#free bolt stunner

[theonceandfuturequeenoftarts]

Promptober 2024: Oct. 1

It's that time again! A month(ish) of prompts -- whatever makes my brain go brrrr on each particular day, that's what's getting written. Here's the first ficlet (part one of probably three for this idea):

When Harry wakes up that morning, he’s looking forward to a quiet day. Maybe he’ll putter around in the garden, maybe he’ll see if Ron and Hermione wanted to meet up for lunch, maybe he’ll even try to tackle cleaning the broom shed. The world is his oyster. What he’d forgotten to account for is him being Harry Potter, and thus a chaos magnet. So, when he hears a knock – well, a slam – on his door mid-morning, he opens it without a thought. So few people know he lives here, and they’re all people he trusts with his life, so he isn’t worried. When he opens the door to reveal Voldemort standing on his stoop, he wonders if maybe it's time to set up some additional wards. Well, too late for that now. “Er.”  Harry stares at Voldemort. Voldemort stares at him. He slams the door and bolts it. Maybe if he ignores the Dark Lord, he’ll go away. At that moment, the door fractures and falls to the ground in pieces. Harry sighs. Yeah, ignoring things never actually helps. He turns back to his entryway, drawing his wand and hoping their impending duel doesn’t destroy his cottage too much. He’s just gotten it to feel homey.  But once Voldemort pushes the fragments of Harry’s front door out of the way and takes a few steps inside, he stops and just. Stands there. Staring. It is really unsettling, if Harry’s honest with himself. Who would’ve thought he’d miss the mad rage and pompous speeches? At least he knows how to react to that. “Uh, you’ve kind of caught me unprepared for company,” he says, playing for time as he tries to figure out how to handle this. “It’s pretty rude to just show up unannounced, y’know? Enemies or not, there are rules. We live in a society and all that.” No reaction. “And you didn’t even bring a host gift? Not that I want a gift from you,” Harry adds quickly. “Knowing you, it’d be cursed or dead or something.” Voldemort’s creepily vacant gaze gains some life and he begins moving towards Harry. Harry quickly casts a stunner, hoping to either jar the other wizard into acting normally or, y’know, stun him, but Voldemort swats the spell away with his hand. Well. That’s a disturbing new skill.  Harry finds his back pressing into his sturdy kitchen table, while Voldemort looms in front of him, leaning closer and closer until his face is mere inches away from Harry’s. Mouth held slightly open, Voldemort begins to dart his forked tongue in and out of his mouth. That is also disturbing, but in a different and somehow both more and less menacing way. “Um?” Harry says, voice jumping an octave as that tongue comes dangerously close to licking his glasses.  Voldemort eventually leans back out of Harry’s personal space, though the staring continues, much to Harry’s dismay. Minutes pass in a strange sort of staring contest – Harry’s not sure what Voldemort’s up to, but the other man is certainly fascinated with his face; and Harry’s afraid to take his eyes off the other man lest he do. Something weird. Well, weirder than what he’s currently doing. But Voldemort must eventually reach some sort of conclusion, as he twitches his head in something like a nod and sweeps out the doorway without a single look back, stepping carefully over the debris of what was once Harry’s door. Now Harry’s the one staring as the other man stalks away from the cottage. Picking up a large shard of wood, knocker still attached, he wonders to the dust motes, “What the Hel was that?”

Have a prompt? Feel free to drop it it the ask box~ And you can follow along with the month of prompts on AO3!

Wish me luck!

[fispy]

It's funny that free bolt stunners are classified as captive bolt pistols because they just aren't. The bolt isn't captive. It's basically a big nail gun. That is one that's primarily used for euthanasia. I don't think nail guns are often used for euthanasia.

[stunnertv-blog]

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[itsjustforschool]

No Country for Old Men’s Masterful Weavng of Theme into Storytelling.

The Coen Brother’s, No Country for Old Men, adapted from the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name, brings with it an abundance of themes to explore and dissect. First off, the plot revolves around man named Llewellyn Moss who finds a satchel of money in the wilderness and decided to keep it for himself. However, a trained killer by the name of Anton Chigurh tries to track down Moss to recapture the money. Meanwhile, Tom Bell, a small-town sheriff, follows in the wake of the destruction of the chase between Moss and Chigurh. At the same time, this movie manages to explore many deep themes and insight like free will versus determinism and how people react to the hardship of the modern world. Through masterful storytelling, No Country for Old Men Fits many themes into the overarching story.

           People’s ideas on how to react to the coldness of the modern world is one of the many themes in the movie. First off, Sheriff Tom Bell signifies the people that have become too old for the ways of the world. Furthermore, he follows behind Moss and Chigurh while never participating in the action himself. For example, he comes too late the shoot out against Moss and the other cartel members only the find Moss dead and the other party gone. In addition, Bell is constantly reminiscing on the past. Either in his opening monologue of how he liked to listen to the, “old-timers”, talk about the past or how he refuses to carry a gun to not scare the people he swore to protect. Moreover, he does this because he cannot make himself believe that the past was just as unforgiving than what took place with Chigurh and Moss. Finally, his last talk with his uncle Ellis helps him to come to terms with the chaotic lawlessness of the world and retire before he faces something he won’t be able to overcome. Through Tom Bell, the reaction of accepting that there may be no place for you in the world is explored in this movie.

           Anton Chigurh embodies another mindset that can stem from the cruelty of the world. Starting off, Chigurh believes himself to be an instrument of fate for the people of the world. The bolt in the pressurized air canister represents how he views people to only be cattle for slaughter and his coin toss, which he offers to the unsuspecting gas station clerk, shows that he lets fate decide whether the person dies. However, this is all undone when he meets Carla Jean, the wife of the late Lewellyn Moss, who states that fate does not determine the coin toss instead it is Chigurh who decides because he brings up the game in the first place. The harsh ideas of Chigurh helps to build upon the themes of the movie.

           Through the excellent weaving of storytelling, the Coen brothers manages to intertwine the clash of if believing in God will secure a place in Heaven. First off, one of the many debates in the world is whether believing in God will save the people who do or, after death, all life ceases to exist. Therefore, the movie emphasizes this theme with the parallels with the 1957 film The Seventh Seal. Directed by Ingmar Bergman, this classic tells the story of a returning crusader who meets the figure of death and plays a game of chess for the man’s soul. But, it feels apparent that death will win the chess match. Consequently, the crusader spends the length of the movie debating if a Good God will give him a place in paradise or if his life was wasted in Crusade. In like manner, the movie draws similarities from the other movie. For instance, Anton dresses in all black and his haircut represents a hood, and he carries around the cow stunner in place of a scythe. Moreover, he offers a coin toss as with death and the chess game to see if the person will live or die. However, the coin toss has another purpose because it symbolizes the fifty/fifty chance that God exists or not. Hence, everyone must make their call on the coin toss when death comes for them and see if they are right or wrong. The crisis of believing if god exists plays a huge part in the themes of the movie.

           No Country for Old Men becomes an outstanding movie with the themes that it presents. The look into how the world can shape the beliefs of people is delved into in great effect in this movie. Also, the debate of the existence God becomes another thee that the Coen brothers fabricate into the story. This movie explores the hardships of living in this chaotic world and can resonate with those who feel the world as unforgiving and cruel.

[weeklyhumorist]

I’m Typhon, Father Of All Monsters, And There’s More To Me Than Being A Reprehensible, Serpent Giant Who Wants To Burn The World To The Ground.

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(Indiscernible, cacophonous screams from 100 serpent heads) Excuse me — still nursing the end of a chest cold. Hi there! I’m Typhon, Father of All Monsters, and I’m running for King of the Gods against the incumbent Zeus. But let’s do away with formalities, shall we? Feel free to call me T-snake. All my monster kids do.

You might’ve heard my numerous heads bellowing my campaign slogan in various bestial dialects from the underworld, but I wanted to help you put a face to a name. In this day and age when so many unfathomable demons are vying for your vote, I felt it was important for me to step out among you and show you all how I’m a cut above. No really, my lower body snake coils will snap you right in half so stay back.

I know I might seem like this terrifying gigantic god dragon, but I’m much more like the rest of you than you think. I have two loving parents, Gaia and Tartarus. Full disclosure, dad is a dark, evil, bottomless pit where the wicked are tortured for all eternity, but whose dad isn’t, amiright? Funnily enough, he married a real bleeding heart free spirit. She’s where I get my slightly less fire-breathy side. And my winning smile.

Many of you’ve probably seen my beautiful wife Echidna knocking on doors around town. Don’t be fooled by her half-reptilian body, she’s the warmest woman you’ll ever meet. But maybe keep any babies or pets away from her mouth just to be safe.

Most weekends, Echidna and I spend time with our multi-headed kids, Cerberus, Chimera, and Hydra just breathing fire and terrorizing nearby villagers. We also love to prune our herb garden — Echidna’s coriander crop is a real stunner this year.

Now let me take a moment to be real with you. I know you’re not all on board with my views, but I think that’s because you think they’re more extreme than they really are.

Yes, I do believe we the gods are far superior to those disgusting mortals who pollute our bloodlines when they allow themselves to be raped by us. That’s why I’m in full support of separating them from their demigod children (which we’ll force them to have despite the fact that they’re products of rape, because every partial god life is precious), and throwing them off our pristine cloud city to their grisly deaths. BUT I also believe they make great ambrosia guac, so we should probably keep a few around to do that.

I’m all about a return to family values and a god’s right to hurl mountains at another god if they appear to be carrying a concealed lightning bolt. Now does that sound monstrous to you? (Coughs out a fireball which torches a nearby temple). Hoooeee! Looks like I could use a Ricola, huh?

If you support Mount Olympus first, don’t vote for Zeus, whose passive reign has thrown us back 1,000 years. Vote for the 100 headed, fire-breathing serpent giant who crawled his way out from under a volcano just to shake hands (or coils) with you fine people. Also I ripped all the muscles out of Zeus’ body once and I can do it again.

Hope you all have a pleasant evening, or as we say back home (deafening cries of lions, dragons, snakes and bulls).

  I’m Typhon, Father Of All Monsters, And There’s More To Me Than Being A Reprehensible, Serpent Giant Who Wants To Burn The World To The Ground. was originally published on Weekly Humorist

[suvidhafashion]

Wedding Attire for Men – What Should Your Wear In Wedding This Summer

Dressing for a summer wedding can be interesting. Alongside the warm climate, there’s likewise the scene, the subject, and the clothing regulation to consider before you can even arrange your outfit!

While it’s not difficult to know the basics, like trying not to sport white, it very well may be troublesome when you need to make sure about particulars. The errand isn’t incomprehensible; nonetheless, and can even be ridiculed when you realize what you’re doing.

The key isn’t to worry over matching with the wedding and others around you but instead center on supplementing the general style of the event with your dress.

Along these lines, regardless of whether you’re made a beeline for a customary wedding or something somewhat more present day, here are some propelled sherwani for wedding thoughts to keep you in good shape.

We should venture into an astonishing Indian wedding dress for grooms to purchase from Suvidha Fashion this mid-year to seem as though you are the stunner!

1. Sherwanis For Summer Wedding

Sherwani for men is the most conventional outfit with regard to Indian men. In this manner, you can’t turn out badly with a Sherwani at your late spring wedding. You simply need to choose the right one for the searing heat!

While you can pull off heavier textures like velvet during indoor cooled occasions, the equivalent can’t be said for open-air, day capacities.

