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techtired · 5 months ago

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The Importance of Communication Radios in Modern Connectivity

In today's fast-paced world, reliable communication is crucial across various sectors, from emergency services to outdoor adventures. Communication radios have long been essential in ensuring effective communication in environments where traditional mobile networks may fail or be unavailable. Companies like pcredcom.com provide a wide range of communication radios tailored to meet the needs of different industries. This article explores the significance of communication radios, their various types, and their applications in different fields. Types of Communication Radios Communication radios come in several types, each designed for specific uses and environments. The most common types include two-way radios, walkie-talkies, and ham radios. Two-way radios are often used in professional settings such as construction sites, security operations, and event management. They allow instant communication between multiple users over short to medium ranges, making them ideal for real-time coordinating tasks. On the other hand, walkie-talkies are more commonly used in recreational activities like hiking, camping, and outdoor sports. They are portable, easy to use, and provide reliable communication in areas with limited or non-existent cell service. Ham radios, also known as amateur radios, are used by hobbyists and emergency response teams. These radios have a broader range and can operate on multiple frequencies, allowing users to communicate over long distances, sometimes even globally. Ham radios are particularly valuable during natural disasters when other forms of communication are disrupted. 1. Two-Way Radios (Walkie-Talkies) Two-way radios, commonly known as walkie-talkies, are handheld devices communicating between two or more parties. These radios are typically used in short-range communication, making them ideal for hiking, camping, and event coordination. - Frequency Bands: Most walkie-talkies operate on the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) bands. FRS is unlicensed, while GMRS requires a license. - Range: The range of two-way radios varies depending on the environment. The range can be up to 35 miles in open areas, but in urban settings, it’s usually much less due to obstructions like buildings. - Use Cases: Walkie-talkies are widely used in recreational activities, security operations, and event management. Their simplicity and reliability make them an excellent choice for instant communication without needing a cellular network. 2. Citizen Band (CB) Radios Citizen Band radios are another type of two-way radio but are typically used for longer-range communication compared to walkie-talkies. CB radios are popular among truckers, off-road enthusiasts, and hobbyists. - Frequency Bands: CB radios operate on the 27 MHz band, with 40 channels available. - Range: The effective range of CB radios can vary from 3 to 20 miles depending on the terrain and atmospheric conditions. - Use Cases: CB radios are often used by truck drivers to communicate road conditions, by off-roaders to coordinate during trips, and by enthusiasts for casual communication. They do not require a license, making them accessible to the general public. 3. Marine Radios Marine radios are specifically designed for communication on water. These radios are crucial for the safety and coordination of maritime activities, whether for commercial shipping, fishing, or recreational boating. - Frequency Bands: Marine radios operate on Very High Frequency (VHF) and sometimes High Frequency (HF) bands. VHF is used for short-range communication, while HF is used for long-range communication. - Range: VHF marine radios typically range 20 to 30 miles, which can extend further in ideal conditions. HF marine radios can communicate over hundreds of miles. - Use Cases: Marine radios are mandatory on most vessels for distress signalling, ship-to-ship communication, and communication with shore stations. Channels 16 and 9 are reserved explicitly for emergency and hailing purposes. 4. Amateur (Ham) Radios Amateur radios, or ham radios, are used by licensed operators for non-commercial communication. Ham radio operators are known for their role in emergency communication and for connecting with other operators across the globe. - Frequency Bands: Ham radios can operate on various frequencies, from HF to VHF and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands. - Range: The range of ham radios can be vast, with HF radios capable of global communication, while VHF and UHF radios are used for local or regional communication. - Use Cases: Ham radios are used by enthusiasts for personal communication, public service, and emergency response. Operators often participate in events like Field Day, where they test their equipment and skills. 5. Trunked Radios Trunked radios are a sophisticated type of two-way radio used by large organizations with a need for complex communication networks. These radios are used in public safety, transportation, utilities, and large corporations. - Frequency Bands: Trunked radio systems operate on various bands, including VHF, UHF, and 800/900 MHz. - Range: The range of trunked radios can cover entire cities or regions, depending on the infrastructure. - Use Cases: Trunked radio systems are designed to handle multiple communication channels efficiently, allowing for secure and coordinated communication among large groups. Police, fire departments, and emergency medical services commonly use them. 6. Digital Radios Digital radios represent a more modern approach to communication, offering enhanced features over traditional analogue radios. They are used in various sectors, including public safety, transportation, and industry. - Technology: Digital radios convert voice into digital signals, allowing for more precise audio, better range, and additional features like encryption and GPS tracking. - Types: Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), Project 25 (P25), and Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) are common standards in digital radio communication. - Use Cases: Digital radios are used by organizations requiring secure, reliable communication with features beyond what analogue radios offer. Public safety agencies, transportation networks, and large corporations are typical users. 7. Satellite Radios Satellite radios are designed for communication in remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable. These radios connect to satellites orbiting the Earth, enabling global communication. - Technology: Satellite radios use low Earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary satellites to relay signals between users. - Range: The range of satellite radios is virtually unlimited, as they rely on satellites rather than ground-based infrastructure. - Use Cases: Satellite radios are used by adventurers, remote workers, and military personnel operating in areas without cellular coverage. They are also crucial for disaster response when conventional communication networks are down. 8. Business Radios Business radios are specifically designed for use in commercial environments. They are often used in retail, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing to facilitate employee communication. - Frequency Bands: Business radios typically operate on UHF or VHF bands, depending on the environment in which they are used. - Range: The range of business radios can vary from a few hundred feet to several miles, depending on the environment and the power of the radio. - Use Cases: Business radios are used for internal communication within companies, ensuring efficient coordination among staff. They are commonly used in environments where cell phones are impractical or allowed. Applications of Communication Radios Emergency Services One of the most important applications of communication radios is in emergency services. Police, firefighters, and medical responders rely on these devices to communicate constantly during emergencies; in situations where lives are at stake, communicating quickly is paramount. Communication radios used in emergency services are typically robust, with features such as encrypted channels, long battery life, and the ability to operate in harsh conditions. These radios ensure that emergency personnel can coordinate their efforts efficiently, even in the most challenging environments. Military and Law Enforcement Use The military and law enforcement agencies are other significant users of communication radios. In these fields, secure and reliable communication is essential for the success of missions and the safety of personnel. Military-grade communication radios are designed to withstand extreme conditions and are often equipped with advanced features such as frequency hopping, which helps prevent eavesdropping. Law enforcement agencies use communication radios for various purposes, including coordinating operations, managing crowds, and ensuring the safety of officers in the field. These radios allow for real-time communication between officers and command centres, enabling a swift response to any situation. Outdoor and Recreational Uses Communication radios are not just for professional use but are also popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're hiking in the mountains, camping in a remote area, or participating in an adventure race, having a reliable means of communication is essential for safety. Walkie-talkies are particularly useful in these scenarios, as they are lightweight, easy to carry, and provide a reliable connection even in areas without cell service. For larger groups or extended trips, two-way radios with a more extended range may be more appropriate. These radios ensure that everyone in the group can stay connected, no matter where they are. Industrial and Commercial Applications Communication radios are vital in maintaining operational efficiency and safety in industrial and commercial settings. For example, workers use two-way radios on construction sites to coordinate tasks, share updates, and report any issues in real-time. This instant communication helps prevent accidents, reduces downtime, and ensures that projects stay on schedule. In warehouses and large retail stores, communication radios allow staff to communicate across vast spaces without relying on mobile phones. This instant communication is crucial for managing inventory, assisting customers, and responding to emergencies quickly. Advancements in Communication Radio Technology The technology behind communication radios has evolved significantly over the years. Modern communication radios now have GPS tracking, voice activation, and Bluetooth connectivity. These advancements have made communication radios more versatile and user-friendly, catering to the specific needs of different users. Digital communication radios, for example, offer better audio quality and longer battery life compared to their analogue counterparts. They also support a broader range of frequencies, allowing for more transparent communication over longer distances. In addition, many communication radios now come with built-in encryption, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. This feature is essential for military, law enforcement, and emergency services, where the confidentiality of communications is paramount. Final Thoughts Communication radios remain indispensable in various industries, from emergency services to outdoor recreation. Their ability to provide reliable communication in environments where traditional methods fail makes them invaluable for ensuring safety, coordination, and efficiency. With technological advancements, communication radios continue to evolve, offering more features and better performance. As companies like pcredcom.com continue to innovate, the future of communication radios looks brighter than ever, ensuring that users can stay connected no matter where they are. Read the full article

