Your sister had already brought out her phone and stepped back to take your picture. You had stopped in the middle of the street, posing against a peach colored wall.

"Yeah, he'll love this." Maki said, inspecting the photo before sending it to Ruben via instagram.

"He's gonna think we're stalking him." You said, resuming your walking. "Not at all. He likes you, I promise."

"How do you even—"

"He replied!" 

You rushed to your sister's side, checking her phone.

"So sweet. Ruben rates your outfit as ten out of ten."

"Really?"

"I told you he was into you and look—" Your attention was drawn back to the screen where three dots had appeared in the corner. "He's typing!" Your sister gasped. 

The dots were soon replaced by a message from Ruben, asking if the two of you were close to a place called Quarteira. Apparently Ruben was there visiting a friend.

"We have to go. It's only a twenty minute drive from here."

"But, Maki. I have work tomorrow." Although Ruben's offer was tempting, you shouldn't get distracted from what you really came to Portugal to do.

"Come on Y/N, I swear we won't stay long."

"Promise?"

"Through thick and thin." She said, once again urging you to seal the deal with a pinky swear. Once you did, the two of you hit the road, off to meet Ruben and his friends again.

**********************************************

Your heart raced as you walked through the streets of Quarteira, a beautiful city near the beach. It seemed like a nice place for a family vacation as plenty of children were seen roaming the streets eyeing the gift shops along the road. 

You were so nervous, but excited to see Ruben again. As you and your sister looked up the address that he had texted you, you were surprised to stumble upon a small villa. Not too extravagant, but actually quite homely looking. You could feel your nerves getting the better of you as your sister rang the doorbell. The door soon opened with Ruben appearing in the frame.

"You guys made it!" He smiled and was even more handsome and charming looking since the last time you saw him. "Please, feel free to grab anything from the cooler. We were just getting started on the grill. I hope you're hungry.

"Yes, starving." Your sister moaned, teasing you as Ruben led the way through the lovely house, overlooking the beach.

"You better not fumble this, Y/N. He is so hot."

"Please, Maki, don't be so vulgar." You said, although you were also thinking it. Don't fumble this. Fortunately the meet up with Ruben and his friends turned out to be a really lovely night. It gave you a chance to get to know him and him you. Ruben was kind and attentive, asking you questions about your stay in Portugal as well as your life back home. He told you about his own life, and his passion for football. And how sad he was about Portugal being knocked out of the European tournament that was still ongoing as you spoke. Nevertheless, you found yourself laughing and smiling throughout the whole night.

As the evening wore on, Ruben even asked if you wanted to stay the night at his place, or in this case, his friend's place. You hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. You had to work the next day, and you didn't want to be late during your first week.

"I would love to Ruben, but I have to be back early tomorrow," you said, trying to sound casual.

Ruben nodded, understandingly and was actually quite impressed that you were studying marine biology here in Portugal. "No problem, I completely understand. Maybe we can plan another night together soon?"

"I'd love to."

Maybe this was the start of something special. You thanked Ruben for a lovely evening, the two of you saying goodbye with a swift kiss on the lips.

Driving back to Faro with Maki, you just couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement since finding a summer fling had definitely not been on your Portugal bingo card.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

*Part 5 and Part 6 are out on my Patreon for free!

[thisisnotthenerd]

a taxonomic definition of olympic onomatopoeia

spent a half hour with my sister categorizing olympic sports into onomatopoeia categories in order to distill them down to their simplest essence.

they are as follows: nyoom, yeet, boing, sproing, splash, smack, whack, swish, zoom, hup, pew, and heave.*

before i get into the categories, a quick clarification: any event that fits into multiple categories will be in both--i didn't want to do a combined category as multi-discipline events span too many. also, athletics is split up because it has subcategories, but most everything else is just the general sport category.

the categories:

nyoom: speed events only utilizing the body.

sprints

distance run

race walking

hurdles

swimming

triathlon

pentathlon

heptathlon

decathlon

yeet: throwing. self-explanatory.

shot put

discus throw

hammer throw

javelin

heptathlon

decathlon

boing: jumping, straight. no flips or tricks, just jumping.

long jump

high jump

triple jump

pole vault

heptathlon

decathlon

sproing: the fancy jumping. the artistic sports. anything with presentation points. combines jumping with spin elements.

artistic gymnastics (all disciplines)

rhythmic gymnastics (all disciplines)

trampoline

breaking

artistic swimming

diving (all disciplines)

skateboarding

equestrian (dressage)

cycling (bmx freestyle)

splash: aquatic sports. like yeet, self-explanatory

swimming

artistic swimming

marathon swimming

diving

surfing

sailing (all disciplines)

canoe (all disciplines)

rowing (all disciplines)

water polo

triathlon

pentathlon

smack: hit somebody. as in you score points by doing so. rugby is not a smack sport. primarily martial arts.

boxing

fencing

judo

karate

taekwondo

wrestling

pentathlon

whack: hit ball with stick. self-explanatory.

tennis

table tennis

badminton

(field) hockey

golf

swish: move the ball somewhere with your hands/feet/other appendages. often to a net. combine throwing/kicking with running.

basketball (all disciplines)

volleyball (all disciplines)

football (soccer for americans)

handball

rugby (sevens)

water polo

zoom: going fast with equipment. the non-nyoom races.

cycling (road race, track race, bmx race, mountain biking)

canoe (sprint)

rowing

sailing

triathlon

hup: obstacle courses. this originally was called clop for the horses, but i decided there were more events that fit with it.

hurdles

steeplechase

equestrian (jumping & eventing)

canoe (slalom)

cycling (mountain biking, bmx race)

skateboarding

sport climbing (all disciplines)

pew: target sports. point and shoot. if you prefer, pew-pew. given the air pistols/rifles, it seems a better fit than bang.

archery

shooting (all disciplines)

pentathlon

heave: lifting. self-explanatory. technically has overlap with yeet, but only for the heavier projectiles. it would be heave-ho but i'm trying to stick to monosyllabic words.

weightlifting

shot put

hammer throw

and that's all the categories.

as for how you use them:

noah lyles goes nyoom / nyooms

valarie allman goes yeet / yeets

jasmine moore goes boing / boings

simone biles goes sproing / sproings

tom daley goes splash / splashes

lee kiefer goes smack / smacks

novak djokovic goes whack / whacks

ilona maher goes swish / swishes

kristen faulkner goes zoom / zooms

sydney mclaughlin-levrone goes hup / hups

brady ellison goes pew / pew-pews

jourdan delacruz goes heave / heaves

have fun!

*yes i'm aware not all of these are precisely onomatopoeia. if you can come up with better names then by all means suggest them. also if i’ve missed anything, let me know.

[mastersoftheair]

"Masters of the Air details. Part 6-Bombsight and bombing.

"[...] I was brought in to Masters of the Air to teach actors how to look like they knew what they were doing, and the bombardier work would certainly be important to the series.

"[...] The Norden bombsight was being developed in the 1920’s by Carl Lucas Norden, a Swiss engineer, who worked for the US Navy. He developed this sight (eventually the Mark 15 series for the Navy and the M series for the Army) and the autopilot system that goes along with it. The autopilot was needed as it could fly the aircraft more precisely on the bomb run than the pilot could. Just don’t tell the pilot this!

"The Mk 15 Norden sight was a beautiful hand-built and fit device with an analog computer that would calculate the point in space at which to drop the bombs. The Bombardier would input information to the sight in the form of altitude, air speed and the ballistics of the bomb. On the bomb run he would pick up the target with the crosshairs in the optics and engage a motor drive that would keep the crosshairs synchronized on the target during the approach. On the run he would also make fine adjustments to be sure the crosshair stayed on the target for range and drift. When the sighting angle reached the predetermined dropping angle the sight sent an electrical signal to the intervalometer that would drop the selected bombs at the specified interval.