Attempt wearing sherwani with Chikankari weaving as these wedding dresses for the groom are usually made with lighter textures like cotton. In the event that your lady of the hour intends to wear moving lehengas in pastel shades, you’ll look extraordinary together!

Pastels conceal outfits have gotten the go-to choice for every one of the metropolitan grooms. With regards to consolidating the wonderful tints, the appeal of summer wedding dresses consistently beat the bar of style.

In case you are a man of the hour-to-be and searching for something very reviving and calming for your enormous day, this lilac-tinted sherwani is the best pick for you.

This flawless Dori sherwani for the groom enhanced with sequins and pearls is an ideal summer wedding dress for men. Attempt this dapper outfit while you gain tons of experiences with your friends and family.

2. Formal Wedding Attire For Summer Wedding

The dark tuxedo is your definitive conventional suit worth putting resources into. Suvidha Fashion designer suits for men offer excellent textures and dynamite development at sensible costs, making rentals a relic of days gone by.

Their suits are fundamentally secure with the right equilibrium of extents to compliment any body shape. Furthermore, the brand offers nearly all the other things you’ll require for the ageless conventional look, including cufflinks.

You can figure out how to tie a tie or make your life somewhat simpler with an impeccably estimated choice that is as of now pre-tied for you. Simply ensure it’s not very huge and wide for a smoothed-out, rich wedding look that will undoubtedly knock some people’s socks off.

3. City Dress Attire For Summer Wedding

When going to a city wedding, keep your fitting look smooth and exemplary. A stretch fleece suit is a brilliant decision for smooth style with a trace of sheen and additional solace.

A mid-gray gents suit design combines impeccably with a fresh white dress shirt, anyway neckline extents are critical, so make a point to pick one with a decent semi-spread neckline.

While beautifying, you can don a jazzy bowtie or simply wear your collar open for a look that is somewhat looser, however, add a handkerchief for a dash of complexity. Slide on a couple of loafers to finish the look and you’re nice to hit the town.

4. Mirror Work Sherwani For Summer Wedding

Is it accurate to say that you are searching for a husband to dress for your midyear wedding? Regardless of which outfit plan you decide for your wedding, reflecting work consistently kills with effortlessness!

These days, parcels of sherwani for men’s weddings have begun to reflect work outfits. Give a Jhakaas passage in this sleek outfit and make a lot of recognition with your number one individuals. It plays well with different dark glasses and embroiderers. The plan referenced above says everything!

5. Printed Sherwani For Summer Wedding

Selecting a printed groom outfit for summer weddings is perhaps the most ideal decision. This wine-shaded sherwani finished off with prints and themes is giving some major #DulheRaja feels.

Buy sherwani online from Suvidha Fashion for a midyear wedding that highlights a mandarin collar with a solitary chest pocket. Searching for a late spring wedding dress for the man of the hour?

This tasteful outfit from the assortment of selective Suvidha Fashion entryway is an ideal decision for you. It is safe to say that you are prepared to lay out the Groom’s Goals? Remember to stay aware of your Indian wedding hairdo.

6. 3-Piece Suit For Summer Wedding

While many husbands don’t ordinarily wear a formal suit on their big day, it is the main decision among Christian grooms. You just can’t look normal wearing a formal suit as it draws out the best in you!

Its exemplary outline can make you look rather running, which is the reason it’s a well-known Sangeet outfit choice for men searching for an Indian wedding dress for grooms in summer.

Here are a couple of fundamentals to remember while wearing a midyear season wedding dress! You need to wear totally fitted garments from head to toe as any lumps will demolish the look.

Your shoes should coordinate with the shading tone of your prince coat for groom to finish the look. Besides, wear a tie that impeccably supplements the shade of your clothing.

Guarantee that the sleeves of your shirt don’t surpass your wrists. To make a more relaxed look, you can let free of the lower catch of your coat!

7. Impressive Jodhpuri Suit Latest Design For Wedding

The style of jodhpuri dress first occurred in the Jodhpur State and was promoted during the mid-twentieth century in India.

It comprises a coat and pants and now and again was joined by a vest. Nonetheless, recently jodhpuri has a stylish take.

The trendy plans are for the most part ivory in shading rather than overstated weavings. A few originators weave flower designs on it. Examine this noteworthy jodhpuri suit’s most recent plan for the wedding to know more.

8. Quilted Jodhpuri Suit For Wedding

Stitched textures give the coat an organized look without adding any mass. For your commitment, wedding or some other capacity, you may pick a sewed men’s jodhpuri suit in dark for a savage look.

Pick a style with bolted necklines, long sleeves, a conservative placket, and pocket folds for a stylish look.

You can match this coat with semi-formal jeans with explanation subtleties at the crease and a couple of calfskin boots for a phenomenal look.

9. Silk And Velvet Jodhpuri Suit For Wedding

The creation of an exquisite lucky man starts when two immortal textures, silk, and velvet, meet up. On the off chance that you don’t effectively possess one, pick a Jodhpuri prince coat for men that include an organized coat made with velvet and jeans made with luxury silk.

To stand separated in this look, pick a coat with a remarkable cut or hemline; perform it with a beautiful ornament and fixes. Remember to match it with dark patent shoes.

Best of all, you can pick this style in any strong shading for an easy appeal. At last, Indian grooms have begun to foster a most extreme interest in and enjoyment for wedding shopping and that is the reason we’re seeing such countless popular looks each season.

Buy Stylish Dresses For Groom to Wear At Summer Weddings This Season!

These stylish outfit thoughts will sort your outfit needs for somewhere around one of your wedding capacities as you can sort out which styles you mean to wear or stay away from.

Alongside picking the right Jodhpuri suit from Suvidha Fashion for a wedding and decorating it right, pair it with your certainty to change into a neat man of the hour.

Since you find out about Indian wedding dresses for grooms in summer, it is the ideal opportunity for you to be the work of art on the most happening day of your life!

Which your #1 summer wedding dress for men? Let us know in the comment section!

[mayhemproduces]

  “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!”

 Slab City comes unleashed as the unmistakable music of New Japan’s own Ticking Time Bomb bumps throughout the stadium, the fans losing their minds as the man himself jumps out from behind the curtain! Hiromu has been sidelined since February with a torn pectoral, an injury that cost him his fourth run as IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion, and is looking for redemption here in MPW! Hiromu bolts down the ramp, handing Naoru and Daryl Jr over to Lilith, before sprinting around the ring. All fans in the front row receive a high five as Hiromu makes his laps, before throwing his head back and screaming right in Lilith’s face. Rather than be disturbed, Lilith’s smile only continues to grow, more than pleased to have her favorite lunatic by her side in this fight against the Grindhouse. Speaking of, they simultaneously turn their heads towards the duo in the ring, who look just as surprised as the hollering fans. Their surprise quickly turns to panic as Lilith and Hiromu slide inside the ring, throwing haymakers as Jessica Carr rings the bell! As expected for Slab City, this match begins in utter chaos, as Lilith tries to bring down Derek, and Hiromu targets Ziggy. Derek and Ziggy shove off their assailants and throw a pair of superkicks, but both are dodged. Lilith and Hiromu hit the ropes, sending the Grindhouse to the outside with a pair of in-stereo front dropkicks! Lilith hits the ropes once again, leaping over the top rope with a beautiful Tope Con Hilo! The move only takes out Derek as he had pushed Ziggy to safety. She climbs up on the apron just as Hiromu begins his charge. She ducks under him as he leaps right over her head. Hiromu lands on his feet and yanks Ziggy down with a powerbomb in the same second! The signature sunsetflip of Hiromu Takahashi connects, as this makeshift Los Ingos duo is giving the Grindhouse more than they can handle!

 Lilith grabs Ziggy and throws her into the ring, the two ladies of their respective teams officially starting this off. Lilith draws Ziggy up just to send her right back to the mat with an arm wringer. She maintains control of the arm and delivers a leg drop right across the bone. Ziggy hisses in pain as the arm is contorted further, Lilith trapping her in a Fujiwara Armbar. Ziggy starts to crawl towards the ropes, refusing to even consider giving up so early. When she’s just fingertips away, Lilith pushes off the ropes with a foot, moving them back up onto their feet. Lilith still has the targeted limb in her grasp, bending it into a hammerlock, before dropping her right on her back and the arm with a scoop slam. Before going for the pin, Lilith decides to inflict just a tad more pain. She climbs up to the top rope, calling for Ziggy to stand. Once she does, Lilith jumps off and grabs Ziggy with a diving stunner! Ziggy snaps back, seeing stars after the way her head hit the canvas, and Lilith covers!

 1…

 2…

 Kickout!

 Lilith drags her up and into a chicken wing. She lifts Ziggy up into the air, as if going for a Hook and Ladder, but looks to drop her across the knees instead. But before she can complete the gutbuster, Ziggy wiggles her arms free and rotates, causing Lilith to crash down onto her face! Ziggy rolls away, shaking the feeling back into her arm. As Lilith props herself up onto her hands and knees, Ziggy charges at her, jumping up off Lilith’s back like a launching pad to connect with a modified Fameasser! Derek leans over the rope and asks for a tag, directing traffic as Ziggy drags Lilith back to her feet to toss her into the Grindhouse’s corner. Derek tags in, entering the ring and scooping Ziggy up. First, Derek throws Ziggy at Lilith, the smaller woman hitting a splash before rolling out of the way, allowing Derek to barrel in and connect with two knees to the chest. He pulls Lilith out of the corner and up into a fireman’s carry, and plants her with a Death Valley Driver. Dillinger with the cover!

 1…

 2…

 Kickout!

 Lilith makes a bling reach to her partner, but no matter how far Hiromu stretches, there’s no way of making a tag just yet. With his opponent at his mercy, Derek looks to inflict some damage, cinching in a Cobra Clutch. Targeting the neck as well as the shoulder, Derek wrenches back on the hold. Lilith makes a grab for the ropes, but is too far away, once again. The past two weeks, the Grindhouse has made Lilith’s life a living hell. Back to back weeks of losses, being played for a fool over and over again. Tonight is supposed to be different, and Lilith will do everything in her power to make sure of that. And that starts with getting out of this hold and making the tag, which looks to be a real possibility as she inches closer and closer to the ropes. Derek stands to drag her back to the center and slam her down to the canvas, forcing any fight out of her, but Lilith locks her legs and doesn’t allow the slam to happen. Instead, she throws Derek off with a modified arm drag! She scrambles to her feet and takes him down with a dropkick! Hiromu starts to pound his foot against the steel staircase, encouraging the fans to clap along and give Lilith the energy needed to get up and make the tag… and it works! Hiromu barrels into the ring like a mad man, quickly dropping Derek before dropping Ziggy as well. When he turns around to Derek, the big man scoops him up and tries to throw him off with a Buckle Bomb. Before he can, Hiromu turns the powerbomb into a Canadian Destroyer! Derek lands on the top of his skull and bounces around to his corner! Ziggy grabs his hand and forces the tag. She runs into the ring and quickly nails Hiromu with a chop. Instead of retaliating, Hiromu seems to have enjoyed the chop, and tells Ziggy to hit him harder! Ziggy looks slightly unnerved but delivers a series of chops, causing Hiromu’s skin to blemish under her touch. “MOTTO! MOTTO! MOTTO! MOTTO! MOTTO!” Hiromu screams as Ziggy continues to deliver each shot. When his skin is a dark shade of red and blossoming purple, Hiromu tilts his head back and unleashes a battle cry, before nearly dropping Ziggy with a superkick! He grabs her into a fireman’s carry, and plants her with the Dynamite Plunger! Hiromu makes the cover!

