#happily ms painted within 10 minutes

[mummgraenjoyer]

[miscolliding-planets]

Chapter 3: Deviating Far Out

I watch Caiden lift the last of my luggage up into the bed of his truck with Apollo sitting right by my feet. He closed the truck bed shut and turned to face me and Apollo as he pats off dust from his hands. "Are you sure you did not forget anything?" he asked, raising a brow at me. "Passport? Charger? Your ticket, perhaps?" he continued.

"Yeah, I have everything here with me. I checked. Twice," I answered, annoyed.

"I was just making sure that we would not have to go back again just because you forgot to get whatever it is you forgot," he chuckled.

I just rolled my eyes and started walking to the front of the car. He followed me and opened the door to the backseat of his brand spanking new Ford Raptor Ranger, that he got from his dad, to let Apollo in. I opened the passenger seat and stepped up into the tall vehicle. It's a struggle for me since I have short legs and only stand at a whopping 5'0" ft tall. I heard Caiden laugh at me as he closes the door to the back seat. I flipped him off and shut the door with more force than necessary which earned me a large 'HEY!'. Yes, I did that because I know it would annoy him. But, it was not as forceful and as heavily as I would have done if it were my grandpa's old pick-up truck. That needed a lot more extra force. He was shaking his head when he got into his seat which earned him a shake of my head and a scoff.

The drive to the airport was silent. There was music playing on the speakers softly, but none of us talked throughout the drive. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the airport and there was some traffic on the ramp at the entrance. Caiden stopped by one of the empty slots where cars can let off passengers and their luggage. I immediately grabbed a trolley as Caiden unloaded my luggage and Apollo's crate from the truck bed. Caiden first placed Apollo's cage onto the trolley. I let Apollo out of the truck and opened the crate for him to enter.  He immediately stepped inside his crate and settled himself. Caiden finished loading all my luggage onto the trolley and helped me pushed the trolley to the entrance.

"Get inside and wait for me. I'll just park the truck," he told me as he successfully pushed the cart near the doors.

I nodded and took over the handle bars. It took me some great effort to push the trolley since Apollo's added weight makes it a little heavier. I got through entrance security and decided to head to Starbucks where there are chairs outside. I checked my watch and saw that I still have about a couple hours before the check-in counter closes. I sat by the outside seating and checked on Apollo who is happily laying inside his crate. It took Caiden about 20 minutes to finish parking the car and get inside the terminal. I told him that I'll just buy a drink and some snack inside and he should guard my cart. I finished my transaction within 10 minutes and we proceeded to the check-in counters.

I also went to the check Apollo in as cargo since he's too big to fit inside the cabin. Luckily, the airline I chose have a specialized hold where pets can be placed. The cargo hold is also in the same pressurized hold as the checked baggage, but the temperature is in the same control as the cabin. I still included a water bottle, which is attached to Apollo's crate, where he can take sips of water whenever he wants to. Luckily, I took a direct flight, though it still means that he stays in the hold for more than 12 hours—since it takes a little more than 16 hours on average.   

I gave the pet travel assistants some specific instructions about checking on Apollo as he waits to get loaded onto the plane. After checking on Apollo a final time before he gets placed inside the holding area for transport, I said goodbye to Caiden and proceeded to the gate where my flight will be called. I searched for my gate and proceeded to secure a seat by the windows so I can clearly see Apollo as he gets loaded into the plane. I checked my watch and I still have a little over 3 hours. I took out my iPad and continued the painting that I have been working on.

An hour before my flight, I noticed my plane taxi into the gate. I watched as little trucks begin appearing, towing around trolleys full of different luggage and cargo. I saw one tiny truck pull three trolleys filled with pet crates of various sizes and other packages that need to be kept on the special hold. I can easily tell which crate was Apollo's since it's the largest of the bunch. I watch as he was placed on a conveyor belt like contraption and is whirred inside before I joined the slew of passengers that lined up to get inside the plane.

The process took a little bit of patience but I eventually got inside the plane and into my seat. Fortunately, I got my hands on a Business class window seat. That means I would not have any annoying seat mates and I can watch the clouds pass by along with the sky changing as we pass each country on our route. I situated myself comfortably, putting my phone on airplane mode and taking out my iPad again to continue painting and drawing. It took about 10 minutes from taxi to take-off just because there are a million other flights that went before us, but that was faster than I expected. I immediately took off my seatbelt and ran to the lavatory since I need to take off my make up and wash up. When I got back, I immediately reclined my seat to prepare myself for a movie marathon.

I was halfway through my third movie when my the flight attendants began handing out menus where we can choose our desired food. They offer three meals whereas the second one is relatively light and only good as a snack. The first meal offered was somewhat of a breakfast since it's about 4 in the morning back home. I took one of their selections of meat-filled sandwich and a glass of orange juice. The second meal arrived about halfway through the flight. I was offered a selection between a salad bowl, noodles or a plate of pie—I selected the noodle dish and lemonade.