"The mission order would define what bombs were to be used and what the nose and tail fuses were to be used and their delay settings, if any. The order would also specify the aiming point and the interval to be set in to the intervalometer. This would space the bombs across the ground as desired. Maybe you wanted the bombs dropped quickly, right next to each other, to try and put a hole in the roof of the hardened sub pens. Or maybe you wanted to walk them down a long runway. The intervalometer would be set for your ground speed and how many feet apart you wanted the bombs to hit on the ground.

"If you wanted to drop a string of bombs all down a line, like a runway or a front line, then you would want the center bomb of the stick to hit in the middle so you would adjust the trail plate on the bombsight the right amount to drop the first bomb early and have the center bomb right in the middle. This center bomb spot would be the mean point of impact or MPI.

"When I arrived on set at MoTA they had several nose sections with varying amounts of the bombardier’s equipment and controls. They had one real Norden sight head called the hero sight in the hero fuselage. The hero label was attached to the best props where special or close up filming with lead actors might take place.

"The stabilizer is the lower half of the bombsight and contains the yaw gyro for the autopilot. The bombsight head sits on the stabilizer and pivots to keep pointed at the target.

"The hero sight was sitting on a prop stabilizer, and it needed more accessories and work to look as good as the real sight head. I asked if they had a better stabilizer around and they thought so, but where it was seemed to be uncertain. It was eventually located and cleaned up for mounting in the hero nose. It was still missing some items namely the directional panel and an Automatic Bombing Computer or ABC. The ABC was used on the bomb run so they could perform evasive maneuvers and not have to do the run and drift calculations again. I was told that a Norden Bombsight expert in the UK said that they didn’t use the ABC early in the war, if at all. I had to differ with that opinion as it was most certainly used throughout the early war and almost all the way through. Its use dropped off later in the war if anything.

"The ABC is quite visible on top of the stabilizer so I thought the hero sight should have the ABC not only for authenticity but for eye candy too. I asked my daughter, Sydney, to send out the directional panel and ABC set from our museum’s bombsight back home in California.

"[...] Like with the pilots and their own preference for hand positions on the throttles, the bombardiers were given the options of the two different hand configurations bombardiers often used to adjust the sight on the run. The more uncomfortable two-handed method or the single hand. Which eye to use while looking through the eyepiece was also their own decision as this would have been a preference item as well.

"We also taught them how to look over the sight to pick up the target then transition down to the eye piece and to uncage and adjust the gyro for leveling the optics in case this might be of interest to the directors. We went over the control sequence for the bomb bay doors, bomb select and intervalometer adjustments and the bomb run itself.

"[...] The standard procedure for the bomb run was developed early on by the 8th AF which was to navigate to a point where the bomb run would begin. This was called the Initial Point or IP. From the IP it was either a straight line into the target, or evasive maneuvers along this line to the target.

"At the IP, the bombardier would open the bomb bay doors. This would change the drag and the airspeed accordingly. It was up to the pilot to adjust power to maintaining a specific airspeed and altitude which was critical to accurate bombing. The pilot would also re-trim the aircraft so it would fly hands off at which point he would engage the servos of the autopilot and turn control of the aircraft over to the bombardier. The Bombardier would fly the aircraft through the bombsight and its connection to the autopilot.

"The main bombardier actor, Elliot Warren, portrayed James R. Douglass. Elliot was a quick learn and did a great job. He was a pleasure to work with and I really enjoyed his scenes.

"[...]Props made several Norden sights. Rubber ones and some with more detail. One was set up with squibs to detonate when the sight was shot by the actor with his 45 cal M1911 pistol. They were wired and the squibs went off with the sound of the pistol. It looked pretty good on camera.

"It was AAF policy to try and destroy the bombsight so it would not fall in to enemy hands. Some of the manuals actually discuss what should be done to destroy it. I would hope that the large gyro in the sight head was not spinning at its normal 25,000 RPM when the bullet hit the 2-pound rotor, as I would imagine that it would come apart and potentially send shrapnel back at the guy holding the gun!

"The lighting folks would control the instruments and lights throughout the fuselages, like the bomb bay door open light on the bombardier’s panel. We put in a lag between the bomb door handle operation and the door open light coming on. Not an accurate lag as we obviously will not be filming for the actual 20 seconds or so needed to open the electric bomb bay doors. It was a delight to work with the lighting crew and they did magical work especially with the custom made instrumentation.

"[...] Here is a full-on rant about the Norden so you might want to skip out!

"Keep in mind that this is my own opinion. An American who is discussing the Norden sight. Your mileage may vary.

"Recently there has been, what I call a ‘revisionist historians’ view of the Norden Bombsight. In short, this modern interpretation, pretty much lead by Malcolm Gladwell’s TED Talk on YouTube and his book Bomber Mafia, calls in to question the usefulness of the Norden. Basically, saying it was not effective and some of his followers have even been using the term ‘useless’ recently.

"Just keep a few thoughts of this rant in mind.

"The bomb sighting systems we had going into WWII were based on technology left over from WWI. They were simple sights with wires to sight down. They were meant for aircraft speeds and altitudes from WWI. Now skip ahead to the new bombers flying two to three times as fast and at altitudes up to 30,000 feet instead of 3000 feet.

"An all-new system was needed to solve this new complex bombing problem. Sperry was working on it and Norden, who had left employment at Sperry, started his own effort.

"The Sperry and Norden sights were the leaders of synchronous sights going in to WWII. They both were good sights which were constantly being improved. They had each also developed a highly advanced autopilot that the bombardier used to fly the aircraft on the bomb run.

"These were visual sights, so it was necessary to see the target in order to be effective. Not so easy in Europe all year long. Radar and other methods were coming online to help with all weather bombing but there were many limitations in play.

"Results would certainly vary from target to target, and it was a brand new technology made up of gyros to keep the optics level, a mechanical computer to make the calculations, motors to drive the optics. Lots of parts needed to be able to work at 200 degrees F to 50 below, not to mention the complex autopilot system.

"So, my main question is: If this new technology was so bad then what exactly was it that brought the German war effort to its knees?

"The RAF was going after cities and targets at night and the AAF was trying to hit specific strategic targets like submarine production, aircraft and weapons plants, fuel and machine parts to make the weapons work. The very things the Germans needed to wage war.

"What brought this production essentially to a halt?

"I submit that it was the bombing campaign.

"If it was the bombing campaign, then it was likely the Norden and Sperry sights that made it possible. Mostly the Norden as it was chosen as the primary system and the Sperry S-1 sight was discontinued.

"The invasion of fortress Europe was certainly needed to push the Germans all the way back to Berlin, but I would also submit that these efforts were made easier by the results of the bombing campaign.

"There were certainly mistakes and errors all throughout this campaign as there was a massive learning curve in doing something that had never been accomplished on such a scale before. How to amass hundreds to a thousand plus bombers to rally together to attack a target effectively and then get home. The attrition was unbelievably steep in the early years as so beautifully depicted in Master’s.

"Just how do you get back in that bomber the next day and face near certain death once again like they did. Again, as seen in Master’s. Just a few of the wonderful aspects of this series and the history behind it.

"Having a PR campaign about the weapon that would help win the war, like Harold T. Barth created for Norden, was not such a bad thing. If it rallied the troops and home front to keep up morale, then I think it was a good thing. Just open any wartime magazine and look at the full page ads all throughout. Each ad promoting the companies contribution to winning the war effort. BF Goodrich with their new Rivnut or Seeger Refrigerator building bomb racks and feed chutes for the 50's. It was a nationwide industrial and personal team effort to wage this war against the Axis. Norden was one of them.

"Barth said that the sight could hit a pickle barrel from 20,000 feet. When the press asked if this was true Norden replied ‘sure if you tell me which pickle you want me to hit’. Some folks nowadays are taking this literally and complaining that it really couldn’t hit a specific pickle. No kidding. Say it isn’t so. Those bastards!