 1…

 2…

 Derek breaks it up!

 He starts kicking at Hiromu, stomping away at his back. The two-on-one scenario evens out almost as quickly as it started, as Lilith gets a handspring off the ropes, taking Derek down with a cutter! Ace Crusher from Lilith! She and Hiromu look to follow up the action with an ode to Bushi in the form of an altered Insurgentes. Lilith gets Derek up into an electric chair, and Hiromu ascends to the top rope for a meteora. But before the move can come to light, Ziggy drags Derek off of Lilith’s shoulders. Ziggy throws a big running boot and almost knocks Lilith’s teeth down her throat! Hiromu goes off the top rope anyhow, and still takes Derek down with that meteora. As he turns to Ziggy, she connects with a stiff uppercut and throws him across the ring with an irish whip. Hiromu collides into the turnbuckles, watching as Ziggy charges at him. Hiromu was playing possum and meets Ziggy just a few steps ahead, throwing her overhead and into the turnbuckles with a massive belly to belly suplex! He grabs Ziggy into the fireman’s carry for a second time, spinning her out for the Time Bomb - but Ziggy wiggles her way out and lands on her feet! ZIGGY HITS THE MAZEL TOV COCKTAIL! SHOULDERS DOWN!

 1…

 2…

 3!

 “Here are your winners, the Grindhouse!”

 Ziggy pulls off the win! No sneaky, underhanded tactics. No cheating. No illegal weapons. The Grindhouse pulls off a clean victory, but the fans still loudly express their distaste. They were firmly behind Lilith and Hiromu, but it wasn’t meant to be. Ziggy rolls out of the ring and into Derek’s awaiting arms, the two sharing an embrace full of smiles, friendship, and victory. With another win for the Grindhouse, whichever team came out as the last one standing in the MPW Tag Team Tournament, it was inevitable that these two upcoming stars would get a shot at the straps.

 As the Grindhouse celebrates yet another victory, Lilith slips into the ring with a microphone in hand. Hiromu glances over with an apologetic look.

 “Hiromu… I’m sorry this didn’t go the way we wanted it to. I wish you could’ve had a better return. Maybe you just needed a better partner,” Lilith sounds choked up as she lowers the microphone for a moment. Hiromu inches closer, grabbing her free hand and giving it a squeeze. Win or lose, they’re Ingobernables for LIFE. This is more than a partnership, or a team of circumstance or opportunity. LIJ is a family. At the end of the day, as long as they were together, nothing else would matter. “But I promise, if you stay by my side, nothing will ever bring us down again.”

 Hiromu grins and hops to his feet, helping Lilith with him. Hiromu raises his fist in the air, and Lilith tentatively touches their fists together. Naoru and Daryl Jr are gathered into Hiromu’s arms as Slab City gears up for its next wild encounter!

[quoththemaven]

My Favoritest: 2020 Muzaks

Truly great year!* Where would we be without such a wealth of inspired music that dropped this year? 

A: Stuck at home.

RIM SHOT

Truly a most excellent year for tunes, praise be to all the musicians and creatives in 2020, a true bridge over Simon & Garfunkel's waters. Here's to remembering 2020 as the year of the Phoebe Bridgers takeover as much as anything else: 

Song of the Year

"I Know the End" / Phoebe Bridgers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ9-xN6dCW4 Bop of the Year

“We Go On" / Avalanches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En3SmG86Q7k&list=PLfiMjLyNWxeYiTmYmJt-3WSWgxv0j8zx6&index=11 On to the LPs!

1. Punisher / Phoebe Bridgers - That "I Know The End" caterwaul: chills 24/7/365. 

2. Fetch the Bolt Cutters / Fiona Apple - Yes, queen.

2.5 Untitled (Black is); Untitled (Rise) / Sault - Late to the party, thus the 2.5, both stunners from listen numero uno. 3. RTJ4 /  Run the Jewels - RTJ = Greatest Of Last Decade aka GOLD. 4. Live Forever / Bartees Strange - Joins Young Fathers as most-sounds-like-TV-on-the-Radio, my highest compliment possible. 5. Suddenly / Caribou - Know how music writers postulate how four consecutive perfect albums = the rarest of airs? This album seals that deal for Dan Snaith. 6. The Ascension / Sufjan Stevens - Gimme the stage show w/ all its neon weirdness stat. 7. Making a Door Less Open / Car Seat Headrest - If the future of indie rock is Phoebe Bridgers and Will Toledo 8. The Slow Rush / Tame Impala - Their first album that really sings to me top-to-bottom. This + Caribou = best video gaming music of the year. 

9. Every Bad / Porridge Radio - Porridge? More like all the best indie rock ingredients of the last 30 years HELLO! 10. We Will Always Love You / The Avalanches - My xmas present to myself was a party lights contraption that beams laser stars and trippy colors all over my apartment and woo boy lemme tell ya it loops well w/ these bops. 

11. Tenet OST / Ludwig Göransson - Whatever the modern day equivalent of that peak Kanye/Bon Iver collab is, it's gotta feature Ludwig Göransson and some combination of Sharon Van Etten, St Vincent and(!)/or Phoebe Bridgers. 

12. Saint Cloud / Waxahatchee - Add Waxahatchee to that collab list. 13. Beyond the Pale / JARV IS - JARVIS COCKER 4 PRESIDENT

14. Coriky / Coriky - IAN MACKAYE 4 PRESIDENT

15. Heavy Light / U.S. Girls - MEGHAN REMY 4 PRESIDENT

16. Set My Heart on Fire Immediately / Perfume Genius - Had never listened to him much but some terrific party-light-worthy-jams. Wow he's 40 and from Iowa! I am only just now googling him, honestly thought he was in his 20s and British. Worthwhiles:

By the Fire / Thurston Moore

Empty Country / Empty Country

Folklore / Taylor Swift (whispers: first album I've heard by her too, proof positive you just gotta get some of those National MFers to work on your album and VOILA HERE IS MOI)

Free Love / Sylvan Esso

Future Teenage Cave Artists / Deerhoof

græ / Moses Sumney

Have We Met / Destroyer

Idiot Prayer / Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Live Drugs / The War on Drugs

Shore / Fleet Foxes

Shiver / Jonsi

Sign o' the Times (Super Deluxe Reissue) / Prince

Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez / Gorillaz

The Loves of Your Life / Hamilton Leithauser

The New Abnormal / The Strokes

Thin Mind / Wolf Parade

What to Look for in Summer / Belle & Sebastian

Women in Music Part III / Haim

*for music

[gustavnyquist]

Hey. I’m kind of new to hockey and I would like to have a sort of a masterpost ? Or if you could guide me that’d be great. Thanks !

I sincerely hope you’re asking for a sort of hockey overview (rules, structure, etc.) bc that’s what I’m reading this as and that’s how I’m going to answer

okay so I looked through the tags for a while thinking there would already be something somewhere (and I’m sure there is) but I couldn’t find anything and I can’t think of a specific post that I’m aware of rn, so, I’m just going to make one myself

warning: this is rly long and I could not for the life of me make the read more work, pls forgive me, I will tag it as “long post”

so I’m totally cool with making this and none of this is meant to be condescending, only informational!

1. makeup of the NHL

there are 2 conferences (eastern and western) and 4 divisions (atlantic, metropolitan, central, and pacific)

the eastern conference is made up of:

the atlantic division, wherein you’ll find gems such as the: detroit red wings (wings), ottawa senators (sens), florida panthers (cats), buffalo sabres, toronto maple leafs (leafs), montreal canadiens (habs), boston bruins (b’s), and tampa bay lightning (bolts)

and the metropolitan division, wherein you’ll find beauties by the name of the: carolina hurricanes (canes), philadelphia flyers, washington capitals (caps), new york islanders (isles), columbus blue jackets (cbj, jackets), new jersey devils (devs), new york rangers (rags), and pittsburgh penguins (pens)

the western conference is made up of:

the central divisions, wherein you’ll find stunners such as the: nashville predators (preds), winnipeg jets, st. louis blues, minnesota wild, dallas stars, colorado avalanche (avs), and chicago blackhawks (hawks, trash)

and the pacific division, wherein you’ll find catches by the name of the: edmonton oilers, vancouver canucks (nucks), calgary flames, san jose sharks, arizona coyotes (yotes), los angeles kings, vegas golden knights (vgk, knights), and anaheim ducks

vegas is the newest team, which gave the pacific a full 8-team division, making the central division the only one with 7 teams, however, seattle’s probably getting a team in the near future and you’d think they’d belong in the pacific as well, so who tf knows what the divisions will look like in a few years :-) (this wouldn’t be the first time they’ve changed)

teams in the same division play each other 4 times a year (2 home, 2 away), every team plays each other at least twice every season (1 home, 1 away), and a team from one division can play a team from the other division in their conference 3 times a year, depending on how the scheduling works out

2. basic rules and structure for a hockey game

- a hockey game is 60 minutes, 20 minutes per 3 periods with 2 intermissions, but, generally, with stoppages and real-world timing, a hockey game last about 2 ½ to 3 hours

- there are 6 players from each team on the ice at a time, 3 forwards (right wing, centre, and left wing), 2 defensemen (right and left), and 1 goalie; each team will have with them on the bench 4 lines of forwards (12 guys), 3 defensemen pairs (6 guys), and 2 goalies (starter and backup) - some coaches, instead of 12/6, like to do 11/7, which means taking away a forward in favour of another defenseman, which basically means that some forwards will be taking double shifts and you’ll have an extra d-man to play so they essentially don’t get tired out as fast

- okay so the guy with the puck, on his way into the opponent’s zone (past the blue line) has to enter before any of his teammates, or at least the puck has got to cross the line first; the dudes on the other team can go in whenever bc it’s their own zone, but when you’re on offense, puck first - if you come before the puck, that’s called offside and the linesmen will stop the play and have a faceoff outside of your opponent’s zone

- you can’t just shoot the puck all the way down the ice into the opponent’s zone! that’s called icing - you can shoot it in from centre ice, but not from your zone all the way into the other guys’ zone; if you ice the puck, the linesmen will stop the play and the faceoff will come back in your own zone

- also, the referees (who call penalties) wear the orange armbands and the linesmen do not (they call the offsides and icings)

- nobody knows wtf goalie interference is anymore in the league so it’s best not to ask

which brings me to my next point

3. penalties

- the first thing to remember is that you will never fully agree with all of the refs’ calls as you become more familiar with the game, and yeah, sometimes it’s gonna screw over your team, but that’s hockey

- if your team gets a penalty, that means you’ll be playing 4 guys instead of 5, while the other team (on a power play) will have all 5 guys (plus goalies, of course), and your penalized dude gets to sit in the penalty box (aka sin bin) for 2-5 minutes, depending on what he did and what the call is

- a delayed penalty is when team 1 is called for a penalty, but team 2 (who is about to go on the power play, or pp) is still in control of the puck, so team 2′s goalie goes to the bench (since any goals here by team 1 won’t count) and they get an extra 6th man, and the penalty will be called as soon as team 1 touches the puck (or a goal is scored, and then no penalty)

- you can get a 2, 4, or 5 minute penalty, as well as a 10 minute game misconduct - 2 minutes is minor penalty, 4 minutes is a double minor, and 5 minutes is a major

- 2-minute minors: hooking, crosschecking, tripping, elbowing, highsticking (no blood), kneeing, unsportsmanlike conduct (mouthing off to the refs, ususally), too many men on the ice, and a variety of other things that I either can’t remember rn or don’t get called very often (like tucking your jersey into your pants) - these penalties end immediately if the team on a power play scores

- 4-minute double minors: generally this is for when you highstick someone and they start bleeding - if the power play team scores during the first 2 minutes, only that penalty ends (in other words, still 2 minutes to go), if they score in the second 2 minutes, then the penalty is altogether over

- 5-minute majors: fighting, boarding, spearing, charging, anything that’s more serious - the power play team can score as many times as they want during this penalty and the penalty will not end until the 5 minutes is up

- 10-minute misconduct: this is for when you’re rly being an asshole - mouthing off, seriously injuring a player, and so on, and you can either sit in the penalty box for 10 minutes (your team will not face a penalty for this, just the player) or you might just get kicked out of the game (say it’s the first or second period and there’s 10 minutes or less left, the player will probably just be sent to the dressing room for the misconduct and potentially return the next period)

- and above all else, a player rly can just kicked out of a game, especially if they’ve done something that is worthy of a fine or a suspension, which will be reviewed after the game

- also, both teams can get a penalty, which results in 4-on-4 hockey, and a team can get 2 penalties, which results in 5-on-3 hockey (or like 4-on-3 sometimes, if team 1 has 1 penalty and team 2 has 2)

4. wins, losses, OT, and SO

- if your team wins a game in regulation, congrats, you get 2 full points!