After the second dish came, I figured I can get some shut eye to gain some energy when I land in Bangkok. The last meal is normally offered about an hour or two before the end of the flight, so that gives me plenty of time to sleep. I would need the energy to handle customs, baggage claims, security and getting Apollo from cargo. I reclined the seat further and got to sleep. I set my alarm for 3 hours before the flight lands so that I can prepare myself for the last meal and the deplaning (Yes, that is a word. Airline people say that getting off a plane is "to de-plane").  I only had about 6 hours worth of sleep, but I found it enough that my energy was immediately replenished. 

I dashed for the lavatory again to begin preparing myself for deplaning. I washed my face, applied a minimal amount of make-up and changed into Bangkok-weather friendly clothes before going back to my seat. The attendants going around again presenting the menus and offering drinks by the time I got out of the lavatory. I took a seat and tidied my things, putting my clothes neatly back in my bag. I was just about done when an attendant came to where I sat. I took their antipasti, beef tenderloin and a bowl seasonal fruits as my selection for my last meal on the flight.

I put on another movie on my iPad and started on my meal. It was as exquisite as eating in a 5-star restaurant disregarding the fact that my ears feel like exploding every few hours or so. The meal was cleared away a few moments after I finished all of it. I thanked the flight attendant that took my dishes away and went back to my movie. Fortunately, the movie ended just in time for landing preparations so I immediately put away my iPad and everything else that need to be put back in place.

The plane smoothly landed and people started standing up, getting ready to crowd at the door and deplane. I waited until there are only a few passengers left before I told up from my seat and left the plane. I hurriedly walked to make it to the customs counter at the shortest possible time. The lines were moderately long, but it moved a lot faster than I anticipated. Soon enough, I was out where I can claim my baggage—that took a while since everyone's baggage came all together. I hurriedly took all my luggage and proceeded to where I can claim Apollo. I was tapping my fingers and my feet, not being able to stand still as I wait for Apollo to come out. I immediately let him out of his crate as soon as the staff placed him in front of me.

He happily hopped out of his crate and circled around me in protest. I hugged him, laughing as he whined about being cramped and bored. I patted his head one last time before I started walking as I look for the exit. It took me a few minutes before I found the doors. Warm summer breeze instantly greeted me as I took my first steps out the exit doors. I walked a little further to the edge of the sidewalk before stopping on my tracks and started breathing in deeply and taking in my new surroundings. A smile came on my face as new scents and new, but slightly familiar, sounds registered through my senses. I looked down at Apollo who is also taking in our new surroundings as he calmly sits by my feet. I was about to push the cart full of luggage again when I heard my name being called.

"Ms. Marquez?" called man standing beside a van. I don't know about you, but that kind of screamed 'SHADY' to me. He looks to be a few years older than me and a native. The man is also dressed pretty decently in a collared shirt and khaki trousers. He's also sporting presentable shoes though a little worn.

I reluctantly approached him, a hundred million possibilities running through my head. I know that no decent human being will commit a kidnapping in broad daylight, outside a busy airport where hundreds of passengers come in and out every minute. "Hi. Umm...." I greeted him as I got closer.

He smiled wider and gave a little laugh. "You don't have to worry, Ms. Marquez. I'm not a bad person. Khun Palm from Peraya Studios sent me to pick you up. You can call me Man," he politely introduced himself.

That gave me some sense of relief and also made me give off a hysterical chuckle, a proof of my being crazy paranoid and overthinking. I rounded the cart and walked closer to him. "Hello, Man. It's nice to meet you. But, you can call me Andie," I greeted him and offered my hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, too, Ms. Andie," he took my hand and gave it a few firm shakes before releasing it. "I see your dog is big. Is he male or female?" he commented as he walked to the cart and started pushing it towards the rear of the van. Followed him so I can observe and continue the conversation.

I watched him as he walked to the back of the van and pulled the door to the trunk open. He walked back to where he left the cart and pulled the suitcase that is at the top of the pile. "I guess you expected my dog to be of a smaller breed," I retorted with a small snicker as I pat Apollo's head. "He's male, by the way," I added.

Man nodded as he walks back to the cart."The females I know prefer the kinds of dogs that are ugly-cute, noisy and/or aggressive," he replied with a dry laugh as he hauled a suitcase up the back of the van. That made me burst out in a loud, ugly cackle. He pulled another suitcase off the pile and put it with the earlier suitcase. "I normally see girls holding small dogs with pointy ears and very angry; one has short hair and the other is fluffy so they take them to salons for pets," he continued. This made me cackle a little louder, making me sound like a wicked witch.

I felt Apollo sit beside me, propping his body on my leg a little. "I got you. I think I know what breeds you are talking about. But, I've always preferred larger breeds. They're more reliable and sturdy though I also owned breeds like Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises before I had Apollo," I explained as he continues to load my luggage.

"I don't know what they are," he bashfully admitted as he closed the door to the back of the van. "If you don't mind, what breed is Apollo? I have never seen his kind," he continued as he guided me to where I can sit.

He opened the sliding door, stepping aside to let me through. I smiled a thanks and started unhooking Apollo's leash from his collar. "He's a Great Pyrenees," I answered as I signaled Apollo to get inside the van. I took a look at Man's face as I followed after my dog. I giggled at the confused look Man wore that did not change as he closed the door to where I sat. He got in behind the steering wheel still looking confused. "I'm guessing you have not heard that breed before," I opened the topic again.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Andie—" he started, but I interrupted. Man pulled off from the curb and merged onto the oncoming traffic smoothly.