"To Mr. Gladwell and his followers, I'll ask again: What was it, in your mind, that allowed all of those bombs to take out the German AND the Japanese war efforts? If it wasn’t Sperry’s S-1 and Norden’s M series bombsights, then just exactly what was it?

"Rant over. Flak vest, with crotch protector, and helmet, on."

[blaze-aus-steam-lover]

Victorian Railways S class

Builder's photo of S300 Matthew Flinders, 1928

The Victorian Railways S class was a class of pacific type express engines, built in 1928 for Victorian railways (VR). Only 4 where built and none of them survived. They where built when VR was at its most successful period of time. They were the final design of the VR's Chief Mechanical Engineer Alfred E Smith, The design was influenced by Nigel Gresley's GNR A1 class.

The class was assigned the broad gauge leg of the Melbourne to Sydney, run for express passenger services. The class was the most prestigious class of locomotive that VR had until the early 1950s when diesel electric locomotives started to be used. They were the first pacific type locomotive that where ran by VR, as well as the first 3 cylinder locomotive type for VR. Known for their power and speed, in their first 10 years of service the time of the Sydney express service was reduced by 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The improvements to the service, the Sydney limited was replaced with the art deco streamliner the spirit of progress and the S class was fitted with streamlined casings to match the new set of carriages. They were equipped with long range tenders so that the 306.6km (190+1⁄2-mile) journey could be a non-stop run, making the service the fastest in Australia's for next 20 years.

The Spirit of Progress headed by S301 Sir Thomas Mitchell near Kilmore East in 1938

As the class only had 4, they were highly utilised, they annually ran up mileages double that of other classes and by 1954 had a combined total of approximately 9,200,000 km (5,700,000 miles). Their size and heavy axle load made the class unsuitable for regular service on any other lines that the north eastern line and in 1954 within the first 6 months of the B class diesel being on the spirit of progress roster by that April the S class had been all been withdrawn and scrapped.

The scrapping of the class was the catalyst for the rail preservation movement to lobby for the preservation of the remaining VR steam locomotives, which resulted in the establishment of the Australian railway historical society museum in williamstown north in the 1962. The numbers of the class where S300, S301, S302 and S303. S301 was the first scrapped in October 1953 and the S300 in September 1954. their names where S300: Matthew Flinders, S301: Sir Thomas Mitchell, S302: Edward Henty and S303: CJ La Trobe. they were named after prominent figures in early Victorian history.

Two of the four tender frames have been saved for preservation by the Newport Railway Museum and are currently used as workshop vehicles at the Newport Workshops. these are numbered VFGA3 & VFGA4. One tender frame and tank are stored by Steamrail Victoria. The fourth tender frame is owned by the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, which now has had a tender body placed on it.

One of the S class locomotives' whistles survived and was fitted to the R class locomotive R707, the City of Melbourne, to recreate the sound of the original S class-hauled service. for the 50th Anniversary run of the Spirit of Progress on 14 November 1987, operated by the Australian Railway Historical Society.

[agathaandbrienneslesbian]

Heart of Gold - Part 1

Miranda Hilmarson x Mounted!Police!Fem!Reader

As promised, here is part 1 of my Miranda Hilmarson x Reader Fic. I hope you guys like it <3

My requests are open as well so feel free to leave some prompts or ideas in my inbox.

Again, big tanks to my freinds for proofreading my stories <3

Disclaimer: English is not my first language!

Warnings: Talk of bullying, bullying, a little bit of angst, stupid men

Authors note: Because Miranda deserves to be protected and treated like the sweetheart she is. <3

Words: 3'000+

Ao3 Link

-------

“- and to create a stronger bond between all of our sections here at the Sydney Police Department, we’ve decided to add stables and renew our office space situation. From today on, we will have the mounted police at our station as well. Be nice to each other and make sure our colleagues feel welcome in their new work environment!” Adrian finished his speech and stepped off the podium.

You stood amongst your fellow colleagues and glanced around the newly built stable. It was gorgeous; Truly nothing you’ve ever seen before. The horses had enough space in their boxes; the ceiling was high and had windows for natural light. There was a huge pen outside where the horses could run around and play with each other on their day off. Every officer got new equipment for themselves and their animals, and the pellets were of highest quality. 

As you watch the event unfold, your eyes land on a tall, blonde officer who stood alone, off to the side, next to your horse (a quarter horse with a beautiful blue roan coat and the temper of an angel… if she wanted to, that is), petting her soft nose and cooing sweet praises at your mare. With a chuckle, you walked up to them, reaching into your coat pocket and taking out some treats. Smiling, you held your hand out to the blonde officer, offering a treat to give to your mare. 

The second she sensed you next to her, she turned around, and you felt like cupid shot an arrow through your heart. The officer was gorgeous. Icy blue eyes looking down at you with a slight curious sparkle, a shy smile on her very soft and plush-looking lips, a gentle rosy blush spread over her freckled cheeks, and her short blonde hair framed her face perfectly. She looked at you with a slight frown, moving to tuck her hair behind one of her ears nervously. This motion pulled you out of your thoughts, and you shot her a bright smile. 

“You can give her a treat!” You said after a moment of admiring the very fit constable in front of you. She looked down at your hand, and her eyes started sparkling with joy. Reaching out to grab a treat, her soft fingers brushed the palm of your hand.

“Oh- thank you,” She replied quietly with a relaxed smile. She held her hand out with the treat, and your horse was more than happy to accept the treat from the beautiful stranger. She even went as far as to lick the officer's hand clean (she couldn’t be missing any crumbs, of course). The tall blonde laughed quietly at the ticklish sensation, moving her hand to pet your horse again, and you felt like you’d died, gone to heaven, and returned again. Her voice was like honey to your ears. With blinking eyes, you tried to remove the thoughts that started littering your mind about this beautiful woman in front of you and instead focus on your mare. “What's her name?” The blonde's voice was full of curiosity and joy. Such a wonderful sound, truly. You could get drunk from just hearing her talk.

“Her name’s Artemis. And she’s the sweetest mare you’ll ever encounter.” You answered with a wink and a scratch behind your horse’s ear. Artemis emitted a pleased grunt and, as if she understood, nodded her head up and down. You giggle at the antics of the dark mare and turn to face the taller woman. Extending your hand, you beam up at her. “My name’s y/n y/l/n, by the way.” 

“Miranda Hilmarson.” The constable answered, shaking your hand with an equally bright smile.

“Beautiful name. It’s a pleasure to meet you” You replied, testing the waters and noting down a small victory for yourself as you saw Miranda blush. Artemis seemed to feel left out of the whole situation, so she rubbed her face against Miranda, which caused the taller woman to almost lose her balance. You couldn't help but to giggle at your horse's antics, reaching out to hold Miranda’s arms and making sure she regained her footing again. “You okay? Seems like Artemis likes you.” The constable looked down at you with a pink-flushed face and a nervous giggle. You let go of her, took a step back, and playfully squished your horse's nose.

“You think she likes me?” Miranda asked quietly and moved closer again, rubbing Artemis’ forehead as the mare nuzzled back into the blonde constable.

“I am pretty sure she does! She cares much for treats but never cuddles strangers like that. You seem to have a soft spot for animals.” The look Miranda gave you could melt the coldest hearts. The most heartfelt smile spread on her lips, her eyes glistening softly… It almost seemed like… tears? You frowned worriedly and felt around in your pockets for a pack of tissues, handing her one once you found them. She sniffled gently and wiped her eyes so her colleagues wouldn’t see. You truly wondered if the others disliked her, the way she turned away from them. Reassuringly, you placed a hand on her back and smiled warmly at her. “You can always come by and cuddle with her after work if you want. She loves apples! Just in case you want to give her a little treat.” You spoke softly, and smiled up at her. 

“Thank you!” Miranda sniffled. “I’m sorry… I don’t know-”

“It’s okay! You don’t have to say anything.” You interrupted quickly, the blonde giving you a thankful smile. She straightened her back again and took a deep breath. You sensed her discomfort around her colleagues, and before she could say anything, you spoke up.