- if your team loses in regulation, you get 0 points :(

- OT (overtime) is when a game is still tied after 3 periods; each team gets 1 point, and the game is now going to sudden-death (someone scores, game over) 5 minute 3-on-3 hockey (yes, 3-on-3, 2 forwards and 1 d-man) - whoever scores now gets the full 2 points

- if that doesn’t solve it, we got to a SO (shootout), which involves 1-on-1 goalie vs. shooter, each team gets 3 shooters to start, the shooters rotate, and whoever scores the most goals wins (if no goals are scored by these 6 shooters, or it’s still tied, it goes to 1-shooter rounds until one team scores and the other doesn’t), winner gets 2 points

5. other general stuff

- come playoff time (only like a month away now), if you want a crash course on that, I’ll be happy to help, since I could do a whole new thing just for that

- if a player’s last name is kane, chances are they are a bad person (feel free to ask me for players that have done some shitty stuff, if you care to know that stuff)

- hockey tumblr is uh… an interesting place, take this as a warning, there are lots of nice ppl I’ve met here, but there are also a lot of opinions and it can get ugly

- there are also NHL awards and an entry draft at the end of the season, which you can ask me about, too (in June, that’s when it all takes place!)

- trades suck sometimes but luckily the trade deadline is over for this season (which was a week ago), so no more trades can be made until after someone wins the stanley cup this year

- there is an all-star weekend in January and that’s always a hoot

- every team has an AHL team affiliate, which is where they keep players that they can call up if someone gets injured, and where players develop so that they can be the best-conditioned player for the NHL before making it to the big league, and they play for their own cup (the Calder Cup, which the Grand Rapids Griffins, affiliate of the Red Wings, won last year)

- each team also has an ECHL team, which is a step under the AHL, like a reserve-reserve team

- if need be, I can also explain how call ups and waivers work, too

- the top three stanley cup winning teams are the: habs (24), leafs (13), and wings (11) - everyone else is pretty far from those totals

- here’s a link to some hockey blogs I like and follow (some of the urls might not be right, but the links should still take you to the right place)

- pls feel free to ask about anything else, I will try my best to explain it!

- you can also ask me about teams and players, specifically, but any of that would just be my own opinion on them and not necessarily a reflection of which teams and players ppl on here like (my fav teams are the wings and sens, and my fav players from each of those teams are Gustav Nyquist (right winger) and Erik Karlsson (d-man), and my fav goalie is Petr Mrazek, who now plays for the flyers)

hope this is helpful and what you were looking for :)

[scriveyner]

shining like the stars p88

(sorry.)

More guards rushed into the launch bay than left, their weapons sweeping the wide open space with organized precision. Pidge flattened herself atop one of the scaffolds that ran along the far wall, but while they were looking around and scanning with weapons they didn’t appear to be using any type of life-form scanners, otherwise she would have been discovered by now.

With the alarms blaring the ‘crazy anomaly’ in the launch bay became less a curiosity and more a concern; and after five or so more guards came and went two came in carrying a large box between them and followed by a Galra who stood at least half a head taller. That had to be their commander. Pidge swore under her breath again, and squinted at the display that hovered above her forearm as her Paladin armor scanned the equipment. Of course; it was some sort of barrier disruptor.

If they had a barrier disruptor that could interrupt the particle barrier on the Voltron Lions there would have been a Galra in the cockpit of the Red Lion ages ago. Pidge wasn’t particularly worried about that; she figured with the alarm going off constantly that at least half the guards would disperse. That was not happening.

Very carefully, with the volume turned down, she switched her comm back on. “Okay, quick update,” she said, wincing as she caught the tail end of Hunk screaming. “This is gonna be a little more complicated than originally planned. Holding pattern, guys.”

“Pidge, if it’s too dangerous get out of there,” Shiro said. “We can’t afford for you to get captured.”

“I’m not leaving Green,” she said. Pidge pushed herself up on her elbows and scanned along the ceiling, noting how the scaffolding ran up the walls toward the top of the launch bay. “And they won’t catch me.”

She switched off her comm unit before anyone could respond to that, then flipped her computer from processing mode to contacting the Green Lion. She had been working on this particular patchwork system for a while; and hadn’t really had a chance to test out most of its functions. No time like the present for beta testing. “All right,” she said softly and mostly to herself, as she typed a command and ran her finger down a virtual toggle, emulating a switch. “Work with me here, Green.”

The vibration of the Green Lion’s amused pur echoed throughout the launch bay. Pidge grinned at its response. The noise threw the Galra into an uproar, because while it was absolutely obvious that the foreign noise had come from behind the shielded particle barrier they still hadn’t figured out what the heck they were dealing with, and now it was making noises. Several of the guards retreated, in as orderly a fashion as they could muster, while the two who stood with the Galra commander held their position with the disruptor now situated on the floor and one of them working its controls frantically.

Pidge shifted. No one was scanning the launch bay now, everyone was focused on the anomaly. She sat completely upright and kept typing quickly. “All right girl,” she said. “Let’s give them a show that they won’t forget!”

With one decisive swipe of her fingers across the input pad, the particle barrier and cloaking shield all dropped at once. The commander raised his fist in victory, only to drop it when he realized he was looking down the maw of the Green Lion, crouched on the deck of the flight bay. The Lion’s tail blaster was raised up and the blast shielding built into Pidge’s helmet darkened automatically, saving her eyes from the brilliant plasma burst in an enclosed environment. Her ears still ringing, she touched the side of her helmet and the shielding resumed its usual transparency.

Green had shifted out of her crouch and resumed a seated, alert posture … waiting for pilot input. It was good to know that her computer linkup with the main system of the Green Lion was functional; but the heavy, thick smell of ozone and carbonized matter was a little sickening. Pidge got to her feet and put both her hands on the rail of the scaffolding; the guards who had wisely retreated before the Voltron Lion was revealed were returning now; and they brought backup -- in the form of the autonomous drone soldiers. Pidge was over the side of the scaffolding in an instant, her bayard in hand as it transformed into its grapple form. She could hear the shouts of the soldiers who had noticed the movement, as well as the retort of their weapons, so she threw herself into the air, aiming the grapple at the ceiling.

A plasma bolt struck her, hard enough that she twisted in mid-air. The bayard automatically reverted the moment her fingers slipped off it, and it digitized right back into her suit.

Pidge didn’t hit the ground.

The Green Lion moved on its own, without any direct input from her or her suit. Pidge slammed against the side of its head and scrabbled, her left arm gone completely numb and hanging limp against her side. Pidge dug her fingers against the slick green outer coating on the Lion and struggled to pull herself up. Distantly, she realized that the particle barrier was up again and plasma bolts from the Galra weapons were pinging off it, but she was more concerned with not falling to death from the head of her ride.

After far too much a struggle she finally pulled herself up onto the Green Lion’s snout, and rolled onto her back; her left arm flopping against her chest. “Fuck,” Pidge said, panting raggedly; and then pushed herself upright.

Allura kept her back to the wall as Matt crouched low. There were guards rushing past the hallway, down the main artery of the prison ship; their angry yelling echoing down the corridor. Not one split off down the short alcove that they had taken refuge in; it dead-ended in a console with no means of escape or concealment, other than the ridged dividers. The escaped prisoners had stampeded the main exit of the brig, causing bedlam, and that was where the current conflict was taking place. Neither Allura nor Matt could see that far down the corridor to witness what, precisely, was going on -- but there was a constant ping of blaster fire being exchanged, so clearly some of the prisoners had already laid hands on weapons.

“Nothing we can do at this point but wait,” Matt said. “Can’t get to the prisoners, can’t get out without revealing our presence.” He glanced back at Allura. “I don’t suppose you can morph that suit into Galra gear like you can your skin?”

She shook her head. “The only transmutory properties my flight suit carries is that it changes to match my size. It can’t transform into another suit entirely.” She touched one hand to her helmet to reactive her comm. “Pidge, have you gotten to the Green Lion yet?”

“Something like that,” Pidge’s voice was curt. Matt glanced up at Allura, and while the shielding on his full-face helmet was mostly transparent the flare of the overhead light masked most of his expression. “Are you guys to the-” there was a sharp inhale, and Pidge grunted before completing her thought. “To the shuttle?”

Matt touched the comm on his own suit, located on the wrist. “Katie, are you hurt?” he asked, the anger winning out over the worry in his tone.

“Just a flesh wound,” Pidge said, clearly trying for flippant. Allura closed her eyes and tilted her head, trying to focus her energies on the Green Lion and Pidge, within its cockpit. She was unsuccessful. “I’ll be inside in a few ticks,” Pidge continued. “You guys ready to get out of here?”

“We’re-” Matt started to say, when Allura put her free hand on his shoulder and he stopped.

“We’ll see you back at the castle, Pidge,” Allura said, her voice absolutely casual. She cut the comm feed and looked down at Matt, who stared at her a moment before doing the same.

“The moment that she makes contact with the others your majordomo will tell her where we really are,” Matt said. “What is the point-”

“Believe or not, I have some idea what I am doing,” Allura said. She leaned past the divider; while the flurry of soldiers and drones hadn’t really diminished, they were no longer moving with the same frantic pace. “Sooner or later someone will trace the prison break to this console.”

“Are you suggesting we move out now?” Matt said. “‘Cause we’ll never make it through that many. They’ll have stunners and taze wands.”

“You’ve been on prison ships before,” Allura said. “And presumably escaped from one. I trust you have an idea on how to bypass the main arteries of the ship.”

He glared at her, and then glanced back at the main corridor. He frowned, looked down at the tile and then looked up, at the thick bundle of cords encased in hard coating that ran along the ceiling of all the hallways. Then he looked back at Allura, and tapped the wrist on his black flight suit twice. “I might have some ideas,” he said.

The Galra frigate was large, probably larger than any of the ships they’d fought yet. As Shiro snaprolled the Black Lion away from the flight of drone starfighters on his six he saw the quick bursts of blue light that was Hunk’s plasma cannon impact on the ship’s shields. The particle barrier that the Galra had on this particular frigate was strong enough to withstand pretty much anything they could throw at it from a distance -- they would have to get close, inside the shields to do any real damage.