"Please drop the "Miss", Man. Just Andie," I corrected him. The "Miss" before my name makes me feel like a some princess who's also snobbish and rude. I really don't like that feeling.

He scratched his head as he nodded. I smiled at him as a sign that it's okay. "I'm sorry, again. But I have not heard of that breed before," he admitted as he maneuvered the wheel, weaving through the cars that are also traversing the roads off the airport.

I watched as the scenery through the windows gradually change the further we are from the airport. "That's okay. It's normal. Their breed is not common in this parts of the world," I replied as Apollo positioned himself by the windows. "The breed was mainly used to watch over and herd cows, goats and other livestock in France many years ago. They're mostly seen in places where the weather can be a little colder," I explained.

"I see," he unconsciously replied as he got deep into his contemplation. We were a few minutes into what looks like a freeway when he spoke again. "You can take a nap, Ms. Andie. We're still a little far from the apartment where you will stay," he commented.

I gave him a reprimanding look jokingly. "I heard a 'Miss' again," I waved a finger at his direction in jest. He laughed as he scratched the top of his head again. I giggled and nestled myself deeper into the seat. "I hope you don't mind if I do. I'm a little beat," I added as I settled into a more comfortable position.

"I don't mind, at all. Please relax. I will wake you up when we get to the place," he promised.

I remembered mumbling a tired 'thank you' as I felt my eyes close in exhaustion. Plus, car rides also make me so drowsy that I instantly fall asleep; except when I'm driving, that is. I don't know, but there's something about sitting at the back with ease can easily lull me to sleep. I felt Apollo lay down by my foot. I guess he also felt tired because of the flight or because of the stress of it. However, I'm still not sure if I did thank Man for the offer. I better say thank you when we get to my apartment.

[marvelousbirthdays]

Happy Birthday, rosefyrefyre!

August 10 - Someone unexpected ends up having to babysit the Avenger children (Clint’s brood, Cassie Lang, etc.). Fluffy and gen please - humor appreciated! for @rosefyrefyre

Once upon a time on an average day at the Avengers compound, several unexpected someones end up having to keep an eye on Cassie Lang and the Barton kids.

Written by @catrinasl

CatrinaSL

Anthony Mackie and his baby friend

“Superheroes!” shouted Cassie Lang.

“Don’t worry, you’ll meet plenty later this afternoon,” Clint assured her. “I’ll be back in no time, and then later we’re going to have dinner with all the Avengers.”

“We don’t need a babysitter,” Cooper Barton insisted for the third time. “I can just put on a movie, and lock the door so the girls don’t escape—”

“Give it a rest, Cooper,” his mother sighed. She leaned down and whispered, “You know Lila won’t listen to you when Cassie is around. Besides, we’re not getting a babysitter.”

“Auntie Nat, Auntie Nat!” Lila shrieked, running for the super spy who had entered the room without drawing anyone’s attention.

Cooper sighed. “I guess that’s okay, then.” He went over to lean against Natasha, who put her arm around him as she greeted Cassie.

“Did you fight my daddy?” Cassie asked.

Natasha’s forehead creased slightly, an uncomfortable look crossing her face. She nodded.

“Did he beat you?”

Natasha smiled. “He tried.”

Cassie grinned at her. “I like you.”

“Auntie Nat is the best!” Lila agreed.

“Thank you for this,” Laura told Natasha as Clint announced he was starting a movie. “Pepper is taking me shopping.”

“Ooh,” Natasha hummed appreciatively. “Shopping with Pepper is an experience. Have fun!”

“Clint is just going to step out to get a pizza, so he should only be a few minutes. Scott is in the lab with Tony, watching over his suit like a hawk while they see if upgrades are ‘possible or wise,’ I think is what he said. Are you coming to dinner tonight?”

“I think it’s required,” Natasha said with a smile. “But I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Double pepperoni and cream cheese,” Clint promised Lila as he headed for the door. “Be back soon.”

“Mushrooms and olives!” Cooper protested from the couch, but the door was already shutting behind his father.

“Olives are gross,” Cassie stated. “I feed them to my dog.”

“Your dog is a giant ant,” Cooper argued.

Cassie adopted an air of eight year old aloofness and did not deign to respond.

Laura kissed Cooper’s forehead. “Be nice,” she reminded him. “Do it for Auntie Nat.”

Cooper retreated into grumbling and Laura turned to Natasha. “Your namesake is fast asleep,” she assured her. “He should stay down most of the time we’re gone, but if he gets fussy, he may need a diaper change or a snack. We brought plenty from home; the kids can help you out, they know where everything is.”

“We’ll be fine here, don’t worry,” Natasha told her. “Have an amazing time. Spend Tony’s money. Buy impractical shoes.”

Laura waggled her eyebrows. “I intend to,” she said with a grin. “Be good!” she called to the kids, then grabbed her bag, waved, and headed out.

“Brave again?” Natasha asked, moving around the couch to sit down next to Cooper.