“Would you like to go have a drink somewhere? I don’t really feel like mingling with the rest of the group. I actually quite enjoy talking to you.”

The constable looked dazzled at you, and you feared you might have read her wrong. Yet you waited. Nervousness took over, and you started fiddling with the zipper on your coat. Miranda seemed to consider you for a moment. Hints of caution, question, and wonder flashed over her features, barely noticeable, then she nodded softly, giving you a careful smile.

“That would be nice, actually! I know a place a bit further down… It’s usually not busy, and I've yet to see one of my.. Well, our.. colleagues there,” She offers, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. For a second you feared, you might have gone too far.

With a smug smile, you stepped aside, allowing Miranda to take the lead, and the both of you snuck out of the venue, into the cool autumn night.

—

At the bar, Miranda started to ease up, after realising you weren’t planning on taunting or bullying her, and started talking about her hobbies and herself in such a lively and animated manner that had you completely captivated. You could listen to her for hours, and so could Miranda. She was deeply invested in everything you told her, and she could have sworn that your laugh was the most wonderful thing on this planet. 

After what felt like hours, you and Miranda decided to call it a night. No matter how refreshing and pleasant the evening was, the both of you had to work in the morning. You paid for the drinks, and before Miranda could protest, you simply smirked and said, “Next time you get to pay. Promise!” A blush crept over the constable’s face.

“Fine… At least let me drive you home? It’s too late to be walking anyway.” She smugly replied, and you accepted the offer gratefully. Once in the car, you gave Miranda your address, and she started driving towards the direction of your home. The drive was quiet. Not uncomfortable, but quiet. Neither of you knew what to say, so you both just opted for silence, basking in each other's existence. You looked over at her, your thoughts filling with scenarios that had you clenching your thighs slightly. This was so wrong… You shouldn’t be thinking these things about your new colleague… Not after just having met her… And besides, you didn’t know if she felt the same way, and what if- 

“We’re here.” Miranda answered quietly and put the car into park gear. She turned her face to look at you and smiled gently. “I had a great time tonight. Thank you!” She smiled at you sheepishly, and you had to bite your lip; otherwise, you might have just leaned in and kissed her senselessly. Instead, you unbuckled your belt and opened the car door. Getting ready to leave, you turn to look at her.

“I really enjoyed tonight as well! I’m looking forward to next time.” You winked at her and leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek that made Miranda's face heat up instantly. You giggled at her flushed face and wide eyes and got out of the car. “Good night, constable Hilmarson.” 

“G-Good night, y/n”

—

The following two and a half months consisted of you going to work, doing your shift, picking Miranda up from her office, and going to the little Pub she had shown you the very first night the two of you met. The first few free weekends, you were unsure of asking her to hang out; you didn't want to push yourself onto her, but when she reached out first, your heart jumped with joy. You spent afternoons together, talking, playing games, and watching movies,  quickly becoming close friends. You felt bad for wanting more, but you couldn’t help yourself. Miranda had a heart of gold and you fell for it, hard.

The more time you spend with her, the more you fall for the wonderful woman in front of you. The more you got to know her, the more she opened up and talked about herself. Sadly, you also experienced firsthand what Miranda had to deal with at her workplace. The nagging and the bullying. It made you sick to see how she just took all of that in and then, more than she’d like to admit, broke down once she was alone. It became a daily occurrence for you to walk into the bathroom and find Miranda washing her face after a sobbing session.

Today was especially stressful for the two of you at work, and you drank more than usual. A bit tipsy, you started complimenting her and practically fed off the way she squirmed under the attention she was getting. 

“You’re beautiful… Do you know that Mir?” You giggle and watch her blush furiously.

“I-I’m really not…” She said, and you gasped in fake hurt. She looked up at you with a frown.

“How could you say that? You’re literally a goddess!” Miranda was about to protest again, but you stopped her. “ You're so tall and strong, you have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. Your face is a work of art, and your voice is like a melody written by the gods… Your skin is so soft and pale, and your freckles are like, soooo adorable… Not to mention that you are literally built like an Amazonian warrior queen, and THAT is to die for…” You babble and watch her with a loving smile and a sigh. “You’re so wonderful, and it pains me to see that you don’t think that's the case. What can I do to make you believe me?” You reach out and hold her hand gently, rubbing your thumb over the back of her hand. Miranda just looked at you, her face unreadable but clearly vulnerable.

“I- I don’t know, I just… I guess being told how unpleasant and non-feminine I am.. Having to hear how I'm undesirable every single day… I just… I guess I’ve just forgotten how to be kind to myself.” She admits quietly, looking down into her glass and whirling the liquid around, creating a little tornado-like swirl. You reach out, cupping her cheek, and make her look up at you, a soft but sad smile grazing your lips.

“For every bad word that is said to you, I will bombard you with three positive ones. You don’t deserve that treatment. You’re a wonderful and strong woman, and they ought to respect you.” In a swift motion, you press a quick kiss to her cheek and smile, holding up the pinky of your hand. “I promise” 

—

The next day at work was anything but easy for you. You patrolled the beach and nearby restaurants and shops with your partner, and you couldn’t stop thinking about Miranda. Unsure of what happened after leaving the bar, you could only hope that you didn’t embarrass yourself with how openly you admired her. You haven’t seen her yet today, and you were dying to be close to her again.

Your mind was clouded by images of Miranda holding you close, your lips pressed to hers in a heated kiss. Hands roaming over each other's bodies with a fiery intensity, the need to be close and the need to pull back for air, fighting each other until one of them succeeds. Her hand, warm on your cheek, moving down to your shoulder, waist, hips, ass and thighs. Your hands making quick work of unbuttoning her shirt, revealing her pale and freckled skin for you to worship under your fingertips, your lips, your tongue-

“Are you even listening?” 

You whip your head around to see your partner looking at you. Your face flushed, and you cleared your throat. “No-, sorry, I didn't hear.. Could you repeat that?” You ask, smiling at your partner apologetically, and he sighs.

“Geez y/n.. Sometimes I wonder what's going on in that head of yours… But fine… I was just asking where you went last night. I know those events are not your thing but I feel like you could really like our new colleagues.” 

Oh… and how you liked your new colleague…

“Really? Nah… I didn’t feel like mingling with the crowd, so I just stepped out..” You reply, hoping he wouldn’t catch on your flushed face.

“With constable Hilmarson.” Your partner added, and you shot him a look.

“I heard she’s kind of an oddball… doesn’t really fit into the group and is often alone.” He starts laughing. “The others said the only reason she’s still working there is because she shagged the boss, and now he-”

“Shut up!” You hissed at him, and he looked at you, taken aback by your harshness, but you didn’t care. You were furious. Miranda has told you how the others tend to “nag” her (her words, but you knew immediately that she was being bullied) about her appearance, her height, the fact that she isn’t in a relationship and did, indeed, sleep with her boss for a while, though he has used her for his own pleasure, and you were not about to let ANYONE badmouth her. ESPECIALLY your assigned partner.

“You do NOT get to say those things about her… and neither do the others. Am I being clear?”

“Yes… Jesus. I wasn’t trying to be mean; I just wanted to tell you what I’ve heard…”

“You mean gossip and lies?” You bark at him. He just looked at you, defeated, and decided to just stay quiet for the rest of the patrol. You wouldn’t let anyone hurt Miranda ever again. This bullying was going to stop, and you were going to make sure of that. You had no intention of apologising to your partner for lashing out at him, and even after he apologised several times, you stood your ground. 

As soon as you got back to the stables, you unsaddled Artemis, brushed her down, and gave her dinner and some fresh water. Once you put everything away, you dashed out of the stables, walking to the main building with fast steps and entering the office. As you entered, you heard laughter coming from the break room. Glancing inside, you saw Miranda sitting in a chair, laughing uncomfortably, whilst her male coworkers made nasty comments and jokes about her. Anger took over, and before you could stop yourself, you barged into the room.