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allcxmeclose · 1 year ago

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Name: asher “newt” newton Gender: cis-male Pronouns: he / him Age: 27 Birthdate: oct 30th ( scorpio sun, cancer moon ) Sexual Orientation: pansexual Romantic Orientation: panromantic Profession: emt. various odd jobs Positive Traits: intuitive. loyal. nurturing. perceptive Negative Traits: mysterious. guarded. proud. possessive

Details:

asher newton has known struggle since he can remember.

an only child, his mother, ari, died a few years after he was born. he doesn’t remember much. just that she smelled like lotus and water lilies.

marcus, his father, did his best to raise him, but between grief and a gambling and a few other addictions, it was hard for him to function at all.

asher took care of him more than he did himself and there were more than a few nights the two of them went without one thing or another.

he was a loner in school, preferring his own company to the majority of his peers. he didn’t need their pity or judgement. in the massive amounts of free time he had, he spent it in the library, learning random skills and facts or out in the middle of the woods.

some of his hobbies include: gardening, fishing, geocaching, hunting, hiking, volunteering, and ham radio.

some of his fondest memories with his dad involved hunting and fishing, both skills he relied on heavily in his childhood/teenage years. he learned to garden in a similar vein, choosing to hunt and grow what he could to feed them both in rougher stints of time.

he graduated on time. not at the top of his class, but not at the bottom either. he coasted in the middle of most things, so much so, he doubts most of his graduating class even remembers him.

upon graduating he opted to take an emt program. he couldn’t afford college and his grades hardly warranted any scholarships. so it seemed like a good way to help people and put his skillset to use.

he worked several years helping to take care of his dad. about a year or two ago, marcus entered a few programs and with the help of ash and an old family friend, has improved.

he enjoys it and has been content with it (and a few other odd jobs here and there) for a while now.

with his dad getting better ( and courting previously mentioned family friend), asher’s thinking next steps. thoughts including potential moves, entering a paramedic program or both.