“There’s no kissing in this movie,” Cassie informed her. Lila made a face in agreement, and Natasha understood that the prevailing opinion was that kissing is disgusting.

“Do you think Dad could beat Merida at shooting?” Cooper wondered.

Cassie pondered this while Lila spoke up: “No way, Merida is the best, she beat all the boys!”

“But isn’t your daddy the best, too?” she asked.

“They would tie,” Lila decided.

There was a squall from the other room, and Natasha sighed. “Did you hear your mom promise you’d sleep, mini-me?” she asked the baby as she lifted him out of his bassinet. The child grabbed her hair and immediately tried to stick it in his mouth.

“Hey, Cooper, your brother needs a snack,” she reported as she rejoined the other kids in the living room.

Natasha was trained in defensive fighting while carrying something precious, but she’d never practiced hand to hand combat while holding an infant. As it was, the presence of someone else in the room startled her, but the completely nonchalant attitude displayed by all the kids soothed her instincts somewhat. The momentary fright and subsequent tranquility took place within the half a second it took Natasha to realize that the intruder was Vision.

“Why are you purple?” Cassie was asking. “Is it body paint? My stepdad and our next door neighbor painted themselves red and gold one time to go to a football game. Are you going to a football game?”

“I am an android,” the Vision replied. “My body is made of synthetic vibranium. I am not sure why it is this color.”

“It’s cool,” Cooper offered.

Vision smiled at him. “Thank you.”

“Vision…?” Natasha began, “where did you come from, and why?”

“Ms. Romanoff,” Vision said, with a nod of greeting. “As I was just explaining to the children, I was created by—”

“Why are you here,” Natasha interrupted, bouncing Nathaniel, who was happily chewing on one of her curls. “In this room.”

“Ah. Yes. I came to ask for your assistance. Wanda and I were engaged in combat training, and I landed a rather good hit on her, I’m afraid. I have tried to render medical aid, but she is quite displeased with me…”

Natasha sighed. “How injured is she?” she asked. “Is this a bloody nose situation, or…?”

Vision winced slightly. “I believe I may have broken something. I have attempted to apologize several times, but she begins to emit red sparks any time I come within three point zero four eight meters, so I came to you.”

A glance around the room showed the kids reimmersed in the movie. Natasha glared at Vision. “You and I are doing more hand-to-hand training before you spar with anyone else,” she threatened.

He nodded. “That sounds advisable.”

She sighed again. “Give me a minute.”

***

“Are you sure I’m the right person for the job? Having the Black Widow owe me a favor is pretty rad, but I think my babysitting certificate expired in, like, 2005.”

“We don’t need a babysitter,” Cooper informed them, as he handed a cracker to his brother.

“Rhodey is in the city for PT,” Natasha said, as she handed mini-Nat over. “You’re next on the list for trustworthiness.”

Darcy Lewis’ eyes widened in awe. “Natasha Romanoff trusts me,” she breathed. “That’s worth way more than my twelve-fifty an hour fee, which in this instance I will waive.”

“If I’m gone for more than what six and a quarter will get me, I will owe you twice,” Natasha promised. She floofed Nathaniel’s fuzz. “Auntie Nat will be right back.”

“Are you a superhero?” Cassie Lang asked, as soon as the door closed behind Natasha.

“Yup,” Darcy stated confidently, while she repositioned Nathaniel’s cracker so he wouldn’t choke on it.

“What’s your superpower?” Lila wanted to know.

“Bossing,” Darcy told them. “But you can’t tell anyone, because it’s a secret.”

“Your superpower is secret?” Cooper asked, skeptical. “Isn’t that backward?”

“That’s what makes it awesome,” Darcy said. “I’m in charge of everybody, but nobody realizes.”

Cassie wasn’t sure about this. “Do you get a costume?”

Darcy indicated her glasses, sweater, and boots.

“That’s not very hero-y,” Cooper said.

“Hey, I got them all on sale,” Darcy told him.

Cooper remained unconvinced, but Cassie seemed to buy it. “Those are rad boots.”

“I know, right?”

Darcy’s phone rang, and she juggled it and the baby so she wouldn’t accidentally drop either. “Talk to me, Goose.”

The movie was apparently less interesting than the phone call, as all three kids turned from the TV to watch Darcy.

“No, Jennings, you’re definitely Goose. If anyone is Maverick, it’s McCoy. Look, I’m kinda busy, I don’t have time to do a lab-cast of Top Gun; what do you want? Wait, what? Are you sure? Try to distract her. I don’t know, pull the fire alarm! Okay, don’t pull the fire alarm. Um, okay, uh… I’ll be right there. Try to keep her from actually igniting anything until I— Yes, obviously pull the fire alarm if there’s a fire, Jennings. That’s what a fire alarm is for.”

Darcy ended the call and regarded her audience. “Okay, guys, ready to help me save the world?”

The kids held a forum in glances and came to a quick mutual decision: “Yeah!”

***

“Jane, no, no, Jane, Jane! No!” Darcy exclaimed, her voice growing louder the closer they got to the labs.

“Hey, where’d you get that baby?”