He rolled the Black Lion into a dive, and then came up and around to starboard in a horizontal loop that brought him back head to head with the pilotless starfighters that had been on his exhaust. He spitted one on his crosshairs and hit the trigger, then swept the target straight through the flight. One after another the starfighters erupted into explosions, a fiery light that was extinguished immediately by the cold vacuum of space.

“There’s too many of them,” Hunk said, and the pitch in his voice had gone up. “The shields on this thing are too strong, Shiro, we need Voltron to take it down!”

“That’s not an option right now,” Shiro said, eyes fixed on the next flight of starfighters as the Black Lion wove through clusters of starfighters with a grace of its own. The Galra didn’t need to know that they were two pilots down at the moment, but with Hunk on the open comm frequency it was only a matter of time. “Jawblades out, Hunk!”

The Yellow Lion swooped over the Black Lion. Hunk’s Lion didn’t have the speed nor grace of the Black Lion, but its firepower and armor were definitely superior. “I’ve got lead,” Hunk said, his attention now focused on the mammoth ship ahead of them. Shiro relinquished the lead and pulled back on the throttle, keeping to Hunk’s seven as he paced him, the plasma blaster on the tip of the Black Lion’s tail keeping their pursuit back.

“I’ve got your back,” Shiro said, as they approached on the port side of the ship.

Before they could get close enough to the frigate to do any damage, a series of magenta-hued explosions began along the underside of the ship. Without a word the Yellow Lion changed course toward the trail of explosions and Shiro kept on his wing, the jawblades of the Lions making impact with the already damaged hull of the ship and tearing it open along the seam. It wouldn’t be enough to bring down the frigate, but it was certainly enough to keep the Galra inside busy; and thebusier they were, the fewer drone fighters they could launch.

The small black starfighter curved back around in a graceful arc, passing in front of the Black Lion’s viewscreens. Illianya’s fighter was just a tiny blip in a HUD full of enemies, and hard to keep an eye on because of it. “Great shot Kestrel Lead,” Shiro said, as Hunk whooped in the background, the Yellow Lion shooting after the starfighter. Shiro brought his targets to bear on the next wave of drone ships, and in the split second of breathing room he had, glanced up at the comm screen.

Relief crashed over him seeing Pidge there, seated in the Green Lion’s cockpit. She wasn’t looking at the comm screen though, and Shiro’s relief calcified in his stomach when he saw the way she was hitting switches, one-handed with the other arm laying limp at her side. “Pidge!” Shiro said, alarmed, and without even thinking about it the Black Lion reacted to the drone starfighters, going into a corkscrew maneuver and eliminating a whole squadron in a single pass.

She looked up at the comm screen finally, her face slightly ashen. “I’m okay,” she said, her one hand on the controls. “Don’t know how much use I’m going to be, though-”

Shiro’s eyes darted to the HUD; there was a cascading wave of red dots disappearing behind the IF/F marker of the Yellow Lion; but there was an even larger mass of them heading their way. How many of these things could a frigate carry? They really need more firepower -- and Shiro wasn’t going to kid himself, what they really needed was Voltron. “Kestrel Lead,” he barked into the comm. “Get to the prison ship, escort the Green Lion back-”

“No,” Pidge had to yell to be heard over Shiro’s order. “I have cloaking shields and a particle barrier, Shiro; I can still help form Voltron-”

“- to the castle,” Shiro continued as if there hadn’t been an interruption. “Do you copy that?”

“I copy, Black,” Ilianya’s voice came through the comm. Shiro glanced back up at the screen, where Pidge had leaned forward in her seat, teeth gritted. “Don’t launch until Kestrel Lead hails you,” he said.

“Shiro, look out!”

Hunk’s voice had barely even registered, the Black Lion reacted again almost subconsciously; moving so quickly that SHiro was slammed back against the seat, magnetic restraints be damned. He yanked back on both of the flight controls and brought the Black Lion up into a sharp climb, as the massive plasma beam lit up all of the Lion’s sensors and dazzled him.

If the Black Lion had actual fur it would be singed from how close a call it was. Shiro broke off and to starboard, spinning around and seeing the remains of several dozen explosions; drone fighters sacrificed by the gunners on the frigate. “You all right?” the Yellow Lion pulled into his periphery, but Shiro didn’t glance at the comm.

“Should take a few minutes for a weapon that size to recharge,” Shiro said, heart in his throat. He broke off in one direction, and after a moment Hunk did likewise, arcing the Yellow Lion in the opposite direction.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Coran said, his face popping up on a comm screen as well, “but the Castle sensors are indicating the presence of several warps holes opened at the edge of the system. I think we’re about to have company.”

The instructor was female, a rarity on board the Galra ships. Keith knew that she was different from the way she smelled, although from the outside she didn’t look very different from the other ranked Galra who patrolled the prison ship. Large and broad-shouldered, there was a huge scar that disfigured her face, running across her snout and taking the entirety of one eye. It reached back into the short gray fur at the crown of her head, and culminated in a chunk taken from one of her purple-furred ears.

Their first instructor was gone. He was never mentioned again, and just like him a half-dozen of the other halflings were gone as well. They were weak, it was whispered among the whelps. They were broken. Discarded. Destroyed. The new instructor was here to cull more of them, those that couldn’t keep up, those that couldn’t survive the training. Victory to the strong.

At what cost?

Keith spat blood in the sand as he swiped the back of his hand over his mouth. The last of the gladiator bots was down, its circuitry sparking, his bayard sword driven straight through its chest cavity. He could hear the rumble of the crowd through the opaque dome, and he couldn’t gauge them, didn’t want to. If they were disappointed that the half-breed was still standing that was on them, the savages.

“Keith,” Lance called from across the ring. His nose was bloody, it had dripped red onto the chestplate of his armor. “You all right?”

His ears were ringing, it wasn’t the Alteans he was hearing. The jeers and shouting were more guttural, fists pounding on the dome, the demands for blood strong. Keith braced his heel on the chest of the gladiator bot and yanked his weapon from it. There was no satisfying spray of fluids, although some oil and water seeped from the broken robot; still his pulse was pounding in his ears. Keith turned rapidly when he heard the crunch of boots on sand, sword at the ready -- Lance existed, too far away, this scent was Galra, this scent was opponent, this scent was enemy-

Rian held one hand up, stopping well out of reach. He was more battered than Lance, owing to his close-combat weapons. The twin blades were cracked from their impacts on the armor of the gladiator bots. Rian’s gold, glowing eyes were narrow, and Keith couldn’t read him. Keith’s breath quickened, was he ready to attack, was he surrendering? Keith shifted his feet, made ready to force the Galra to a defensive posture. “Keith!” Lance yelled from across the arena, and his ears flicked. Rian raised his weapons, eyes on Keith, and Keith bared his fangs.

“Bring it,” the Galra said, dark hair in his eyes, his mouth curled back into a snarl. “I’ll prove I’m worthy of the Red Lion.”

Five strides and he would be across the sand, sword swinging toward his opponent’s throat. Mercy for your opponent means death for you. Four strides and he was changing his grip on the weapon, laser-focused on Rian as Rian swung around, bringing his blades in, to block the fatal blow. Hesitation is death. Three strides and he dug his feet into the sand, felt it shift, changed the arc of his blade-

-and then there was a blur of blue and white, between him and his target, bayard held up to deflect his blow but misjudging the angle of his swing- “Keith, what the fuck are you-”

The bayard sword impacted the bottom part of the chest armor hard enough to crack it. The keen edge of the blade sliced through the vacuum suit like it was butter. The impact of the weapon on bone is was jolted his arms, and Keith released his bayard on reflex. Lance let out a strangled sound and stayed upright for a second, staring at Keith with the most baffled expression, his bayard-rifle still extended to block a blow higher than Keith struck.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, as the silence rippled over everything. Then Lance went down.

Rian stood behind him still, mouth open, arms gone slack, blades still in hand. Then he dropped both his weapons and rushed to Lance, falling on his knees in the churned sand turning crimson, clumped with blood.

Chest heaving, Keith stood there, the words echoing in his ears. He’s not strong enough, the druid said, standing beside the instructor, her cloak casting her features into shadow. Send him away.

[stunnertv-blog]

Stunnertv Is Best Provider IPTV service with 1000+ channels. Which occurs in a data network over IP, This technology is the most modern type of television. It allows users to stream media with their computer.

[fallout4reacts]

After a snowball fight, how do the companions and a romanced Sole "warm up" ;)

And here come in the Winter / Christmas Asks!! I may be slow bu they’re on their way!!

Thank you somuch for the Ask!! I had actually completed this and had to rewrite it allafter it disappeared so I apologize if they’re a little weird since I waspretty salty of having to do it all over…

As usual, only Canon romancable companions (DLC included!) are included unlessotherwise requested, feel free to request me to add others! (ie; Nick, deacon,Maxson etc)

Click “Keep Reading” to see the answers! Or; If you’re on mobile Android and the “Keep Reading” link doesn’t appear;check out the answers here 

Cait: When snow started to fall Cait could hardlybelieve it, saying things like ‘This shithole of a world is too goddamned hotfor this, what the hell?” but she quickly warmed up to the idea when Soleintroduced her to the art of a good snowball fight. Sole and Cat ended uphaving a few drinks and laughing as they’d toss snowballs and some of the lesspatient companions, including Danse, Nick and Preston and then proceeding tolaugh their asses off about it, even if it took them five or six tries to evenhit them. Eventually Danse, Ada and some of the other robots had to drag theminside since they were bothering everyone so much. And at this point, both ofthem were adequately drunk and once inside the warm house, both smirked at eachother like they shared a mind, and immediately started to remove their wetclothes, causing Danse to flush and ROCKET out of there as fast as possible,forcing another laughing fit from Sole and Cait. And well, they were alreadyundressing right? May as well keep going…

Curie: Curie was in awe as snow started to fall fromthe sky in Sanctuary, she could hardly believe it was still possible after allthe radiation had heated up the planet so much, but the way her eyes reflectedthe snow and she snow in wonder as her synth fingers melted the flakes thatwould have just slide off her old metal body was too precious. Sole made sureto bundle her up in a jacket and took her in the backyard of the house to tellher some fun stories and traditions about snow ball fights and snow men. Ofcourse Curie was ecstatic to try all the things Sole explained while by theirside, they two built a small snowman in the backyard, and then Soledemonstrated how to throw snowballs, hitting one of the houses. When it wasCuries turn, she tossed the ball of snow she had carefully crafted and ended uphitting Codsworth!“Oh dear Codsworth please excuse me! That was my first time throwing such a snowball! I apologize if I’ve startled you!” She had to furiously apologize everytime she hit anyone. Be it human, robot or animal. Eventually they came backinside and Curie was so amazed she talked forever about how much fun she hadand all the physics and chemistry behind snow balls and their composition andeven made sure to bundle Sole and herself up in a big blanket describing thefundamentals of hyperthermia that she never thought she’d even get close toexperiencing. Sole was just entranced by Curies wonder, they just held hertight and listened to her talk, sneaking in kisses when she’d least expect it.

Danse: Sole and Danse were on the Prydwen when thesnow started to fall. Sole quickly bounded inside to tell him the good news,and explain all the things they could do in the snow if it kept up. Danse,while surprised was not all too impressed initially, and the two had tocomplete their duties before they left. But the second Sole was done, “Last one in the snow is a glowing radroach!!” and jumped off the side of thePrydwen in their power armour, forcing Danse to quickly pop down in a vertibirdto make sure they were okay. Upon landing, Danse was already starting to givethem an earful about “safety” and “what would he do without them” but Sole hadalready excited their power armour and chucked a snowball at him from their hidingspot. Danse, while initially upset calmed down quickly looking at their smile,and they tossed a few back and forth at each other until Danse called it a day,his stomach hurt from laughing too much. They decide to warm up in a littlecabin they found close by rather than returning to the Prydwen, enjoying each other’scompany and the privacy that came with it.