#asher newton::|| headcanon #asher newton::|| mini bio #::|| mini bio

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fillyoursoulxx · 1 year ago

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INTRODUCING… ASHER NEWTON

Name: asher "newt" newton Gender: cis-male Pronouns: he / him Age: 27 Birthdate: oct 30th ( scorpio sun, cancer moon ) Sexual Orientation: pansexual Romantic Orientation: panromantic Profession: emt. various odd jobs Positive Traits: intuitive. loyal. nurturing. perceptive Negative Traits: mysterious. guarded. proud. possessive

Details:

asher newton has known struggle since he can remember.

an only child, his mother, ari, died a few years after he was born. he doesn't remember much. just that she smelled like lotus and water lilies.

marcus, his father, did his best to raise him, but between grief and a gambling and a few other addictions, it was hard for him to function at all.

asher took care of him more than he did himself and there were more than a few nights the two of them went without one thing or another.

he was a loner in school, preferring his own company to the majority of his peers. he didn't need their pity or judgement. in the massive amounts of free time he had, he spent it in the library, learning random skills and facts or out in the middle of the woods.

some of his hobbies include: gardening, fishing, geocaching, hunting, hiking, volunteering, and ham radio.

he graduated on time. not at the top of his class, but not at the bottom either. he coasted in the middle of most things, so much so, he doubts most of his graduating class even remembers him.

upon graduating he opted to take an emt program. he couldn't afford college and his grades hardly warranted any scholarships. so it seemed like a good way to help people and put his skillset to use.

he worked several years helping to take care of his dad. about a year or two ago, marcus entered a few programs and with the help of ash and an old family friend, has improved.

he enjoys it and has been content with it (and a few other odd jobs here and there) for a while now.

with his dad getting better ( and courting previously mentioned family friend), asher's thinking next steps. thoughts including potential moves, entering a paramedic program or both.

#asher::|| mini bio #asher::|| hc #::|| mini bio

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n0def · 4 years ago

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Mobilinkd TNC3 Settings for Baofeng UV-5R

For those googling, I'm hoping this quick guide helps for those who buy cheap UV-5R radios (both originals and the post-2016 knock-offs) to use the Mobilinkd TNC3 with APRSdroid specifically. Note that using APRS-IS or other programs may require different settings so GOOD LUCK easily switch between settings on the TNC3 if you feel the need to do that. The bottom line is that while CHIRP offers good "hot-swap" configuration options, the TNC3 doesn't.

Radio Settings

Key settings are listed below, but turn everything off unless otherwise noted. I've noted the key settings below.

VOX: 1

SQL: 1 (Extremely important to understand that the UV-5Rs will not transmit with this at 0. As such, I recommend custom squelch settings that keep this open but EXTREMELY low which can be set up in CHIRP. Note that many guides will tell you to set this to 0 and it WONT TX if you do.)

TDR (aka Dual Receive): Off (This is another one of those maddening settings that are required off but you won't easily find online or in any guide telling you to turn it off. When they say "all settings off unless otherwise noted, this is absolutely true. Turn everything off.)

Moblinkd TNC3 Settings

Audio Output Settings:

Output Volume: 133

Output Twist: 50 (do not touch this)

Audio Input Settings:

Input Gain Level: 0 dB

Input Twist Level: 6dB (don't touch this)

KISS Parameters

TX Delay: 50 (this is about 500 ms, which is important for these radios)

Persistence: 128 (this longer time seems to help)

Slot Time: 2

TX Tail: 2

Modem Settings

1200 Baud AFSK

Regarding APRSdroid, standard setup is recommended. Here is an overview:

Digi-path: WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1

Connection Preferences: Bluetooth KISS

I also highly recommend downloading the full US map using this guide: source rather than trying to use the google maps version available through the play store. This keeps you from having to download maps on the fly and is particularly useful in places without service. Furthermore, I recommend downloading a theme from here. Note that you'll need to use the old version styles Elevate2 as APRSdroid uses Mapsforge 0.3 and newer styles will NOT work.

#baofeng #ham #amateurradio #uv-5r #radio #camping #hiking #aprs #mobilinkd #aprsdroid

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amplifyme · 2 years ago

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Gimme Shelter

The X-Files. MSR, Angst, UST to RST, Paper Clip. Rating: Mature. WC: 3114. Read on AO3.

Tagging @today-in-fic

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They hide out in the woods behind the Strughold mine until the hit squad finally gives up and leaves in a great cloud of dust and skidding tires. A brief conversation follows, and they both agree that going back for the car would be a mistake. Mulder hadn’t stopped moving long enough to count their number when they’d piled out of their black vehicles with rifles in hand, and he figures they might have left one or two assassins behind. They aren’t willing to risk becoming easy pickings just for the convenience of four wheels and a quicker escape. Instead, they hike east until they come to the rural two-lane blacktop that’d brought them to the mine hours earlier.

Luck is on their side, and not long after he sticks his thumb out, an older man in an even more antiquated pickup truck pulls over and waves them into the cab. Mulder takes the middle seat, a lanky, odorous, high-strung wall between Scully and whatever danger the driver might pose. He makes small talk with the guy and surreptitiously hands over his wallet to her. Scully twists and gives the two men her back long enough to hide what she’s doing and soon after whispers the results to him as a tinny Your Cheating Heart floats from the radio speakers, providing more cover for her words.

Between them they have seventy-four dollars and five credit cards they can’t risk using. They are fugitives with one useless badge, no authority, a couple cellphones short of a pair, two guns, and a bad case of shellshock. They’re both out of their minds, albeit temporarily, and neither of them are truly aware of it. At least not on any level that might make a difference.

The old man drops them off in front of a broken down ten-room motel on Route 320A just outside Craiger, Maryland. There’s an open diner a short jog down the road and Mulder heads that way with a twenty in hand while Scully secures a room. He returns with sandwiches and sodas and finds her standing in front of the door of #7, illuminated by a bare bulb above her head, swatting at the moths that flitter around her, drawn there by the light.