“Hold him for a second,” Darcy said, handing off Nathaniel to Sam Wilson. She turned to the other kids. “You guys wait here, okay? Jane! No!”

She rushed inside, leaving her charges staring up at the two men standing at the door.

“You’re Captain America, right?” Cooper asked one of them. “You came to our house one time. I still haven’t had to chop wood.”

The man nodded, seeming a little embarrassed. “That was me,” he replied. “I’m Steve. This is my friend Sam. He’s The Falcon.”

Nathaniel was grabbing at Sam’s face happily.

“What do you do?” Lila asked him.

“I can fly,” Sam answered, giving her a winning smile.

“Do you shoot guns?” Cassie wanted to know.

“Only… when there’s bad guys,” Sam said, with a nervous glance at Steve.

“I know you!” Cassie exclaimed gleefully. “My daddy beat you!”

“He what?” Steve turned to Sam with an eyebrow raised.

“He kicked your butt,” Cassie continued smugly. “Luis told me all about it.”

“Is that so,” Steve said, and appeared to be trying to smother a smile.

“I like to think we were evenly matched up to a point,” Sam admitted, attempting to salvage his pride.

“Until he beat you,” Steve reminded him.

“Yeah! He beat you, he beat you, he beat you, he beat you,” Cassie began chanting, and when Lila joined her, Nathaniel decided he didn’t care for the song and loudly expressed his displeasure.

“Natasha’s gonna kill me,” Darcy said as she rushed back out into the hallway to take Nathaniel off Sam’s hands. She bounced the baby, who didn’t seem inclined to stop crying now that he had started.

“He’s usually sleeping at this time of day,” Cooper told her.

“Naptime, yeah, okay,” Darcy said. “We have a quiet room for the scientists next door. Do you guys want to chill in there? If I leave Jane, she might try to turn on the no-no machine again, and that will totally blow up the world. What do you think?”

“Okay,” Lila said with a shrug. “Come on, Cassie.”

Cassie stopped antagonizing Sam and followed, after giving him one last adorable smirk.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on them, guys,” Darcy said over her shoulder.

“No problem,” Steve said, grinning at Sam. “It was our pleasure.”

***

“Hey, I’m trying to sleep, here,” protested a man on the couch in the quiet room when Nathaniel’s angry yowling woke him.

“Is it naptime for you, too?” Lila asked, climbing up onto the couch beside him.

“Right now it is,” he told her, squinting at her out of one eye. “You’re Clint’s kid.”

“I am Princess Lila of Bartonsford,” she told him.

“And you’re Lang’s,” he said, blinking at Cassie.

“Where’s my daddy?” Cassie asked.

“Testing the suit,” he replied. “While I sleep.” He frowned at Darcy and pointed at mini-Nat. “I don’t know if you realize this, but this right here? It’s the opposite of sleep.”

“It won’t be once he goes back down,” she said, rocking Nathaniel to no avail. “Guys, this is Tony. He doesn’t bite unless you bite him first, so don’t bite him, okay?” She leaned toward him with the baby.

“No, thank you,” he began, trying to scoot away. “Do not want. I don’t like being handed things!”

These protests were ignored, as Darcy tucked Nathaniel onto a pillow under Tony’s arm. “I’ll come check on you guys in a minute,” she promised, and headed back out to boss her scientists.

“Does this room have movies?” Cassie asked. “We were watching Brave.”

“Sure,” Tony said. “FRIDAY, start it up from where they left off.”

“You got it, boss,” said a disembodied voice. Lila and Cassie gasped in unison when a screen appeared out of nowhere with the exact scene they had paused in the apartment.

Nathaniel quieted a little when the movie continued, but Cooper wasn’t paying attention. He was standing at a tinted glass door, looking out. “Where does this lead?” he asked.

“Courtyard,” Tony reported with a yawn.

Cooper watched for a while longer, looking over once at Tony, who had fallen asleep, and his brother, who was still protesting quietly. When he looked back out, a man was standing there who hadn’t been before. He was tall, with long hair and broad shoulders, and he wore a long red cape. He seemed familiar. He walked straight toward Cooper and opened the door.

He seemed surprised to see Cooper there, and glanced inside, drawing the attention of the girls away from their movie.

“Greetings, young warriors,” he said quietly, “how came you to be here, in the charge of one who sleeps?”

“It’s supposed to be Nathaniel’s naptime,” Lila told him. “We were waiting for our Dad to bring us pizza, so Auntie Nat was watching us, but her friend got hurt, so Darcy the Superhero came, but then we had to go save the world, and we saw Captain America and The Falcon, and now we’re here.”

“It seems to be Tony’s naptime,” he said, eyeing the baby, who was wiggling fitfully.

“Thor?” Cooper asked, finally placing him. “You came to our house one time. Mom said you sent me new Legos.”

Thor regarded him. “Your family offered us sanctuary and I crushed your plastic kingdom,” he said. “It was an accident; I apologize.”

Cooper shrugged. “It’s cool.”

“May I have permission to soothe your brother?” Thor asked.

“Yeah, go ahead,” Lila said.

“Can we play outside now?” Cassie asked, as Thor swooped over to pick up Nathaniel without disturbing Tony.