Gage: It was snowing at Nuka World!! No one couldbelieve it, a whole arena was set up on the semi frozen pond in front ofFizztop Grill as each raider group sent out their best fighters to engage inthe new “snow gauntlet” they had set up. Winner of the winter match would get afree pardon from any misdemeanour in the future and everyone wanted in. Gageand Sole ended up just viewing the match from their abode high above, laughingas raider after raider either slipping on the ice, fell in or was just wastedby an onslaught of snowballs. Sole had even snuck over to the edge of the openbuilding gather a chunk of snow and tossed it at the unsuspected gage getting adrink at the torn apart bar.He quickly turned, around, snow melting on the back of his head, “Overboss, I’mnot sure you’d wanna be doing that, I ain’t no brainless raider like the lot of‘em down there.” A small smile on his face as he approached sole by the window.“Now I got that crap running down my back, freezing me, how’s to say we skipthe show and head on back to warm up huh? You ought to fix what you started,stunner.”

Hancock: Hancock was dragged out of bed, fighting of hischem hangover as Sole wrapped him up in various layers of fabric, explain thatit was snowing or something, he wasn’t sure he was just saying “Uhuh, yeah.”Until that is he was pushed out the front door, stilling holding soles hand andhit right in the face with a cold wind and snowflakes. That’s when he woke up.“Holy hell, no fucking way? It’s snowing?” He could hardly believe his tiredeyes but there it was! And when he looked to sole, to see them smirking at him…“What’s the grin f-“ only to be met in the face with a snowball. “Oh I’m feralnow!” He quickly retorted, jumping them and tackling them into the snow. Thetwo tossed snow at each other for a good while until Hancock could hardly moveanymore, his limbs started to freeze up on him. Sole quickly brought himinside, suddenly worried having forgotten how sensitive ghouls are too the coldand buddle him and themselves up in a mass of blankets.“Hey, don’t worry so much, I’ll be fine in no time.” Hancock grinned, pullingsole closer to him under the covers. Then Sole started to undress, earning acurious expression from the ghoul.“Body heat will warm you up faster.” Sole answered“Well, I ain’t complaining!” He smiled wrapping his arms around them tightlyand then whispering, “But it ain’t my fault if my cold hands wander.”

MacCready: MacCready and Sole had ended up bolting itoutside first thing in the morning when they had realized it had snowed, and inenough quality for snowball fights. They spent the morning chucking them ateach other and whomever happened to walk by. The two of them ended up gettingin trouble by Preston for throwing them at some of the settlers just trying todo their jobs, and Sole ended up having to quit to do some of their GeneralDuties, but Mac kept on swinging for the fences, hiding behind places andthrowing longshots at the other companions and then killing himself laughingwhen they would turn around and see no one standing there. MacCready ended upstaying outside so long it was nearly dark when Sole came to gather him and When Sole and Mac had returned home for the night, it was obvious MacCready hadgotten a cold from spending all day outside in the wet snow. Sole ended uphaving to take care of him, helped him change out of his wet clothes, and laidhim down for the night as the fever that had kicked in started to make him sayfunny things.“Y’know boss, you’re like. SOO hot like, dang, feel my face! You’re likeradiating onto me! I’m with a radioactive woman/man!! Wow, that’s crazy.” … Heyhey! Leave my nose alone! He wants to drip, he’s drooling for you! C’mere ,C’mere!! You’re not allowed to get that close to me and just leave! Kiss mekiss me!!

Piper: Sole and Piper were restocking in Diamond Citywhen it had started to snow, and in enough quantity to be of use for mischief.After they had gotten all their supplies ready for their trip back out into thecommonwealth, the decided to wreak havoc on the city before they left. The twowould dash behind building, hide in alley ways and toss snowballs at unsuspectingDiamond City Police. And it was so worth it to see them look around at theculprit while they hid. Occasionally their laughing would get them caught butthey ran out of there quick enough to get away with it. The best was when theythrew a snowball at Nick and they thought he had short circuited, both theirscared faces and his annoyed one when he turned around was worth it. Eventuallyafter spending a good few hours outside, they had ended up soggy from the snowand fingers red from the cold. The two decided to stay in town and warm up forthe night before heading out, and that’s just what they two of them did. Whatstarted off as heated laughter warming their bellies soon turned into silentfriction between bodies that would keep them warm on that winter night.

Preston: After all his years in the commonwealth,Preston had only seen it snow maybe two or three times, and never enough toactually do anything with. But when it had started to snow in Sanctuary and itdidn’t let up he got pretty excited. He had heard the stories from Sole of snowtraditions before the war and really wanted to partake in them with Sole.Eventually the two gave in, ran outside and started to chuck snow at eachother, of course all in fun. Preston had even decided to chuck one at Sturgeswho was walking by and the two guys had a good laugh. After a few hours in thesnow, Sole and Preston walked back hand in hand to their place in sanctuary,drenched from the wet snow. The two endearingly, yet slowly undressed eachother and put fresh warm clothes on, retiring to the living room. Drinking hottea while listening to the radio under a blanket, chatting and laughing quietlyas the snow continued to fall outside, hands occasionally wandered and lipsoften came together.

[therightmule]

10/26/2020: The True Three Dimensional Chess Grandmaster

Trump misplayed many things over the last four years; however, he really blew his re-election chances and his future when Cocaine Mitch, once again, outsmarted him.  By scheduling ACB’s nomination vote before the election, Mitch’s ruthlessness should make Anton Chigurh envious.  Many conservatives who vomited in their mouths at the thought of a Trump presidency and his hostile takeover of the Republican party were at least hopeful that he would follow through on his promise to nominate Supreme Court Justices from the Federalist Society approved list.  For that cause, Trump has over delivered but the very stable genius messed up the timing and has now made himself obsolete.  He should have made sure the vote occurred after election day so that conservatives and their supporters in the electorate still needed him.

Once ACB is sworn in there is really much less of a need for Trump or his antics.   Keeping the Senate would have been preferred by Mitch, but he  knew he had to fill the SCOTUS seat while he had the chance and there was a high probability that Trump was likely going to cause them to lose the Senate.  

Mitch is playing the long game.  With ACB in, it will be the perfect timing for a purge and a reset.  A second Trump term would have given him a lifetime of influence over the party but now he will forever be tarnished as a total loser  - an impeached one-termer who can be ignored.     

There will be no Trump political dynasty and they will have no friends. They will be spending the next several years fighting lawsuits and inquiries from New York State and the IRS because when they left the Democratic Party, where they were truly more comfortable, they salted those fields with tractors waving MAGA flags.  Payback is going to be a bitch and bankruptcy does not get easier the seventh time around.  Trump himself may not care that he doesn’t have any friends, but this is going to be painful for Ivanka, Jared, Don Jr., Eric, and Tiffany.  Maybe Baron and Melanie will be able to escape the hate parade once she pulls the ripcord.     

It will take the dummies in the Republican party not named Mitch a little while to figure that they are free from the beast and that they should no longer fear TWEETS IN ALL CAPS coming from the fat orange man behind the curtain sitting on McDonalds wrappers. Most of them cowered and fell in line, but deep down in places where they don’t like to talk about on cable tv, they came to regret Trump and his toxicity and there seemed to be no way out.  

Thanks to Mitch, Republicans can start planning a 2022 comeback while praying that Biden is still in office in 2024.  The Democrats’ house of cards will inevitably collapse from the weight of a party ruled by septua/octogenarians.   A clean sweep by the Democrats will no doubt lead them to overreach, and that will give them two years and a shot at one issue.  Which will it be: Packing the court? The Green New Deal? Amnesty? UBI? Income inequality? New taxes?  Their purge is still years away.

Trump will be gone and the captive bolt stunner will have the Lincoln Project’s fingerprints on it.  The NeoCons and Bushies (save for George P) are personae non gratae.  The Republican purge will be complete.  With a number of strong governors and an impressive number of Republican women running for Congress, it’s the perfect time for an updated platform for a new generation of leaders to build around.  

Most importantly they need to avoid their natural RINO fears and inclinations to kowtow to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  No apologies are required for the Trump agenda nor should any be offered up.  Republicans and conservatives will be able to look back at the Trump years and take credit for some good outcomes (see McCarthy, Shapiro, and Long) while disowning the orange messenger.  The smart long term play is to clean house and come back stronger.  

Viva Cocaine Mitch, the true three-dimensional chess grandmaster.

[torentialtribute]

From Ramsey’s flick to Townsend’s stunner.. the Premier League reveal Goal of the Season nominations

From Aaron Ramsey & Sublime film against Fulham to the stunner of Andros Townsend at Etihad Stadium … the Premier League unveils 10 nominations for the Goal of the Season award

There are ten nominations for the Premier League Goal of the Season award

Aaron Ramsey & # 39; s sublime stretch to Fulham is on the shortlist

Vincent Kompany's rocket against Leicester grabs the choices for fans to choose Nathan Salt For Mailonline : 13 BST, May 15, 2019 | announced a shortlist of 10 goals

Strikes ranging from Daniel Sturridge & # 39; s crucial late equalizer against Chelsea on Stamford Bridge in September to Vincent Kompany & # 39; s rocket against Leicester City, more recently at Etihad Stadium.

Fan voices will be combined with those made by a panel of experts and supporters until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17 to cast their vote for the strike they think is the couple's choice. When Jean Michael Seri scored with his first shot

Fulham 4-2 Burnley , August 26 on the target, Fulham fans would have been right to be excited about what to eat.

In the end, the signature was not as hoped for, but no one could remove his sublime strike from outside the area in a thriller with six targets at home in Burnley in August.

Jean Michael Seri scored with his first shot on goal in the Premier League in August <img id = "i-10d4d3d00c845b81" src = "https://dailym.ai/2W6UyR8" height = "441" width = "634" alt = "Jean Michael Seri scored in August with his first shot on goal in the Premier League "<img id =" i-10d4d3d00c845b81 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2LGjlar 13538318-7033085-image-a-7_1557938957806.jpg "height =" 441 "width =" 634 "alt ="

Jean Michael Seri scored with his first shot at goal in the Premier League in August

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool, stunner from a distance was huge, even at about an early phase of the season.

The Liverpool striker picked up his head before aiming with some speculative effort seemed to be.

The arrow to target with deadly precision and it led to wild scenes in the road end until full stretch Kepa Arrizabalaga was struck.

<img id = "i-81bd9d0a47bd868" src = "https://dailym.ai/2W6aIdm image-a-9_1557938963460.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-81bd9d0a47bd868" src = "https://dailym.ai/2J2OwKp /15/17/13538320-7033085-image-a-9_1557938963460.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" Daniel Sturridge scored a stunner to save the vital point for Liverpool against Chelsea Daniel Sturridge scored a stunner to save a vital point for Liverpool away from Chelsea "

Daniel Sturridge scored a stunner to save Liverpool

But after Aaron Ramsey had easily swung in the direction of Fulham, many kept scrambling behind their heads as to why he was allowed to leave the door to free Juventus. a sublime piece of skill in the route of Arsenal in October against Fulham "

Aaron Ramsey netted with a sublime piece of skill in the Arsenal route against Fulham in October"

Aaron Ramsey netted with a sublime piece of skill in the Arsenal route in October against Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Chelsea,

Those possessions were shown in all their glory against bitter Chelsea rivals back in November, when he did brilliantly to turn a long time forward pass from Her Alli to a meaningful opportunity.