“We good?” he asks as she wheels and opens the door. Mulder follows her across the threshold, and she locks and chains them in before flipping the light switch.

“I’m not sure. Let’s see what thirty-five bucks gets us first.”

They stand side by side and inspect the cramped room and its contents, decorated in varying shades of shit-brown: a double bed and single nightstand, the tiny round table and lone chair. A small older model TV sits on a narrow dresser across from the bed.

“You think they have the History Channel?”

Scully chuffs under her breath. “I’m surprised there’s even a TV. Although…” She crosses in front of him and pushes open the door of what is hopefully a usable bathroom. She toggles the wall switch and light bounces off the mirror over the sink and illuminates a swatch of brown carpeting, bisected by wood molding marking the transition between it and the tile of the bathroom floor.

Mulder does a slow inspection of the small perimeter of the room, toeing at the baseboards and checking the corners where the walls meet the ceiling. “No sign of roaches that I can see,” he reports.

“The bathroom is clean,” she announces with relief. “Needs a serious update, but it’s clean.”

Their eyes meet, brows lifting in mirrored expressions. It’s no worse than some of the places they’ve stayed. He’ll take the floor and let Scully have the bed. “Ham and cheese,” he says, lifting the bag in his hand. “I got you wheat bread.”

She crosses in front of him again, this time carelessly swiping her hand down his arm before she settles on the edge of the lonely chair at the table. He empties the bag and divvies up the contents as she studies the toes of her boots.

“What are we going to do, Mulder?”

“I dunno,” he admits. He reaches across the table and yanks the curtains closed. “Eat. Try to get some sleep, maybe. We have to call Skinner at some point.”

“Yes. I need to know about Missy.” The sandwich she’s unwrapping is pushed away. Instead, she picks at the corners of the paper enclosing their straws, gets them free, and then decisively jams them into the lids of the soda cups.

“I’m sorry about your sister, Scully.” He drops on the foot of the bed and scrapes at a smear of drying mud on his jeans with the edge of a thumbnail. When he raises his eyes, hers are already there waiting for him.

“She’s going to be okay, Mulder. She has to be.”

He agrees with a sharp nod, even though he isn’t sure she’s right. He’d done all he could and had made the call as they’d left the Gunman’s. If Albert Hosteen could bring him back from the brink of death, maybe he could do something for Melissa, too.

He takes to his feet and tries to gather his thoughts as he paces the small room. It doesn’t do him any good, and he squeezes his eyes shut as the image of his father, bloody and still on the bathroom floor, comes into focus and he rapidly blinks it away.

“Why was my name on that file first?” he asks the heavy silence. “What did we find in that mine, Scully? And my father… what part did he play in all this?”

“I don’t know, Mulder, and right now I can’t even process the information rationally enough to make any sense of it. I just can’t.”

This is a rare confession from her, and it knocks him even more off-kilter. “Let me call Skinner,” he abruptly offers, moving toward the nightstand and the old-fashioned black dial phone. But she stops him before he gets there.

“No! No, just… In the morning, Mulder. We’ll call him in the morning. We need to… I need to sleep. I’m no good right now. Neither of us are. Let’s just regroup and start over tomorrow.”

He doesn’t know why the pendulum’s swung from the urgent need to know about her sister to firmly declaring she’ll think about it tomorrow, like some modern-day Scarlett O’Hara. But it’s easier to just go with it than question it. Easy is good right now. Easier than thought.

“Okay. We’ll call him in the morning.” He takes another look around the room, his hands spasmodically fisting at his sides and notes their uneaten sandwiches, raises an arm and sniffs himself, glancing at the narrow band of light from the bathroom. He wheels back to her. “What’s the date?”

“What?” She peers up at him, confused.

“The date, Scully. What’s today’s date?” He’s already working open the buttons on his shirt.

“Um, the twenty-fourth.” She glances at her watch. “Very soon to be the twenty-fifth. Why?”

“Almost five days then. I’m good,” he mutters and looks over to find her staring at him. He pulls off the shirt and tosses it to the floor. “I gotta wash off this stink. It’s safe to do it now.”

“Safe?” she echoes. And then her eyes settle on his torso. “Mulder, your shoulder.”

He tucks his chin, trying to see what’s alarmed her. Oh. Of course: the puckered and pink place where she shot him. He’s conscious now of the dull ache and his shoulder lifts in sympathy of her awareness, tucking his arm closer to his body. “It’s okay,” he tells her, but she’s on her feet and standing in front of him before he knows it.

“Let me see,” she urges, laying her hands on him and probing the skin around the healing entry wound. He winces and she whispers a terse apology but keeps poking at him anyway. He’s about to tell her to knock it off when she steps behind him to check the corresponding exit wound high on his back, taking her time doing this, too.

He’s used to it, to Scully doing her doctor thing on him when it’s necessary. Most of the time he doesn’t even think about it. But this time it feels different. The sensation of her hands against him is weightier somehow. Charged, he realizes; like tiny little lightning bolts where she touches him. The words leave him sluggishly: “You do good work, Scully.”

She’s still behind him, lingering there. He wonders what the hell is going on with her but can’t bring himself to ask. And then one palm deliberately smooths down his spine and he can’t help but flex against it. He’s like a cat arching its back in pleasure when it meets a human with an especially adept hand at petting. She is his human, and he’s certain he’s going to come right out of his skin if she keeps this up. He can almost hear the crackling of the sparks arcing between them.