“If you wish it,” Thor told her. “Though we ought to stay close. I would expect that Darcy the Superhero will want to make sure you are all still nearby soon.”

Cooper watched him rock Nathaniel to sleep almost right away, and he followed Thor and the girls outside.

Cassie and Lila were playing Archer Princess, but Cooper was eyeing Thor. “Is it true you’re a god?” he asked.

“I… have powers,” Thor admitted.

“Can you make it storm?”

“I do not wish to frighten the others.”

“Hey guys, wanna see Thor make it thunder?” Cooper called.

“Yeah!” Cassie squeaked, and Lila jumped up and down in excitement.

Thor smiled, and rocked Nathaniel with one arm while he reached for the hammer hanging at his side with the other. Lightning flashed across the sky, followed immediately by its crashing thunder.

Lila gasped and clapped, impressed.

Cassie said, “Can you teach me to do that?”

***

“I have pizza, but no kids,” Clint observed as he opened the door to the courtyard.

“Daddy!” Lila shrieked. She had Thor’s cape tied around her neck, dragging it along the ground, and was being chased by a Mjolnir-wielding Cassie. Both had intricately braided hair, and they immediately dashed toward him and the pizza.

“Hey, Dad,” Cooper greeted, from his spot on the ground next to Thor. They were precariously stacking rocks, while Nathaniel was fast asleep in Thor’s lap.

“You guys have a good time?” Clint asked.

“Thor said I could be a warrior!” Lila informed him excitedly.

“Yeah, we’re gonna fight bad guys and save the world!” Cassie chimed.

“Let’s start with lunch,” Clint said, slightly awed by Cassie handing Thor back his hammer. “And go from there.”

[foofmastaflex]

Housing Project 4.0

The Pathfinders are working towards getting enough money together to try and get themselves a Large home for their members for Xpac. With this, I have been farming in game to help reach the goal but I am quite picky and want to make sure we not only get the goal but ensure that people who may not have funds to move from one home to another have the ability to be given 300k to help.

If you would like to help then please merely send me a message in the game (on Balmung as Kiri Rokuyari) and I will happily take any donation! All Donations come with a free small terrible screenshot edit!

Remember, these are just donations. If you don’t want anything in return then please let me know. You are free to donate as much as you want; even items that we could sell on the Market Board to help meet our goal!

I would offer to help draw things but due to my carpal tunnel I can’t hold my tablet anymore. Within 10 minutes my wrist cries in pain. I can, however, draw stick figures and bad MS paints if you would rather one of those instead!

So please, like or reblog this post to help get the word out! I thank anyone for anything they would do to help (even if it is just a like).

[topthingz]

New Post has been published on TopThingz

New Post has been published on http://www.topthingz.com/top-list-of-cloud-computing-operating-system/

Top List of cloud computing operating system

Before you get to understand concerning cloud computing OS you must know about web desktop. A web desktop or a virtual desktop is where you get all your hard disk, operating system and software applications on the service provider’s server (unlike the one you have at your home). You can carry your virtual desktop anywhere in the world as you need only internet connectivity to access it and a browser. The cloud computing operating system is integrated with your web browser. Moreover it facilitates a browser inside a browser. You need not install software on your desktop. You can access all software on cloud computing os without actually downloading them.

So cloud computing operating system is like a gateway to specified web-applications which are hosted by the service provider. It is also given the name web-desktop/webtops and virtual desktops.

Lets see the various cloud computing operating system provided over the internet. A time would come when you will be happily using your 1GB RAM, 80 GB hard disk computer with all types of high gaming.

cloudMe cloud computing OS

Extremely popular cloud computing operating system which was previously known as iCloud.

As it is an apple product off course you can trust it blindly.

It has some superb features which cannot be beaten by any other cloud computing OS.

It has a special blue folder in which you can keep your files and those files are automatically synced with those devices and computers which are connected with it.

File sharing can be done using Facebook, email etc.

Free 3GB storage Integrated Music player thus you can hear your songs even if you don’t have your own music player like vlc, windows media player etc.

Glide OS cloud computing operating system

Glide OS (current V4.0) is developed by TransMedia Corporation.Accessible for music, videos, photos, file sharing; file sharing through social media, File synchronization.

Spreadsheet feature: capture content from internet and edit accordingly and convert it to your desired format.

Provides 30GB free storage data upgradable to 250GB for 50$ per year.

Can be managed by 25 users and an appreciated cloud computing OS in the market.

COMPATIBILITY

Mobile operating systems Google Android Apple IOS BlackBerry OS WebOS Symbian Windows Mobile

Desktop operating system Linux Mac OS XWindows

amoebaOS cloud computing operating system

Easy to learn for all users.Application software’s to read email, manage contacts, enjoy music, play videos, surfing Have few issues with file sharing and saving.

All of your information is saved in the cloud- if your PC crashes then all you have to do is setup another PC and continue your work.

Said to be a freemium service such that user can upgrade to more storage space and access to more applications and features.

G.ho.st cloud computing operating system

It is a cloud computing OS provided online which resembles the environment as that of a desktop/personal computer.