He burst past a back-tracking Jorginho to cut the right wing, embarrassing David Luiz with a slalom in the area for finessing a left-handed strike along a helpless Kepa.

Son Heung-min enjoyed a spectacular season and received rave reviews for his goal in November <img id = " i-e4f0d8d8e16ba1eb "src =" https://dailym.ai/2LKgHk0 "height =" 421 "width =" 634 "alt =" Son Heung-min has enjoyed a spectacular season and gets rave reviews for his goal in November "<img id =" i-e4f0d8d8e16ba1eb "src =" https://dailym.ai/2CYdfvj 2019/05/15/17 / 13538324-7033085-image-a-10_1557938966544.jpg "height =" 421 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-e4f0d8d8e16ba1eb" src = "https: // i .dailymail.co.uk / 1s / 2019/05/15/17 / 13538324-7033085-image-a-10_1557938966544.jpg "height =" 421 "width =" 634 "alt =" Son Heung-min enjoyed a spectacular season and gets rave reviews for its goal in November

ANDROS TOWNSEND

Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace, December 22] Words do not really do justice to this goal. Simply save it under & # 39; lightning bolt & # 39 ;, please.

City struggles to clear its lines after an outswinging free-kick Palace and David Silva thinks he has done enough with a firm head on the edge of his own area

But ready and ready is Townsend who, without time to think, unleashes a stunning blow on the volley that shoots past Ederson and into the top corner. Both the goal and the result – which was huge at the time in the title race – had made City fans speechless. Andros Townsend hit one of the best goals of his career as Crystal Palace Stunned Man City

Andros Townsend hit one of the best goals of his career as Crystal Palace Stunned Man City <img id = "i-e6962f66e6a7a335" src = "https://dailym.ai/2W4Q11u" height = "423" width = " 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-e6962f66e6a7a335" src = "https://dailym.ai/2W4Q11u "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-e6962f66e6a7a335" src = "https://dailym.ai/2LKgJs8 7033085-image-a-5_1557938598383.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" Andros Townsend beat one of the best goals of his career the Crystal Palace intoxicated Man City

Burnley 2-1 Fulham, January 12

This was a strike that came from a player with quality that was much better compared to many of those around him. ] World Cup winner Andre Schurrle beat the offside trap to catch a long ball over the top, he took it brilliantly from the air before he threw a strike on the half volley to the corner.

Those in Turf Moor will wait a long time to see a better goal than in Lancashire.

<img id = "i-c0f8e20b7fe189b2 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2W6h8cu "height =" 443 "width =" 634 "alt = "Fulham went to Turf Moor after a really special goal from world cup winner Andre Schurrle" <img id = "i-c0f8e20b7fe189b2" src = "https://dailym.ai/2VWz0Xp /17/13537948-7033085-image-a-6_1557938600434.jpg "height =" 443 "width =" 634 "alt ="

from World Cup winner Andre Schurrle

ANTHONY KNOCKAERT

ANTHONY KNOCKAERT

Crystal Palace 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion, March 9

<img id = "i-47293e66b1e7f558" sr c = "https://dailym.ai/2LMhyAP" height = "434" width = "634" alt = " Anthony Knockaert pulled his tongue out, but his goal was in vain against Palace Anthony Knockaert pulled his tongue out, but his goal was in vain against Palace "

in celebration but his goal was in vain against Palace

EDEN HAZARD

<img id = "i-9e6c3fbdc77ad005" src = "https://dailym.ai/2WPmxkZ /2019/05/15/17/13537684-7033085-image-a-3_1557938151846.jpg "height =" 381 "width =" 634 "alt =" Eden Hazard was at its best when I danced through West Ham for a Stunner to score "best when he danced through West Ham to score a stunner"

Eden Hazard was at his best when he danced through West Ham to score a stunner [ManchesterCity1-0LeicesterCity6mei

Vincent Kompany scored a thunderbolt that was vital to the success of the city's successes. "

the city chased consecutive titles"

Vincent Kompany scored a lightning bolt that was vital for the city successively consecutive titles

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[ciathyzareposts]

Star Control II: First Contacts

Exactly two mineral deposits with Class 7 tectonics?! Hell, yeah, Planet IV!

          This was a fun session. My first priority was to upgrade my ship, so I decided to start close to home and mine the rest of the planets in the Sol system. This led to a couple of interesting lessons and encounters.

When you approach a planet and scan it, the game gives you some important variables. The ones that matter most (at least, right now) are gravity, weather, and tectonics. Gravity determines how much fuel it will take for your rover to land and blast off. (And, unlike Starflight, the game won’t let you try to land on gas giants.) Weather and tectonics determine how dangerous it will be for your rover while on the surface. Planets with high weather ratings often having lightning bolts scouring the planet’s surface and anything in its path. Planets with high tectonic activity will have a lot of earthquakes.

These perils do not damage the landing vehicle precisely. But they do kill crewmembers, who in this game are a kind of measure of hit points for their associated vehicles. I’ve found that if the class of either weather or tectonics is greater than about 3, I won’t be able to effectively dodge the associated hazards, and I’ll probably lose a lot of crew. But even on comparatively mild planets, I can’t dodge storms and earthquakes 100% of the time, and invariably someone dies here or there. My two major expeditions this session both returned with about a dozen fewer crewmembers (out of 50).

          Lightning destroys my lander as I stop for a screenshot.

          Landing on Venus was a bad idea, therefore. My landing vehicle was destroyed in seconds, and I decided to reload (I only have two). Mars was more stable. Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune you can’t land on, but you can land on some of their moons. This is true of gas giants in most systems.

(As an aside, I was recently re-reading Bill Bryson’s Short History of Nearly Everything, and he reminded me how misleading the typical “solar system models” are. Jupiter, for instance, is about 2.5 times as far from Mars as Mars is from the sun. Jupiter and Saturn are relatively close, but Uranus is way the hell out there–further from Saturn than Saturn is from the sun–and the gap between Uranus and Neptune is even larger. If the left edge of any of these screen shots was the sun and the right edge was Earth, Neptune would be 30 screen shots to the right. He also noted that if you were standing on Neptune, you wouldn’t be able to tell what star in the sky was the sun. That scares me for some reason.)

            Not to scale.

          The planets and moons had a modest amount of resources, but I ran into an interesting encounter on Pluto. After you check out the metrics, what you want to do is scan the planet for minerals, energy, and biological signatures. Energy scans show structures and cities, while biological scans show roaming life forms. Pluto had only one mineral deposit but also had an energy signature.

I sent the rover to investigate and soon found a weird multi-colored blob. As I trucked up to it, the crew of the lander sent a mayday to the ship indicating that the blob had fired upon them. “They killed Kowalski, Fritz, Chin, O’Donnell, Luigi, and all three of the Libermann triplets!” the officer in charge reported, as if my crewmembers are discrete individuals and not just interchangeable hit points.

           The crew is decimated by a weird alien spacecraft.

        The rover returned to the ship and the alien vessel made radio contact. I found myself talking with a creature that called itself a “Spathi” and named itself “Captain Fwiffo.” He begged my forgiveness and immediately gave me the coordinates to his homeworld. Since he was afraid already despite his superior technology, I adopted a haughty-but-not-hostile approach.

Fwiffo related what I already knew about the history of the system–that humans had chosen to live under a force field on Earth rather than serve as Ur-Quan battle thralls. After that, the Ur-Quan chose some Ilwrath and Spathi ships to station themselves on the moon and make sure Earth kept its promise. The Ilwrath later took off, “not long after the last Ur-Quan dreadnought vanished from this region of space.” Fwiffo grew scared on the moon and relocated repeatedly to locations farther and farther from Earth until he ended up on Pluto. It was apparently he that set the bulldozers on the moon running around just to make it look like there was some kind of activity. He also imparted information about some allies. The Yehat joined the hierarchy as battle thralls, but the Syreen chose the shield. The Shofixti made their own sun go supernova, destroying dozens of Ur-Quan dreadnoughts, rather than submit. 

          We enlist a self-identified coward.

         The Spathi at first claimed that he had a lot of crewmembers with him, but under interrogation admitted that he was alone. He joined his ship to my fleet when I suggested it. His ship apparently has a weak laser attack but a hard-hitting rear missile attack.

I returned to starbase and bought some upgrades, including additional thrusters and turning jets, fuel, and another cargo storage pod. Then I went out to explore other systems.

           Adding modules to my ship at the starbase.

          When you get beyond the confines of a solar system, the game automatically puts you in “hyperspace”–a sort of fog with dazzling lights and sparkles. Exits to solar systems appear as windows. There’s a cute animation when you go through a window and spin out of hyperspace.

           About to come out of hyperspace.

         The closest system to Earth, Sirius, had one feeble planet–rich in minerals but extremely volatile. I moved on to Alpha Lyrae and Beta Lyrae, which between then had 7 planets and a few moons. Around this time I printed the game map (the clean one that Harland provided) and started annotating planets I’d already visited, including a mark to indicate if I left minerals behind because the planets were too rough–just in case I get an upgrade to my rover later.

Alpha Centauri had 9 planets to visit, plus some kind of small ship going between them. I made contact with the ship (which you do by flying into it) and was greeted by Trade Master Greenish of the Melnorme starship. He seemed to know everything about us but refused to share anything of his race, including “our history, psychology and mental powers, our unique physiology, the exact locations of our homeworlds, or our potentially ominous long-range plans.” He went on that the entire basis of the Melnorme economy is trading information, and that he had some information right there in front of him, on his screen, that would be of tremendous value to us. Unfortunately, we had nothing he wanted. He was looking for the “coordinates of certain strange worlds whose radiant energies defy all scanners, producing a rainbow-like image” plus biological data.

            The Melnorme are a very free-market species.

           My hold was full after Alpha Centauri, so I stopped back at starbase and used my resource units for some more upgrades, including a “Dynamo” to upgrade our weapons. While at the base, Commander Hayes told us some radiation was being broadcast their way from the nearby Rigel system.

            Replacing crewmembers.

           My last expedition of this session took me to Wolf, Rigel, Saurus, and Canopus–all nearby systems. In one of the systems, I finally found a world with life signs. On the surface, I encountered all kinds of odd species, and I used my stunners to knock them out and collect data on them.

           It was tough to get a screenshot of the alien life forms. Here I am running into one.

           In the Rigel system, I encountered another spaceship and approached. I was contacted by a species–or, rather, three species from the same planet–called Zoq-Fot-Pik. The Zoq and the Fot (or maybe it was the Zoq and the Pik) did all of the talking, sometimes at odds with each other. The Pik just sat in the back and looked back and forth between them, which was kind of funny. The gist was that they came from a peaceful planet, but their colonies have all recently been destroyed in the crossfire between “huge green battleships” on one side and “ships as black as space” on the other. When we said that we’d try to help, they praised as the chosen ones promised by the Great Crystal One (the Chenjesu?) and gave us the coordinates to their home planet so we could meet with their leaders.

         I hope the “great crystal ones” didn’t promise much.

          Based on the plot threads so far, I’m piecing together a hypothesis. I think the Ur-Quan had just conquered Earth when some new threat, flying black ships (the same that attacked the Tobermoon in the introduction) appeared in their space. Thus, they abandoned Earth and have been waging war against this new threat.