“Cut it out for fuck’s sake. What are you? Little boys?” You hiss at them, walking directly to Miranda, who immediately stood up the second she saw you. She looked at you with wide eyes and an agape mouth. The men just looked at you with a smug smile.

“OOOOOH Miranda… who’s that? Someone special? Why are you angry, Horsegirl? We’re just joking.” They laugh and nudge each other in the sides.

“Oh boo-hoo. Horsegirl? Can’t think of a better insult? You’re just a pathetic excuse for men.” You growl, reaching for Miranda's hand and holding it tightly, looking up at her and squeezing her hand reassuringly. “You don’t have to endure this treatment. Let’s go!” Your voice was soft when speaking to Miranda, giving her a sweet and reassuring smile that seemed to calm her nerves, making her smile back at you. The boys whistled as the two of you were making your way out of the break room.

“Yo Hilmarson, have you got yourself an overprotective girlfriend?” One of the guys said, and the others laughed. Miranda immediately let go of your hand in embarrassment, and you’ve had enough. You turned around, marched up to the guy who let the comment slip, and gripped his hair, pulling him down to your height as he hissed and groaned in pain.

“So what if? Huh? None of you would know what to do with a goddess if she stood in front of you, clearly. Now let me tell you one little thing.” You tightened your grip, causing the manchild to drop to his knees in pain as the others watched, both confused and amused.

“You might feel like I'm all bark and no bite, but once I’ve tasted blood, I won't let go. So you’d do better to stay in your lane, or you’ll regret it.” Letting go of his hair, you let him drop down and straighten your back, shooting a poisonous glare at everyone before turning back and gripping Miranda's hand again, pulling her out and towards the stables.

Once in, the blonde pulls her hand away, making you stop in your tracks and turn to look at her with worry.

“Why… why did you just do that?” She asked, her voice trembling slightly, looking at you with caution in her stare. You look at her, your heart breaking at the image before you.

“I- I can’t stand seeing them treat you like this… you- you deserve so much better. You deserve respect. No one works as hard as you do, and they all know.. Yet they still decide to treat you in such an inhumane way… why are you letting them do this to you? Why don’t you fight back?” You moved to her, taking her hands in yours and holding them tightly. 

“Why do you care? Why do you care so much?” This question completely took you aback… Had you reacted too much? Did you overstep a line? You were so blinded by anger and… and… “Please…” Miranda begged, “Why do you care so much about me?”

———

Tags: @winterfireblond

[usafphantom2]

25 Avro Lancaster Facts | Classic Warbirds

Roy Chadwick was born on the 30th April 1893 in Farnworth, Lancashire and joined Avro in September 1911 as a draughtsman at the age of 18. He would become the company's chief designer seven years later in 1918. A number of aircraft designed by Roy Chadwick would be used during the Second World War, such as the Avro Anson, but it is the Avro Lancaster which is perhaps the most well known. At the age of 54 Roy Chadwick died when the Avro Tudor prototype he was on crashed on take-off on the 23rd August 1947.

Derived from the Avro Manchester

The twin-engined Avro Manchester suffered mainly due to its Rolls-Royce Vulture engines, which were unreliable and unable to reach their optimal performance. So before the aircraft had performed its first operational sortie, the 4th November 1940 saw Avro given the green light to work on what was known as the Manchester Mk III by the Air Ministry. This would have a wingspan 10 ft 2 in longer than the Manchester and was powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlins. It was this aircraft that would be developed into the Lancaster.

10,500 Individual Drawings

During the production of the Lancaster around 10,500 individual drawings were needed and each aircraft required approximately 10 tonnes of light aluminium alloy.

Cost of a Lancaster

On average a Lancaster, minus its armament, bomb sight, radio and radar equipment, cost, at the time, £59,000, which included its four engines.

Crew of Seven

The Lancaster typically had a crew of seven, made up of pilot, bomb-aimer, flight engineer, navigator, wireless operator, mid gunner and rear gunner.

Lancaster fuselage assembly at Castle Bromwich | Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust, licensed under CC0

First Flight

The first Lancaster prototype (BT308) flew on the 9th January 1941 from Ringway Airport. Captain Harry Brown and Sydney Thorn were at the controls. This featured an increased wingspan over the Manchester and a central fin on the tail, which was removed on the second prototype.

Entry into Service

It would be with No. 44 Squadron, based at RAF Waddington that the Lancaster would first enter Royal Air Force service, when they took delivery of their first three aircraft on the 24th December 1941. These would replace their twin-engined Handley Page Hampdens.

First Operational Sortie

No. 44 Squadron would perform the Lancaster's first operational sortie, which took place on the 3rd March 1942. This saw four aircraft lay mines in the Heligoland Bight.

Bristol Hercules Powered Lancaster B.II

Of the Lancaster variants produced all would be powered by either Rolls-Royce or Packard Merlins, the exception was the Lancaster B.II, which was powered by the 1,735-hp Bristol Hercules XVI engine. It was 10 mph slower than the Merlin powered Lancasters, with a top speed of 205 mph, its service ceiling was 18,500 ft, which was 6,000 ft lower. Only 301 Lancaster B.IIs were built.

Basis for the Avro York

Another Roy Chadwick design, the Avro York was a transport aircraft that featured the wings, tail and landing gear of the Lancaster, fitted to a new fuselage. The aircraft would be used by Transport Command and the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

Lancaster B.I (HK535) | Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust, licensed under CC0

Flew Under Sydney Harbour Bridge

During 1943 Lancaster B.III (ED930) Q for Queenie embarked on a promotional tour of Australia to sell war savings bonds. With Flight Lieutenant Peter Isaacson at the controls, the 22nd October 1943 saw hm fly the aircraft under Sydney Harbour Bridge.

'Clapper Kites'

Some Lancaster B.Is would have their front and mid-upper turrets removed and some interior items removed. Powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin 24 engines, they were renamed to Lancaster B.I (Special). Due to their high speed without a bomb load they were nicknamed 'Clapper Kites'.

Lancaster Test Beds

A number of Lancasters would be used as test beds or for research, this included Lancaster B.II (LL735) which was used to test the Metropolitan-Vickers F2 turbojet. Fitted towards the rear of the fuselage, with the exhaust where the rear turret would've been.

Very Long Range Lancaster

To increase the range of the aircraft, for potential operations in the Pacific, a pair of Lancaster B.Is (HK541) and (SW244) would have a 'saddle tank' installed. This was fitted behind the cockpit and extended down past the wings, increasing fuel capacity by 50%.

Operation Exodus

Beginning on the 3rd April 1945 until the 31st May 1945, Operation Exodus saw many prisoners of war flown home by a number of aircraft, including the Lancaster, which with modifications could transport 20 to 24 people.

Lancaster B.I of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Equipped at least 59 Squadrons

During its service in the Second World War the Lancaster would equip at least 59 frontline Bomber Command squadrons.

Lancaster Users

As well as the Royal Air Force a number of other countries used the Lancaster, including the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Ten Victoria Cross Winners

Ten Lancaster aircrew would be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. The first was awarded to Squadron Leader John Nettleton as a result of his actions with No. 44 Squadron flying Lancaster B.I (R5508) during a daylight attack on Augsburg, Germany on the 17th April 1942 (read the citation). With Captain Edwin Swales DFC of No. 582 Squadron the last, after being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions flying Lancaster B.III (PB538) when acting as a Master Bomber when Pforzheim, Germany was raided on the 23rd February 1945 (read the citation).

Total Built

In total 7,377 Lancasters were built during its production run between 1941 and 1946. The last example, a Lancaster B.I, was built on the 2nd February 1946. A number of companies apart from Avro were also involved in the production of the aircraft, including Austin Motors Limited and Victory Aircraft Limited based in Canada.