Here the facility provided is much advanced as the files and folders you access over the cloud via web can be accessed from your mobile phones, smart phones, Ipad, Iphones, tabs, computer etc.

Gives 15GB free storage.

3rd party collaboration, thus giving access to google docs, zoho.

Managing Contacts, mails, calendar up to 10GB free.

Sync between the files on g.ho.st and your personal computer.

eyeOS cloud computing operating system

Since a long time users are wasting time in saving files, writing mails, attaching and uploading files etc.

However IT companies have solved these issues to much extent.

Still security has not yet been eliminated to 100%.

Thus eyeOS brings all the features, user-convenience and security in a single package.

eyeOS gives maximum performance as its kernel has been compiled in C++.

It has superb speed and can answer any request in less than 15 ms.

Communication between all eyeos users, sharing files amongst selected people, and instant communication messaging facility which saves time.

eyeOS offers least latency in daily work and most heavy tasks.

Joli os cloud computing operating system

Based on Linux OS/Ubuntu with awesome GUI and is extremely user-convenient.

Thus no need of any tutorial to operate it.

Gives you free 1500+ apps

No chances of virus attacks and malware’s as hardly any virus are made for LINUX OS.

Works quite well in offline mode too and is completely free.

Open source code – thus can be edited and molded according to you.

Cloudo: cloud computing operating system

Was started by a Swedish with 5 person strength in stockholm.

Stunning user interface- translucent menu, customizable icons and quick access to recently used items.

Shared revenue for developing and sharing apps.

You are already using cloudo on internet thus you need not to open a browser into it to search on net.

Thus it has a common search box both for cloudo desktop and web.

Zimdesk cloud computing operating system

Has gained much popularity in very less time.

is one of the oldest cloud computing operating system.

said to be a perfect web desktop, easy navigation tools.

Has many apps like sync for emails, thus saves time.

Available free apps that are much in demand are: zimwrite, zimsheet, zimcalc etc.

Mygoya cloud computing operating system

Not much different from cloudo operating system.

Mygoya has lesser apps and less features as compared to eyeOS and joliOS.

Same features like once upload/store and access from anywhere in the world.

Installation space is also saved as no installation for any software is needed.

Kohive cloud computing operating system

A far better desktop interface with awesome apps.

In kohive you have hives to communicate with people and share your documents.

You can get to know about your notification via stars.

Its integrated with iphone and MAC also.

You will know about the instant messages through growl.

Startforce cloud computing operating system

Gives you 1 GB free for storage Has features like instant messaging so that you can remain in touch with people.

File sharing with specific or rather specified people.It’s just like carrying your computer with you always.

Start force was one on the oldest cloud computing OS when it was called web desktops or web tops.

Lucid desktop cloud computing operating system

Your location is traced and your settings are made according to your local language.

However it supports adjustable Multi language.

Security: you are automatically logged out as soon as you close your browser.

Easy file management- uses drag and drop feature You can create our own application through JavaScript using Dojo toolkit.

You can become an administrator and limit the number of users on your web desk top.

You can limit the space each user can use and also their accessibility to applications and others.

Corneli OS cloud computing operating system

Similar to other cloud computing os.

Does not have any extra feature which makes it special.

Unable to compete in the cloud computing os market.

Provides CIOS API which will let you build your own application software.

ZeroPC cloud computing operating system

Gives you free storage and file transfer for limited time period.

You have to pay minimum of 10$ to use further and 70 cents daily for other apps.

ZeroPC gives 15 minutes only for free account.zeroPC is one of a competitor in cloud computing OS

ispaces cloud computing operating system

NonStopWeb – it is a service from ispace that makes it unique.

It resumes or Reopen our tasks – windows, tabs, browser instantly without loading delay.

Multi-user cloud computing OS providing browser within browser.

You can access google cloud through ispace browser.

Compatible with LINUX, WINDOWS, MAC

Windows4all cloud computing operating system

Apart from being a replication of desktop it is a Microsoft Silver light based virtual OS.

Applications like: RSS feeder, IE, video and music player, paint, notepad, games Not a very good opponent in cloud computing os.

Cloudstack cloud computing operating system

open source cloud computing operating system created by cloud.com using the vCloud, Amazon EC2 API.

It is developed by apache soft. Foundation.

It runs on java platform

This service is now on hold since 17th May, 2012

onlineOS cloud computing operating system

renowned as OOS.cc; made in java platform

similar to other webdesktops and does not include any appreciable and unique feature.

It can itself run any javascript software through reBOX panel.

Desktoptwo cloud computing operating system

Developed by sapotek pvt ltd. and was previously accessible through sabotek.com

it was given another name webOS You can create your own apps using several APIs.

Piston cloud cloud computing operating system

Developed in collaboration with the creators of rockspace and Openstack, and chief architect of Nebula.

It is an open source code that is straightforward and secured method of OpenStack cloud.

It solves out the previous issues over storage.

It has nearly 1100 contributors and 80 companies

Google chrome os cloud computing operating system

It is a linux-based cloud computing OSAs manufactured by google it gives best security.

Security updates are installed only with a reboot.

You need not download them ecause its already running on the internet.