“Scully,” he murmurs when the tips of her fingers briefly slide beneath the waistband of his jeans and her knuckles brush the small of his back. He isn’t certain if her name is a question or a plea. But she’s so close and she’s quivering just the same as him. And then, as if suddenly coming to her senses, the gossamer thread between them snaps as she steps away and shows him her back, crossing her arms protectively over her chest.

“You’re right, Mulder,” she eventually offers. Her words are ragged and breathy. “You definitely need a shower.”

He nods at the back of her head and pushes out the air he’s held too long in his lungs. “Say no more. I’ll get right on it.”

He toes off his boots and makes for the bathroom. He’s soon naked and standing before the showerhead, waiting for the water to get hot enough to do some good. He idly takes himself in hand; he’s half-hard from what’s just happened. It’s not like he’s never thought about fucking her before, because he has. But he’s a pro at gulping down his feelings; adroit at deflecting his desires onto the safer celluloid women who live in his VCR and won’t judge him and find him lacking in some essential way. He doesn’t want to disappoint Scully or chance scaring her off with the depth of his feelings. Because if he does, she might leave him. He knows now that he won’t survive that, not a second time, and especially not if it’s a choice she makes. It’s not worth the risk just to indulge whatever this attraction is that thrums between them.

And yet… And yet he isn’t at all surprised when she steps into the shower behind him as he’s rinsing off a thick lather of soap. She wraps her arms around his waist and presses close, as naked as he is. She turns her face into his back, and he almost doesn’t hear her over the sound of the shower.

“Just this once,” she tells him. “It doesn’t mean anything more than this. It’s just –“

He turns in her arms and shuts her up the only way he knows how. He doesn’t need her rationalizations or excuses. He needs her. And for once, she seems to need him right back.

They’re not long in the shower. They won’t hazard the possibility of damage from a slip or fall, and neither seem to possess the brain power necessary to navigate sex in such a setting. Soon he’s backing her out of the bathroom soaking wet, tongues busy in each other’s mouths, and onto the mattress he quickly strips of its suspect bedspread.

She is a revelation nearly too enormous to comprehend, once he stops long enough to take in full sight of her naked beneath him, grasping at him with a hunger he never expected but which is so very welcome. She’s much smaller out of her clothes, compact and lithe with her marvelous breasts capped by taut strawberry nipples, and her lean, almost boyish hips.

He’s thought about this, too. About the specifics, if they were ever to do this thing. He’s promised himself that he’ll pay attention to everything, he won’t forget a second of it. He’s also imagined moments when time will slow down, and they’ll move through this occasion languidly and with great tenderness. Because he loves her and wants her to know it.

In reality he can’t seem to focus on anything long enough to make it indelible. Scully won’t let him. This is frantic and messy, and she clearly wants to be in charge. He feels like she’s dragging him through a fun house of utter decadence, her heels dug-in against his resistance to rush things. He wants to stop and look around. She wants to do everything all at once. But her everything feels spectacular, and it’s fitting somehow that this is how they come together. So he finally, and with great pleasure, lets her drag him where she may.

There are two things he is certain he will remember for all time, even if the rest of it fades into murky recollection. The first is looking down his body in disbelief as she takes him in her mouth, those juicy wet coral lips wrapped around him and the lascivious sparkle in her eyes as she peers up at him, triumphant. The second is the instant when she lowers that last inch atop him and sheaths him completely inside of her. He’s never felt anything quite like it. And now is when she decides to slow down. Now she studies his face intently as she leisurely rides him, rocking slow and deep. And now is when he decides he can’t abide this tenderness he’d thought he wanted. Now he has to drive things forward. It’s his turn to drag her through the fun house. Because if he doesn’t do it right now, he will surely come apart at the seams. He’s seconds away from losing his fucking mind.

Using his size and strength he effortlessly flips her over and presses her into the mattress. He reaches back and grabs her ankles, bends her nearly in half, and pounds into her as he grips her behind the knees, her heels digging into his collarbones. He doesn’t care that the bullet hole in his left shoulder screams in protest; it only adds another layer of vivid awareness to this extraordinary thing they’re doing. Scully is alive and electric beneath him, scrabbling with sharp nails, her head tossing against the threadbare sheet, grunts of pleasure forced from that perfect, perfect mouth of hers with every thrust of his hips. She drops a hand to her belly and slides it down to where they’re joined and comes not long after, her body drawing tight for endless moments, and he’s there now too, just behind her. He squeezes his eyes tight and relinquishes everything he is right back to her. Eventually he lowers her legs and drops down onto his forearms, burying his face in her neck and gasping for breath.

They’re both sticky with sweat and other assorted bodily fluids and he knows he should move off of her, give them both some air. But when he shifts, her legs come up and wrap high around his thighs, anchoring him to her. He sinks back down, brushing the tangled hair from her face and peppering it with tentative kisses. He’s not sure how much longer his arms can hold him; he’s shaky in the aftermath of their frenzied union. But he’s not going to leave her. This next move will have to be hers.