Ton Up Lancs

On average the number of operational sorties flown by a Lancaster was 21. However, 35 aircraft would take part in 100 sorties or more during the Second World War. One of these was Lancaster B.I (R5868) S for Sugar which completed 137 sorties whilst with No. 83 Squadron and No. 467 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. May 1944 saw it reach the 100 sortie milestone, with a raid on Flensburg Harbour, Germany on the 23rd April 1945 seeing the aircraft performing its last operational sortie. This aircraft is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum, London.

Lancaster B.I (R5868) S for Sugar at the Royal Air Force Museum, London

'Tiger Force'

After the war in Europe ended on the 8th May 1945, it was intended to send a number of Lancaster squadrons to the Pacific. This would be known as the 'Tiger Force' and was to attack targets in Japan in the lead up to invasion, known as Operation Downfall. However, Japan surrendered before the force could be fully established.

Goodwill Tour

No. 35 Squadron were chosen to undertake a five week goodwill tour of the United States during July and August 1946. They would visit a number of airfields in the country.

Developed into the Avro Lincoln

As development of the Lancaster continued, a high altitude version featuring an increased wingspan and fuselage was produced, known as the Lancaster B.IV. However, with so many changes it was renamed the Avro Lincoln I, with the Lancaster B.V known as the Lincoln II.

Avro Lancastrian

The Lancastrian was a civil version of the Lancaster able to carry a small number of passengers and mail. Early Lancastrians were converted Lancasters with later aircraft built as Lancastrians from the start. Changes to the aircraft included the removal of its armament and armour. It would be used by a number of airlines, including British Overseas Airways Corporation.

15 Years Service with the Royal Air Force

The Lancaster's time with the Royal Air Force came to an end on the 15th October 1956 when the School of Maritime Reconnaissance retired their Lancaster MR 3, ending 15 years service with the RAF.

Avro Lancaster in the white and black camouflage scheme of the 'Tiger Force' © ww2images.com

@classicwarbirds via X

[corona-journal]

1000 days of covid.... a reflection... what do you remember?

If I asked many of the memory of covid, it would be toilet paper shortages, the media call to treat nurses and doctors as heroes, lockdowns and social isolation. But there's more, though....

The picture above is of a near bare row of supermarket shelves, with only a few rolls of toilet paper.

My own memories, in general terms, would be:

The curious spread of this flu variant through China and its neighbouring countries. (Via media reports. Plus its rapid rise up the priority reading list for the broadcast reader/ reporter/ news team)

The slow response of most governments to the emerging cases (easy with hindsight)

The tourist ship Ruby Princess docking with (eventually a total of) 22 cases on board, docking in Sydney. No quarantine controls enforced effectively at that point in time. (And Covid had been a thing well reported)

The toilet paper shortages, followed by shortages of pasta, rice, disinfectant and other staple foods from shelves. Never seen so many bare shelves before, except in news reports where people cleaned out stores in the face of cyclones or snow storms.

The growing weirdness of still going to work when others were getting government pay to stay at home. Apart from the driver, there'd be 2 other people on the bus in.

Add in the loneliness and the ghost town feeling of walking through an empty city. Except for the essential food services, so kids could still get you your order of coffee and mcbreakfast.... odd contrast, you'd agree.

Oh, the anger and entitlement of the covid deniers and anti-maskers.

My father in law complained about mask wearing on a flight down from Queensland to visit us. While my wife, a nurse, is donning full personal protective equipment (PPE) to help with patients. He's not entitled, just an oblivious, selfish idiot.

A bit of resentment at those who got the payments to not work, while I was an essential worker, in the finance sector had to work through. Discussing insurance with customers. All of them wanting discounts for (multitude of self justified reasons). That was tiring...

On the 'others staying home' a lot of people were making bread, trying new hobbies, going back to old hobbies, riding bikes to get fit... that only seemed to last 2 months, then it was easier to watch digitally streamed shows...

Oh, the growing gap between those who could afford the digital upgrade to work and/or study from home. And those that couldn't... that gap is bigger, and will show up in a decade or so...

Travel? Yeah, we'd travel from the couch to the kitchen table, work, then we'd travel to the letterbox and then to the couch again. On weekends, some of us would travel to the shed, to mow the lawns as part of the outside world travel.

Then the acceptance, as we waited for the vaccine to be made. Too late for too many in China, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom....

The USA being the most vocal of the anti-maskers and covid deniers. Because of Trump and his idiot approach to the crisis and his vanity.

A few covid conspiracy people I have spoken to, and seen the marches. I don't have time for dealing with these kind of people. Got used to being able to distance myself pretty quickly.

Overall though, I've become a bit more self directed towards entertaining myself (books and going back to the scale hobby of modelling) and fed up with a big insurance company making lots of profit while increasing the consumers insurance bill by about 20% average per year...

And remote studying has become a lonely grind. I am succeeding in my course so far.

Overall, post vaccine roll-out, we've adapted.

It's gone from being "the Chinese flu" (a pejorative term) to the "spicy cough".

So far, I have remained covid free.

And I have science, medicine and society to thank for that.

23 December 2022.

1000 days of covid.

@bundibird @scrapironflotilla thanks for just engaging with this little effort (it will continue)

@tafkarfanfic @bouncinghedgehog your posts helped with hope and morale when things were tough.

I'd invite you to reblog and share your memories, no matter where in the world you are.

[amnottrak-official]

Sydney Trains T set

Class of electric train operating in Sydney, Australia

The T sets, also referred to as the Tangara trains, are a class of electric multiple units that currently operate on the Sydney Trains network. Built by A Goninan & Co, the sets entered service between 1988 and 1995, initially under the State Rail Authority and later on CityRail. The T sets were built as "third-generation" trains for Sydney's rail fleet, coinciding with the final withdrawals of the "Red Rattler" sets from service in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Tangaras were initially built as two classes; the long-distance G sets and the suburban T sets, before being merged after successive refurbishments.

Quick Facts T set, In service ...

Design

Vestibule

The Tangara is a double-deck four-car set, with the two outer cars being driving control trailers (carrying a D prefix) that are fitted with one pantograph each and the middle two cars being non-control motor cars (carrying an N prefix). All sets are equipped with chopper control.

Unlike most other Sydney Trains rolling stock, the seats on the suburban T sets are fixed, meaning that half the seats face backwards. Former G sets, however, do have reversible seats.

History

Initial delivery

In July 1986, the Government of New South Wales awarded A Goninan & Co a contract for 450 carriages. In 1993, it was decided that the last 80 carriages of the order would be built to a modified design to operate peak-hour services to Wyong, Port Kembla and Dapto. In 1996, five spare driving trailers were ordered.

The Tangara name is of Aboriginal origin, meaning to go.

Two subclasses of Tangara were built, the suburban sets targeted as T sets, and outer-suburban sets originally targeted as G sets. The T sets replaced the first generation of Sydney's electric rolling stock.

The G sets differed from the T sets in originally having manual door buttons, high-backed reversible seats, toilets, fresh water dispensers and luggage racks. Additionally, the G sets were delivered with a revised design at the front and rear of the train, notably an angular cutout in the bottom of their noses. Additionally, the pinstriped grey panels below the cab windows were replaced with light orange panels for improved visibility. All T sets have a number plate below a hundred while all G sets are numbered at or above

T sets

G sets

Original liveries

The first train (set T20) was unveiled at Sydney Central in December 1987, heavily promoted as the "train of the 21st century", operating a promotional service on 28 January 1988 targeted as TAN1, and entering regular service on 12 April 1988. The final T set (set T59, formerly T92) was delivered in February 1994 and the final G set (set T100, formerly G32) in October 1995.

The cars built were:

T set driving trailer cars: D6101-D6284 with additional spare cars D6285-D6289

T set non-driving motor cars: N5101-N5284 with additional spare car N5285

G set driving trailer cars: OD6801-OD6840 with additional spare car OD6841

G set non-driving motor cars: ON5801-ON5820

G set non-driving motor cars with toilet: ONL5851-ONL5870

Set G7 was fitted with an AC drive system for evaluation purposes with the existing DC stock and compatibility with signalling and communication systems on the network. G7 was scrapped in 2005 at Maintrain, Auburn after the Waterfall rail accident, as all four cars were beyond repair.