Miscellaneous comments:

            The lander window is criminally small. I can see why the remake would have “fixed” that.

The appeal of the music is lost on me, I’m afraid. I don’t play games with the music on even when there are multiple compositions fine-tuned to the player’s actions at the time. I couldn’t enjoy a game for more than 30 seconds with a relentless rock composition playing endlessly in the background. 

There’s a “starmap” that lets you see how far it is to systems and how much fuel you’ll use getting there. I wish it also allowed you to jump directly. Slowly building up speed and cruising out of the various local map scales is the most annoying part of exploration.

                   Alpha Centauri had a lot of planets.

          It’s impossible to play this game and not think of Starflight, and while Star Control II seems to get more superlatives, I think maybe Starflight was better. It was a little more of an RPG, for one thing, as your ship was staffed by a small number of named crewmembers who had different skills. There were more ship stations to make use of those skills. (Star Control II notably doesn’t have a medical bay; crewmembers are either perfectly healthy or dead.) Mining planets was a little more of a challenge. The planets were a lot bigger, so you needed more than just the planetary coordinates to find key items.

I want to like the dialogue system in Star Control II, but the options so far have been unsatisfying. The “best” one is usually quite obvious. I think I liked Starflight‘s “stances” better. On the other hand, I think I’ll ultimately like Star Control II‘s combat better, and there’s otherwise plenty of time for it to change my mind. It’ll still rank high even if I don’t think it’s as good as Starflight. I’m having a lot of fun with the open world approach.

          The dialogue system always offers a few options that are somewhat stupid.

          The alien races are a little cartoonish. I wish the game had taken them a little more seriously. However, I recognize that broad characterizations are probably necessary for brevity’s sake, so I’ll give the game a pass unless it gets completely out of hand.

For my next move, I can try to visit the Zoq-Fot-Pik, see what’s up at the worlds of our old allies, explore systematically outward, or roll the dice and pick a random location. I’m leaning towards the latter just because I can.

Time so far: 6 hours

  source http://reposts.ciathyza.com/star-control-ii-first-contacts/

[speedygal]

Not a logical intervention - part 49

A/N BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE LENGTH OF THIS CHAPTER.

The Orion security officers came to the docking port. The pair of doors opened to reveal there was no one where. The security officers walked in looking around for signs of life. The security team went into the shuttle craft coming over to the panels. The shuttle craft was large enough to be a bus but wider.  The Orion Officers made their way from the shuttle craft. The doors remained open to the shuttle craft leading into the ship. Spock, Kirk, and Italian appeared on the center of the shuttle craft.

Ready?, Kirk asked, looking over toward Spock holding onto his hand.

Spock took out a Vulcan stunning themed phaser then handed it to Kirk with a nod.

The stunner will have them be out for half an hour, Spock replied, you must use it wisely.

I will, Kirk replied holding his two fingers out.

Spock touched Kirk’s fingers.

We are ready, Spock replied.

Italian leaped to the floor then the two men walked off while Spock held onto the leash.The two elderly bondmates followed the path that they had chosen. It was the path that was down the corridor on section C. They were in attire that made the camera’s turn off. The sensors suddenly not work. A Orion security officer came into their way. Kirk fired the first shot. The Orion  fell to the floor with a gentle thud. Spock yanked Kirk moving to a large doorway that blocked the view of them. The Orions ignored their resting colleague snoring away. Italian mewed looking over toward the security officers. Spock let go of the human’s shoulder. Kirk moved the officer against the wall then placed the flask from the man’s pocket into the Orion’s hand. Kirk showed the image through their bond. Spock cracked a bemused smile toward the elder.

They moved down the opposite corridor, silently.

The Romulan listened to firing outside of his dark, not-well-kept room.

He was laid on a metal bed that lacked bed covers. It was small and not that well built. There was not enough head space for someone to prop themselves up after a kiss and hit their head. He looked at his scarred hands. Hands that he wondered to himself how he had got them. His memory wasn’t so good since his previous client. Maybe it had been always been that way. He had a form of memory loss. Long term? Short term? The Romulan was not quite sure of his name. Told that he was always called Romulan. The doors to his quarters opened. He turned lowering his head while seated on the edge of the bed. The doors wooshed open.

“Tonk’peh,” the elder held his hand giving a unusual sign.

A cat was beside him, mewing.

“Jolan tru,” He had his hands on his lap. There was something familiar about the elder.

“Nam-tor S’chn T’gai Spock nash-veh,” Spock said. I am S’chn T’gai Spock. He stepped forward.  “Bilire,” the tense demeanor from the Romulan slipped away.  Peace.  “Rhanne mayri dha bilire." I come in peace.

“Alha hfaei hravher?”  the romulan asked. Master send you?

“Hravher alha mnea nnearh oaiit,” Spock crept closer. You master of your being.

“Rihanha?” the romulan asked.

“Thaessu,” Spock said. Vulcan. “mayri sa' arhva.” Come with me. “Re.” Free.

The romulan stared at the elder who held his hand out.

“Voi?” the romulan asked. Why.

“Arhem diae hravher,” Spock replied. I care about you.

The romulan took Spock’s hand.

“Usae,” Spock said, kneeling out taking a long metal blade from his pocket.  Sorry. “beest  o'ss'uq. “  Stay still.

Spock felt around the man’s skin until he felt a lump near to the man‘s elbow. He slid the cold, grayed object against the lump forcefully off the man’s forearm. His attention shifted up toward the human sending reassurance loudly over the pain. Spock slapped on a random band-aid then smoothed it out. From the piece of skin that had fallen off was a gray object inside it. Spock lifted the man up to his feet. The phaser firing became intense however Spock’s strong grip tugged him off the metal bed. The romulan’s leg’s moved behind the elder.

“Ambassador, hope this isn’t going to take long,” the romulan noted the man was in a odd uniform. Simple, but odd, with a star like sign outlined in simple yellow and the interior of it was not yellow. The uniform made his broad shoulders stick out. The human hid behind the wall then shot off a new round. Spock handed the human another round from his pocket replacing the lower half. The human fired back knocking down a security officer to the floor.

“We may leave now, Admira--” Spock began.

“GO, GO, GO!”  the shorter man gestured off.

The leash’s other end was in the Vulcan’s hand. 

“Italian,” Spock said.

Italian speeded down the corridor.  The shorter man of the group fired back at the firing security officers while shifted. The security officers fell to their feet knocking out cold. The romulan felt the admiral’s hand placed on the center of his back pushing him forward. The group out ran the dwindling party. Kirk looked over, warily. Spock took out another stunner placing it into his occupied hand. Italian mewed rounding the corner. Spock fired, randomly, hitting the officers on random parts of their bodies. Balls of blue energy came out of the stunners.

The small group ran over the security officers bodies making sure not to step on them. Italian guided them into the shuttle craft. Kirk came over to the panel then deactivated the door. Spock’s cold hand let go of the younger man’s hand once placing him down to a seat. Spock came over to the console typing in the disembarking code. Italian seated down next to the romulan. The shuttle craft flew out away from the Orion vessel.  The shorter human took out a small box then opened it up and took out the communicator that he fiddled.  He stepped from the bench up then turned toward the sitting romulan. The ship swayed briefly evading the Orion vessel’s attacks.

“I am Admiral Kirk,” Kirk said. “My friends call me Jim. .” he noticed the band-aid covered in little rockets on the man’s sleeve. “Hold on, let me fix that scar.” Kirk took out  a small dermal generator from the box then  peeled off the band-aid.  The romulan’s eyes were stuck on the man’s fingers growing tense. Kirk carefully applied the device to the injury. A new patch of skin replaced the small red hole. He put the dermal generator away with a smile. “Isn’t that better?” The translator repeated what Kirk had said.

“Yes,” the romulan said.

“Got a name?” Kirk asked.

“Romulan,” the romulan said.

Kirk shook his head.

“No,” Kirk said. “That is a species name,” he gestured toward the man. “Not your name.” 

The ship trembled.

“I don’t know,” the romulan said.

Kirk nodded.

“You’ll know before we get to Earth,” Kirk said.

“What is Earth?” the romulan inquired.

“It’s a planet where people like me come from,” Kirk said. “it’s called terra.”

The ship trembled once more.

“Jim, we can use your eyes about now,” Spock said.  He  had turned toward the group. “Evasive menurvers can only do so much.” 

The romulan looked in the direction of the elder. There was something about him that seemed familiar. Yet he couldn’t touch. It was strange and unusual at once. His mind screamed that he should know this individual. Could have been a client for all he knew. Kirk made his way to the seat beside him then  took on the piloting. Italian walked into the romulan’s lap mewing. The romulan’s hand reached back, alarmed, at the four legged creature. Italian turned with his tail wrapped around the side of his body looking up toward the young man. The two husbands defended the shuttle craft. Kirk’s right hand came over toward the console coming over to parts with ease.

“Buckle up!” Kirk ordered. 

“There is a seatbelt alongside you,” Spock said. “Both sides.”

The romulan picked up the long  dark pieces of strap that came together then snapped it together.

“They are firing at us with phasers,” Kirk said. “At least it’s down from torpedoes.”

“They have recognized this is a federation shuttle,” Spock said.

“Hopefully,” Kirk said. “Or maybe our friend doesn’t make that much  for them.”

“Indeed,” Spock chimed in agreement. “Hold on tight.”

“I am,” the romulan said, holding onto Italian.

The shuttle shook violently. The gentle gray was replaced by a bright red beeping rapidly. Kirk and Spock were holding onto their stations acting professional and unphased. Spock pressed a series of buttons alongside his station.

“Shields are likely holding by seventy-five percent,” Spock said.

“Going soft on us, heh?” Kirk said, raising a brow as the Orion ship fired back. 

“We must get to federation space before the Orion’s catches up,” Spock said. “this requires more power.”

“Put up reserve power,” Kirk said.

“That will require the last of the phaser ammunition and one of us being away from the station for approximately two point three minutes,” Spock said. Kirk clenched his jaw. “Leaving you defenseless is not logical.”

“You can spare me,” Kirk looked over toward the Vulcan. 

“You are the pilot,” Spock said.

“You’re the co-pilot,” Kirk said. "I can trust you with your eyes closed to continue evading.”

"How many times have you done this?” Spock said.

“First time is always the charm,” Kirk said,

“Not acceptable,” Spock said. Spock glared in his bondmate’s direction. “I lived a occasion where Mr Scott and I were stranded on a planet. Mr Scott was not able to perform the duty himself so I had a hand in it.You were with Doctor McCoy light years away after our previous away mission had ended  in the landing parties separation.”

“There are times where I hate where you are right,” Kirk said.

Spock bolted his station going over toward the panel then pried it open. He yanked out the two phasers then came to the center. He opened the panel up then began to do what he did best. He emptied the contents of the phasers into the main power system. The shuttle craft powered with life glowing brighly by the inside. Spock gripped onto the metal preventing himself from sliding. Kirk looked over then turned his attention back onto space as a phaser blast struck the shuttle. Kirk slid the few buttons forward. The screen turned to blue with a white circular center at the end. Spock closed the panel turning toward the younger man with a sigh of relief. He put one hand on his knee. 

“We’re in warp,” Kirk said. “We did it.”

Spock nodded, relieved.

“Your name is Lyionel,” Spock said, his attention on to the Romulan. He was tempted to add Miller but that would require legally adopting him as a member of the family.

“Lyionel,” Lyionel repeated, stroking Italian. “Lyionel.”

Kirk smiled, looking over toward their direction, happily.