Mulder lifts his forehead from the curve of her shoulder a few minutes later to check on her, hoping to find her looking as joyous as he feels. In what doesn’t come as a huge surprise, he instead discovers that she’s fallen asleep. He smiles down at her relaxed features and gently eases her legs straight. He rolls away from her and stares up at the water-stained ceiling until his eyelids grow heavy and he lets them slip shut. Maybe if he’s stealthy enough, he can sneak up on sleep and let it have its way with him. But it seems that not even transformative sex with his beloved partner and friend can stave off insomnia, and he’s on his feet less than an hour later. After its short vacation, his mind is spinning again, tumultuous with unanswered questions both recent and very, very new. He manages to ease the sheet and blanket from under Scully’s legs and covers her to the neck. She whimpers softly in her sleep and rolls over on her side. He heads back to the bathroom for a second and far less remarkable shower.

Getting back into his smelly clothes is out of the question tonight. So after Mulder dries off, he wraps himself in the discarded bedspread and switches on the TV, turning the volume dial all the way down. Out goes the overhead light and he settles in the chair, cocooned in scratchy polyester that smells of cheap detergent and cigarette smoke. He watches Scully sleep and wonders what will happen now. If they’re acting at all true to form, they won’t talk about what’s happened here, no matter how monumental it may be. He is too afraid. And Scully… well, he suspects she has her own fears. Not for the first time, he acknowledges that they’re both deeply damaged. But they’re also so very good together. He has a hard time remembering what his life was like before she came into it. He can’t begin to imagine what it would be like without her.

He finishes the job she started earlier and unwraps his sandwich, finally eating his simple dinner. He mindlessly chews bites of ham and cheese and rubs at his gums and the roof of his mouth with a finger, cleaning the places where the sticky white bread latches on, washing it all down with contemplative sips of watered-down Coke.

It’s up to her, he decides. Whatever happens next lies in her hands. He’ll follow her lead in this, as difficult as that might prove to be. He won’t risk losing her. There are very few moments of tonight’s events that he recalls in any real detail, but the ones he does will be neatly tucked away, something secret and unspeakable. And maybe they’ll be enough to sustain him. Maybe.

“Just this once,” he repeats her edict quietly. And he desperately hopes he can learn to live with that.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Notes:

I’ve wanted to write this little tale for a very long time, as a sort of companion piece to Apocalyptic Poet, where I posited that Mulder and Scully were occasional lovers and their first time had taken place during the episode Paper Clip. I’m not completely happy with how this turned out, but it is what it is. They can’t all be homeruns.

This fic has no connection to the Rollings Stones song of the same name other than the muse saying, “Yes, this shall be the title. No, I don’t care what you think. Do you want this written or not?” Yeah, she’s still being an uncooperative bitch.

Things the muse tolerated this time: ~ Whatever is in the blend of tea my brother put together for me. It smells lovely and tastes just as good, especially on these chilly afternoons. ~ Homemade split pea soup. No, don’t tell me you don’t like it; you’ve never tasted mine. I am the Soup Queen of the Midwest™ and this stuff will change your life. ~ The playlist my good friend SmallestGrackle compiled for their unfinished ASOIAF fanfic, Kindred. It still transports me to a whole ‘nother level of sensory perception. Congrats on marrying the love of your life earlier this fall! Blessings to you both. ❤️ ~ All my fellow Tumblr dwellers. Thanks for keeping my dash so interesting. ~ Mindy’s edible gummies. The Honey Melon flavor is *chef’s kiss* perfection. ~ David Duchovny’s appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show not long ago. Sometimes I wonder if my decades-long obsession with this man is misguided. But it’s not. He continues to enchant me every single time he opens his mouth. ~ The Holy Trinity: water, wine, coffee.

Till next time…

#x-files fanfic #msr #gimme shelter #mine

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prep4tomoro · 2 years ago

Photo

Things to Stop Buying and Start Making/Growing:

Learn to be self-reliant; the alternative is being one of the hoards of victims/users/takers that will exist, and may be knocking on your door, when an emergency happens. If you are browsing this and similar blogs, you have the potential and interest to be self-reliant BEFORE that day comes. Here are some suggestions to start the journey: Things to Stop Buying and Start Making to Save Money Ultimate DIY List Of Survival Hacks, Projects and Recipes [Self Sufficient (Farm) Living] [Planning a One-Acre Farm]

Take baby steps. Taking on too much at once, can be discouraging. Do one project at a time; a small one at first; then progress to larger ones to build confidence.

Get all the details before starting a project so frustration doesn't set in by having to start and stop because something was omitted. The Internet (and library) is filled with resources to help. YouTube is my friend.

The formulation of independent solutions will emerge. In time, doing for yourself will modify your thinking patterns. Instead of being told what to do and how to do it, your brain will starting figuring it out. For me, it can take quite a while before I start a project. I plant the idea in my head, gather all the information I can, and let it stew in my brain until I have all I need to start the project. Think beyond store-bought solutions.

Forget the notion that government is the solution. You are the best one to prepare for your individual needs and condition.

Stay in good physical shape. Diet, exercise and staying away from smoking, drinking and drugs are your first-line defenses to survive a disaster situation.

Be prepared. Document an emergency plan. At the very least, build a 72-hour Emergency Kit.

Develop intuition (gut feelings) instead of relying only on rational thinking.

Develop a survivor personality (flexible, cool-headed, don't give up, accept mistakes and move on). Be adaptable and flexible to change, even in your emergency plan. Life itself is already unpredictable. An emergency will only make things less stable and predictable.

Build personal survival relationships based on moral and upright principals and character and not on their skillset or what they have. People without morals and upright principals will abandon or turn against you.