Upgrades in the early 2000s

Original interior

First refurbishment

When first introduced, the T sets were fitted with passenger door release handles to prevent loss of air conditioning at stations. These were later disconnected (and later removed) due to passengers not getting used to opening the doors for themselves when needed. The seats originally had fabric upholstery, but this was gradually replaced by blue vinyl.

In the early 2000s, all Tangaras were updated with a new CityRail corporate appearance. This involved painting the passenger doors and much of the front and rear ends of the trains yellow. Blue and yellow stripes along the bottom of the carriages were replaced by a single yellow stripe and updated CityRail logos were placed on the driving cars.

In late 2005, 15 V set carriages were suddenly withdrawn due to the discovery of corrosion in their underframes. G sets began to operate more off-peak Intercity services to Port Kembla, Kiama, and Wyong to cover for the withdrawn V sets. H sets started entering service in December 2006. The newer trains feature a very similar level of passenger amenity to the G sets and can be seen as a continuation of the design. Their introduction lead to a change in the role of the G sets. From 2007, the G sets were progressively redeployed to suburban services, providing extra capacity on high-demand existing services such as on the Western line and allowing new services to be introduced. By 2008, G sets were often used on peak suburban services that extended into intercity areas, such as services to Springwood (via the Western line).

Conversion of G sets to T sets

A converted G set

In 2009, the conversion of G sets to T sets began, to improve their suitability for suburban working as H sets took over their outer suburban duties. Conversion work consisted of the removal of toilets and their replacement with additional seating. Other work included the installation of new handrails and hangers and the recoding of cars and sets. The carriage numbers were kept, however the O (outer suburban) prefix was dropped. OD became D, while ONL and ON became N. The set numbers were reclassified from G1-30 to T100-130. G4 was the first to be converted (into T104). In 2010, sets being converted started receiving a full interior refurbishment as part of the program to refurbish all the Tangara carriages. In 2018, sets T14 and T121 (ex G21) both became mixtures of T set and ex-G set carriages, with both sets swapping two carriages with each other.

Upgrades in the 2010s

T sets

Ex-G sets

Second refurbishment

In 2010, a refresh of the Tangaras commenced with the interiors repainted, and new seating upholstery and handrails fitted.

In July 2013, Sydney Trains trialled rearranging the seating on the upper and lower decks of two carriages. There were 16 fewer seats per carriage; 3x2 seats were replaced by 2x2 seats in one carriage (N5134 on set T78) while in the other carriage (N5131 on set T77) there are double seats on one side and a bench style seating on the other. Both carriages were later returned to the normal 3x2 arrangement.

In 2014, phase one of a technology upgrade program, aiming to improve reliability and upgrade ageing components, was underway. A contract for phase two of the program, aiming to extend the life of these trains and bring technology into line with newer trains was awarded to UGL Limited in August 2015. This was expected to be completed by July 2018. The expected completion date was revised to 2019, however as of February 2023 only 2 sets have entered service with the second phase upgrades.

The first phase of the program involved upgrading the passenger doors to cut down on vandalism, as the steel panels on the original doors were prone to being kicked out by vandals. The door kicking incidents often led to unnecessary delays as the guard had to lock off the affected carriage. The new lightweight passenger doors have a similar design to the doors on the M sets. This phase of the project was completed at the end of July 2016. The first set to receive the new doors was T96, in October 2014.

The second phase of the program was initially set to include destination indicators and digital voice announcements, which were installed in T72 and T106, were not installed in other sets due to delays and issues with the DVA system. The upgrade still went ahead however, with vestibules given modifications including marked priority seating and Automatic Train Protection (ATP). The first sets with this revised phase 2 upgrade, T52 and T73, re-entered service on 12 November 2021. As of 26 February 2022, sixteen sets have entered service with the upgrade.

The program includes overhauling air conditioning units, Static Inverter upgrades, and modifications to the Driver's desk/cab.

Other anti-vandal improvements included the introduction of 'Mousetrap' sensors. Trialed in 2015, these sensors are able to detect vapors from strong permanent markers and spray paint; triggering an in-built camera feed which is relayed to Sydney Trains staff as well as the Police Transport Command. They were then installed in most converted G sets.

Service

Lines serviced

The Tangaras usually operate on the following lines:

T1 North Shore & Western Line: Emu Plains to City via Parramatta, City to Berowra or Hornsby via Gordon

T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line: Bondi Junction to Waterfall & Cronulla via Hurstville & Sutherland

T7 Olympic Park Line: Lidcombe to Olympic Park

T9 Northern Line: Gordon to Hornsby via Strathfield

South Coast Line: Waterfall & Thirroul to Port Kembla

Since 2013, their operation on Sector 2 has ended timetable services with all of them being displaced to Sector 1 since A sets do not operate on that sector.

Incidents

Wentworthville derailment

Driving trailer car D6127 and motor car N5127 were both involved in the Wentworthville train derailment on 27 December 1989, the first major accident involving the Tangara fleet. D6127 was written off, having collided with the platform. N5127 was sent to Dunheved on the Ropes Creek line for training fire fighters, along with S Set car C3866.

Vineyard collision

On 10 February 1994, set T99 travelling from Richmond towards Blacktown collided with a van at the level crossing at Vineyard. The first 3 cars derailed in a zig-zag format, starting a nearby grassfire.

Unanderra derailment

On 24 January 2009 at 2:35 AM, set G4 (now T104) was departing from Unanderra towards Wollongong and derailed due to the train passing a signal at Danger, and the catch-points derailing the train to avoid a collision with a freight train. The first 2 cars and the front bogie of the third car derailed and stopped safely 50 metres from the signal. Subsequently because of this incident, G4 was the first G set to undergo conversion to suburban T set T104.

Carriage pierced by guard rail

During evening peak on 15 January 2014, motor car N5222 on set T10 was pierced by a guard rail near Edgecliff railway station while on a service to Cronulla. Issues with the train were already developing on the previous run, triggering wheelslip sensors on the train multiple times. As the train entered the Eastern Suburbs Line, a strong burning smell was reported at several stations. It was later revealed that an incorrectly repaired axle on N5222 led to the force of the 440-tonne train picking up the piece of guard rail.

Kembla Grange derailment

On 20 October 2021 at 4:09 AM, Tangara set T42 derailed near Kembla Grange station on a level crossing. It was caused by a motor vehicle that was stolen and driven up the rail corridor near the railway crossing. Car D6212 fell onto its side and car N5212 also derailed, while cars N5211 and D6211 did not derail and only had minor damage. There were no serious passenger injuries or deaths as a result of this incident, however two passengers, as well as the guard and the driver, were hospitalised to be checked. The Driver was badly injured during the rollover of the Driver trailer carriage. T sets usually don't operate through Kembla Grange, however due to industrial action on the day of the incident banning the usual H sets, they were used.

4D

4D at Spencer Street

Main article: 4D (train)

A train bearing strong resemblance to a Tangara, known as the 4D, was built by A Goninan & Co in 1991 for the Public Transport Corporation. Although outwardly similar to the Tangaras it was mechanically very different being built to be compatible with the Comeng trains operated in Melbourne. It was included in the sale of Hillside Trains to Connex Melbourne in August 1999. It wasn't successful and after spending large periods out of service, being withdrawn in December 2002 and stored at Newport Workshops. The 4D was bought by CityRail for parts and then scrapped in March 2006 by them at Sims Metal, Brooklyn, Victoria. The G sets' cab ends have a design similar to the 4D, with the bottom part being bent inwards.

Notes

Former G sets are 81.21 m (266 ft 5 in).

Former G set cars are 20,385 mm (66 ft 11 in).