Expand your information sources to different opinions (than what you may like to hear), news broadcasts (foreign and domestic) and cultures

Learn First Aid

Learn self-defense

Secure your premises

Take a hands-on, practical, basic survival course or go camping and hiking regularly. Occasionally get away from your creature-comforts zone. Know how to build a fire, how to build a primitive shelter, how to find water and how to purify water.

Learn the "Universal Plant Edibility Test"

Learn Ham Radio Operations for emergency communications.

Identifying, gathering and preparing Wild Edible Plants for food

Gardening: Soil, Aeroponics, Hydroponics

Hunting, Trapping and Preparing animals/fish (rural and urban) and raising livestock for food

Produce your own electricity without the use of fossil fuels: Solar - Wind - Water (Hydro)

Staying Warm in the Winter and Cool in the Summer - Naturally

Soap making from scratch with fat and lye

Making Ethanol to use as fuel in combustion appliances (after modification), beverage (moonshine), antiseptic or deodorant

Make your own Personal Care Products

Making natural Yeast

Making your own Antibiotics from plants or Medical cures or treatments from Colloidal Silver

Food Canning and Preservation

Entertainment and Fun Stuff - Survival doesn't always have to be work. More fun stuff

Learn how to make your own weapons from common items

Reloading ammunition

If you own or want a firearm, take a personal/home defense firearms training class and not just a class that only shows you how to shoot.

Educate Your Children at Home or Online More ideas

Self-Sufficiency Standard: The Self-Sufficiency Standard determines the amount of income required for working families to meet basic needs (including taxes) without public subsidies (e.g., public housing, food stamps, Medicaid or child care) and without private/informal assistance (e.g., free babysitting by a relative or friend, food provided by churches or local food banks, or shared housing) at a minimally adequate level, taking into account family composition, ages of children, and geographic differences in costs. Most U.S. states have designated resources to help its citizens reach a level of self-sufficiency. [Related Link]

[11-Cs Basic Emergency Kit] [14-Point Emergency Preps Checklist] [Immediate Steps to Take When Disaster Strikes] [Learn to be More Self-Sufficient] [The Ultimate Preparation] [P4T Main Menu]

This blog is partially funded by Affiliate Program Links and Private Donations. Thank you for your support.

#self sufficient #diy #projects #independent #prepare4tomorrow #prepping #prepper #prepared #survival #survivalist #survivalism

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passivenovember · 4 years ago

Text

Enclosures.

Harringrove April, Day Ten : Peaches.

Steve's gig at White River State Park is, more a less, glorified babysitting.

The hiring manager insisted that the Indianapolis Zoo was in the game of education first, and even though Steve would be working with kids between the ages of four and eleven, escorting them around the park and providing answers to stupid questions and Band-Aids for skinned knees, it wouldn't be juice keggers with kids all year.

Because during the off months, when the city scape was covered in layers of snow, Steve would get to wander the grounds with his favorite activity bag, post up under a shady awning in the jungle, and feed the fruit bats.

So that's why he took the job.

Zoo Academy Monday through Wednesday and vibes on December weekends. Moments of solitude doing the job every keeper wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole.

That was the deal.

Written in stone, as far as Steve is concerned. This is what he was put on this Earth--

“You’re doing it wrong.”

Steve nearly drops the slice of mango in his hand, starling when that deep, husky voice cuts through the air like a machete in the jungle.

“Fuck.” Steve wipes his hands on his pants, turning to face.

A new keeper.

Dressed in standard fatigues. Tan overalls and goulashes, ham radio crackling like desert heat against his waist.

New Keeper points to the ring of wire in Steve’s hand, mimicking the way he’s been feeding slices of fruit over thick, unruly steel. “Takes too long if you do it that way,” He says.

But, listen. “I’ve always done it this way.”

“So?”

“I was taught to do it this way.”

New Keeper shuffles up to the cave entrance, leaning his forearms on the steel barrier that keeps Steve’s bats from dive-bombing kids and grandmas.

He’s wearing aviators, so Steve can’t see his eyes, but. New Keeper gives him the once over--

Steve is 85% sure--

Before spitting a wad of saliva on the ground next to Steve’s boot. “Who taught ya to string the fruit like that, pretty boy?”

“I’m not.” Steve shouldn’t be flushing deep red. He shouldn’t be salivating. “I’m not--”

“Was it Rachel?” And New Keeper says it with so much malice. Like, “None of these keepers are worth the paper their degree is printed on, I swear--”

“It wasn’t--”

“Y’know I caught Travis in Rhino Valley trying to give food as positive reinforcement?” New Keeper shakes his head, neck muscles chording dramatically. “Everyone knows they take better to physical affection as a reward, alright?”

“Yeah, I mean--”

“Everyone knows that.” New Keeper concludes, watching as Steve’s head bounces around frantically.

“Everyone knows that.” Steve agrees.

Fucking idiots.

New Keeper’s mouth ticks up at one corner, almost like he could laugh if he wasn’t busy dealing with his own body. Ripping biceps and pectorals that should pop the seams on his overalls when New Keeper rolls his spine.

“They told me you’re in charge of the bats.” Steve feels those eyes on him again, head to toe and back up again. “That true?”

Steve shrugs, fiddling with his name badge. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Don’t sound so sure.”

“Yeah, well, I mean.” He gestures to the line of steel rings that have been there, permanently, for as long as anyone can remember. “If I’ve been doing it wrong the whole time I don’t wanna claim ownership.”

New Keeper grunts, like.

The salt of the earth, red blooded American asshole he is. He tips the aviators, letting them slide down his nose until blue eyes. The bluest Steve has ever fucking seen, pin him in place.

“You’re not a keeper, are ya?”

Steve tries not to get lost. “Well. No, I’m--”

New Keeper turns to face him, clasping his wrists together and allowing his chest to. Puff. Distract, holy shit, when his biceps follow suit.

Steve tries to tear his eyes away.

Fails.

“What do you do then?”

Steve watches a bead of sweat trail from jawline to collarbone, just. Ruining his life. He blinks owlishly. “Sorry, what?”

New Keeper is almost smiling. “Your job. What kinda.” His tongue flicks out to wet. Pretty, red lips. “Services. Do you provide.”

Steve realizes, distantly, that they’re flirting.

And.

He’s familiar with the concept, alright, but. Steve’s never flirted while wearing hiking boots covered in goat shit, so.

He gestures to his name tag.

The goofy, pixilated staff picture of him and a title beneath that reads; Zoo Academy : Supervisor. Steve wonders if it’s obvious that he works with kids, given the plethora of googly-eyed animal stickers covering the majority of his name tag’s plastic casing.

New Keeper whistles low, removing his aviators entirely, and.

Tugging.

Steve forward by his title. Eyes glowing bright.

“Kinda training you get over in the Education Department teach you anything about fruit bats, princess?”

Steve sorts through the absolute trough alphabet soup flooding his brain. Opens his mouth and closes it again, when. New Keeper rubs the pad of his thumb along the largest, most gaudy of the animal stickers.

New Keeper raises his eyebrow and Steve.

Jolts into motion. “No. Um. I have CPR training, and. First aid training.” Steve lets himself be tugged forward again. Just close enough to smell the mix of Earth and Hay that all the keepers have clinging into their skin, and.

Cologne.

Heady and sweet, underneath all that. He blinks again, trying to clear his head as New Keeper smiles at him.

Really smiles.

For the first time.

Steve nods. “I work with shitheads.”

He isn’t expecting it, when. New Keeper laughs. Loud and sudden, and. So warm. Startling the fleet of bats that have come by looking for their afternoon peaches.

“Tell me about it. They stick you on Bat Duty without any training?” New Keeper nods, finally, finally, releasing Steve from the weird spell he’s put him under. He turns, gesturing to box of fruit at their feet. “I’m gonna have to remedy that, pretty boy.”

Steve nods, like. “Steve.” Before sticking his hand out.

New Keeper nods it away. “Billy. Your training starts on Friday.”

Billy puts his aviators on and.

Starts to walk away.

Kicking up a cloud of that woodsy, delicious scent. Steve scrambles after him. “Okay, training. Friday.”

They round the corner into the section of the jungle that houses a waterfall. The biggest, most breathtaking in the Midwest.

New Keeper keeps on walking. “Yup, see you then.”

“Yeah, listen Keeper Man--”

“Billy.”

Steve runs into a wall of muscle, shying away from the pair of hands that steady him.

He nods. “Billy.” Cheeks flaming bright red as New Keeper smiles, soft and sweet. Steve runs a hand through his hair. “Don’t take this the wrong way, and like. I totally want to do what’s best for the animals, especially the fruit bats, but. I don’t think I need any training.”

Billy looks him over again. Up and down. “I beg to differ, Bambi.”

“Yeah, I--”

“Won’t have any untrained preschool teacher working with my animals.” Billy says. Matter-of-fact, like, “No matter how annoyingly cute they are.”

Cute.

It hits Steve like an under-ripe peach to the back of the head. He shuffles, nervously, before puffing out his chest, and. Deflating again, when Billy raises his eyebrows.

“Just what am I doing wrong, exactly?”

Billy removes his sunglasses, rolling his neck. “You got an hour?”

Steve smiles sharply. “Gimme the basics.”

“Alright, pretty boy.” Billy stars listing things on his fingers. “Well, first off? You don’t need to peel the fruit. Bats get a lot of their nutrients from the rinds that come on the fruits themselves. If we deplete those nutrients they gotta be replaced another way and I don’t exactly have the time to administer vitamins to four hundred fruit bats, two hundred flying foxes and a handful of pissy vampire--”

“Alright, got it.” Steve sucks his teeth, because. The fruit comes like that. Ends up in the box, along with the steel wire and the gloves he’s supposed to wear but never does, just like that. Sans peel.

Billy grins at him--

Looks him up and down. Steve wishes he’d stop doing that--

Before pointing at his feet. “Doc Martens are not work boots.”

Steve looks down. Around. “What’s wrong with my docs?”

“Nothing,” Billy shrugs, like, “They’re fine if you spend all day dragging screaming brats around the zoo. Answering questions and painting booger-stained cheeks, but. They aren’t work boots. Aren’t keeper boots.”

Steve doesn’t understand. “I’m not a keeper,” He says, because. As much time as he’s spent in the jungle. Learning about the animals and feeing his bats, Steve.

Isn’t.

He wishes he could be, but.

Billy shrugs again, massive shoulders drawing Steve’s attention. “No, you aren’t a keeper. Not yet, anyway.”

Steve turns the words over in his mind, trying to discover the meaning.

Billy tugs on Steve’s nametag again. “See you Friday, pretty boy.” He drawls, and then.

He’s gone.

Steve makes a note to stop at Cabella’s on his way home.

#harringrove #harringrove april #day ten #peaches #LISTEN #i worked at a zoo for two years #I was in charge of zoo academy #and i miss it so much #miss my lil fruit bats #aah #billy wasnt there to flirt with me though which #fucking sucks

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