Former G set cars are 53 t (52 long tons; 58 short tons).

Former G set cars are 45 t (44 long tons; 50 short tons).

This person sent the same ask 3 times in a row and I read all three just to make sure they were all the same

yay train facts! I have a fun train fact: they are very yummy to eat 😋

[draftmare]

We had bit drama this year with the whole USDF baucher thing, but we also had girth drama this year, ugh.

It started early this year when I FINALLY got my hands on a County dressage saddle that fits both Sydney and I perfectly. The problem was that my girth from my previous County was oddly too long. Granted, the old County was on a WXW tree and Sydney really only needs a W tree, so I don’t know if that was the difference, or if it was the fact that the old County was a 2009 and this County is/was a 2021 that was being passed around as a demo. Anyway, long story short, I bought a new girth. I treated myself to a girth I had been wanting for a while, a Lemieux Gel-Tek, which is modeled after the ProLite and Fairfax girths (LeMieux is actually rather notorious for knocking off famous brands for cheaper). I had had one in brown for my string of ill fated and ill fitting brown dressage saddles, and had really liked it. This one, however, appeared to be a dud. Every time I used it, it dyed Sydney black. I reached out to the company and they told me to just condition it, and that it would eventually stop. Well, I didn’t want to wait for to eventually stop, not when it was leaching who knows what kind of chemicals on to my horse’s skin on an almost daily basis, and she already has a type of cancer and a couple of sarcoids to boot.

I bought a Professional Choice Ventech girth, but this time with fleece, I say this time with fleece because the girth I used for my old County was the exact same girth, just a 32 inch, and with neoprene. Something about it being shorter just made it not sit right on her though, but I held on to it because I knew in my head that we had been using this brand and style of YEARS without issue. We will come back to this thought in a minute.

Next up on the try list was a WOW brand H-girth. I did some pretty extensive research about these girths, and how they were well suited to horses with Sydney’s conformation: big belly, forward girth groove, saddle needs to be kept back despite gravity saying it should go forward. The only thing I kept seeing was that these girths were more meant for the WOW saddles, which all come equipped with a point billet, which I mean, makes sense considering they are made by WOW. My saddle does not have a point billet, both billets come straight down off the tree, which works much better for Sydney because the saddle isn’t being pulled forward into her shoulder. One of the other riders at the barn has one of these girths, so I got to try it for a couple of rides, and then further internet sleuthing assured me that there are people that use them on saddles without a point billet.

Did it work? Sorta… Was it ideal? Not really. The straps kind of angled back towards each other because of how my billets are. Even though WOW says these can be used on saddles without a point billet, the spacing makes it really hard. We used this most of the summer until I started to notice that she was getting some rubs between the straps as her winter coat was coming in. This to me indicated that she was likely getting rubbed all the time, it was just now her coat was long enough to make it obvious.

So, I swapped her to the Professional Choice Ventech girth, and she promptly got a girth gall. I was MORTIFIED. I have never felt so horrible. Thankfully, I wasn’t on some 5 hour long trail ride, or anything like that. She got a week off for it to heal, then swapped back to the WOW girth while trainer and I pondered what to do. We didn’t really come up with any solutions other than to keep riding in the WOW girth for the time being while I scoured the internet for information.

This past week the saddle fitter came out, and I grilled her for solutions. Side note, OMG did getting my saddle flocked make a huge difference. I could feel it sitting differently with more wool in there. I wish I had been a little more insistent on her coming out sooner. I can also now toss the fluffy half pad and go back to my ProLite half pad, which feels so much nicer under my butt.

Fitters suggestion was the Total Saddle Fit StretchTec girth. It’s an interesting design, meant to be anatomical as well as move with the horse as their body expands and contracts during different points of a ride. I didn’t really want to spend full price on yet ANOTHER girth this year (are we keeping count?), but thankfully there are a ton of these available used (which may or may not be concerning), it was just a matter of finding the right size and color at a price I was willing to pay. This ended up giving me my first experience with buying from the TackTack app. Everything went smoothly, and I ended up with a basically new girth for a song.

I had my first ride in it today, and so far it seems to tick all of the boxes. No rubs, allows the billets to hang straight down, and fits her well. Time will tell if this ends up being our ultimate winner. I am crossing my fingers because I have no idea where I would go next.

[thepodcasthoard]

The Ultimate Guide to Starting A Podcast [Checklist]

Part 1 l Part 2 l Part 3 l Part 4 l Part 5 l Part 6 l Part 7 l Part 8 l Part 9 l Part 10

The eleventh article Sydney gave me is an actionable list. The writer- Lestraundra Alfred- said she started a podcast in ten days by following it.

Determine your niche.

I know. Some of you who have been reading all the posts in this series are probably groaning right now at the repetition. I admit, as I was reading through them I was starting to almost be able to say the words in my head before I read them, like how I can quote movies I've seen a bunch of times.

But this is important- I mentioned before that it's better to be in the top ten of a smaller niche than top twenty of a broader one. But it's more than that- sites like spotify and apple podcasts use the niches you provide to categorize your show, and that categorization brings your podcast to those who are actually looking for similar things.

The article lists popular categories- comedy, news, TV shows and movies, and sports among them- so you can find inspiration in them and narrow your focus.

2. Identify your ideal listener

The article talks about going super specific with your listener avatar- age, job, education, income, other interests, hobbies, and where they live. This will let you think about what your perfect listener will think about your ideas and help you refine them.

3. Name your podcast and make a launch date

For the name, make sure you look it up a few times with variations so you don't accidentally use the same name as some other brand.

For the launch date, make sure to give yourself some time to do your preparations and recording, but not too much time that it's just procrastinating.

4. Format and schedule

There's a variety of formats, each with their own pros and cons. Interviews, co-hosts, and solo shows are just three.

The most common frequencies of publishing according to this article are weekly, bi-weekly (which I assume in this case means once every two weeks, not twice a week), and monthly. But the article also says consistency is key- don't do weekly for three weeks, and then not upload for two months.

5. Podcast host

Again, this is necessary because of internet jargon. An RSS feed is needed to upload to the actual directories where people can listen. The article lists a few via links which- as you all can probably guess by now- I won't add because I want to preserve their commissions. Plus, you'll probably want to read the article in its entirety to get all the details because I'm glossing over them to keep the big picture in sight.

6. Artwork

This article is linked, and it has a more in-depth guide on how to make artwork with examples. But this article recommends just browsing through your podcast listening site of choice and just looking at artwork, thinking about how yours will fit in.

7. Equipment

This article goes into the topic more in-depth, with specifics about what they personally recommend, but really a microphone, a computer, headphones, and recording and editing software are all you really need.

8. Create a trailer

Ah, finally, I can hear some of you think. A new step.

A trailer gives a new listener a chance to find out what your podcast is all about. So be sure to make it engaging and interesting.

9. Submit to directories

You'll be able to do this through your hosting site.

10. Start with three episodes

Another new step, yay! Not only does this give more content for listeners to really see if your podcast is a good fit for them, but it'll let your podcast get listens and other statistics more quickly. That means that the directory will read that and go 'oh! People really like this show. Let me move it to the front so more people can like it.' Your trailer shouldn't count in those three episodes.

11. Show notes

Yet another new step! Hooray! Show notes are basically really short blog posts that are under each episode and tailored to that specific episode. They're a good place for SEO (search engine optimization), and a way for avid listeners to follow the podcast on different sites, like your social media.

12. Get social media handles

Speaking of social media, you'll want these before you launch. This way you have them and can actually use them to promote yourself and the podcast. Domain names are included in this step.

13. Upload and schedule your three episodes

Once everything is edited and done, it's time to stick to your launch date you chose in step three and schedule through your hosting site to launch.

14. Market and celebrate

Now it's time to get the word out. You've worked so hard on this project, congratulations! An aside from me is to actually take time to celebrate. Don't rush right into more work, take the time to soak in your accomplishment, because it is an accomplishment.