It’s just like copying a file on your system from one location to another.

Google released its source code and named it as chromium OS.

Users can thus make changes accordingly.

However chrome OS will automatically install the updates but not chromium OS.

You can work on full screen mode and other tasks can be controlled by a panel.

There are certain issues which need to be focused: if you click on word document then whether the local web application open or the system application to preview it.

Same problem is with .jpg file and many others.Also media player and other software applications are integrated in chrome browser and chrome OS.

Thus you can view you photos and listen music offline also.

Chrome OS takes 3 scores less storage (i.e. 60 times less space) than win7.

After success of the widespread and renowned mobile operating system Android, google also made its vision towards cloud computing OS so that it can take all the audience from other small companies.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure It is a Microsoft cloud computing OS giving platform as a service including software as a service too.

The OS is hosted on the  Microsoft data centers.also Microsoft SQL azure is also significant and used in database designing.

[vaanibct]

Movement and Motion

(31-10-17)

Today I talked to Shades and she thought the wall would look better painted grey on both sides. Otherwise it looked unfinished. I totally agreed because, to be honest, I didn’t really like the grey on one side and white on the other. So, we painted the rest of the wall grey as well, while also applying the second coat to the sides we painted yesterday. Since Matt was unable to come today, Kelvin stepped in to help us with painting, alongside focusing on the coding.

Simon and Kelvin both painted the top parts of the dividers, leaving me to paint the bottom.  Again, our teamwork allowed us to work at a fast pace, however, painting both walls took us almost the whole day because we got tired as well, while also taking time out for lunch. Since we had only done one coat of the inside of the walls, we would need to finish off the second coat tomorrow. I didn’t like this idea because it is taking another day out of our very precious and limited time, however, we had no choice.

Later, we tested out the amp that I brought in and it was actually working fine with the audio. Shades had also borrowed a “sound device thing” which we tested, and they both sounded almost the same, so we can use either one.

Kelvin had also made yet another code for the visuals, and it was basically just like MS Paint. The hands allowed the user to pick the colour of the paint they wanted to use and then draw patterns with circles. In my opinion, it looked quite cool, and was quite fun to interact with, however, I don’t think we would be able to use it.

So, we’re back to using the old code, with the controllable circles. I still haven’t had time to look into what I could include to that code, but I’ll get around to it at some point. Thinking about the Paint visuals, I found an article a while ago that related to the ideas behind the emotional state of the user while painting colours, which I thought would be good to mention here.

“We describe a suite of Computer Vision algorithms capable of recognising users’ facial expressions through the detection of facial action units derived from the FACS scheme. Action units are mapped to vectors within a continuous 2D space representing emotional state, from which we in turn de- rive a continuous mapping to the style parameters of a simple but fast segmentation-based painterly rendering algorithm. The result is a digital canvas capable of smoothly varying its painterly style at approximately 4 frames per second, providing a novel user interactive experience using only commodity hardware." [1]

I found this overall idea quite cool and intriguing, mainly because it is requires interactivity and is also related to our idea of studying emotions. The way they have designed and programmed this installation is that, the visual cues are detected in a monocular view to map the emotional state of the participant. The article informs the reader about the “feature tracking,” as well as an analysis of the study of the “mouth shape,” “eye state,” and “brow raise.” It was very interesting to read in my opinion, and reminded of the faces I studies of the participants of our user-testing. I also learned a few other ideas that we could have applied during the testing and evaluation stages of our Project, as they would have given us a better understanding of the process behind the change of emotions. Nevertheless, I will use this information for future purposes and references, because it was quite helpful and informative.

After the guys left, Shades and I looked at the formation of circles and lines on the floor. We only used a normal A4 white paper and blue tape to see if it met our expectations, and honestly, it wasn’t looking toto bad. I like the idea of using the “stepping stones” to lead the audience to our Project. The final circles and tape lines will be brightly coloured which will attract many people on the Showcase night.

Reference: [1] Shugrina, M., Betke, M., Collomosse, J. (2006) Empathic Painting: Interactive stylisation through observed emotional state. Retrieved from https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1124744

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(01-11-17)

Today, we finished off painting the second coat of the inside of the walls. At first, it looked a bit patchy, but we painted over some parts of the walls a few times. Although I love painting and could sit around paint all day, it does get a bit tiring. Half of our time today was taken up by finishing the last coat, however, Kelvin and Shades also helped for a little bit :D

With the paint drying off overnight, we have decided to set up everything in place tomorrow while also cleaning the area first, in order for it to look nice and tidy.

While taking a break, we had a little group discussion about the name of our Installation. I thought about the ideas we wanted to communicate with our name, for example, the visual and audio aspects, colours and circles, and physical movement etc. Matt liked the idea of having an abbreviation, so we happily came to the conclusion of - vaDs (Visual and Audio Display System). And Shades was made in charge of paying around with the design and font aspects of the name.

As for the visuals, I know it’s a bit late but we still haven’t got anything finalised. We’re still unsure of which direction to head in, because we can’t really use the paint palette idea but we’re still open to last minute inspiration, otherwise our final option would be the “controllable circles.”

At home tonight, I was thinking about something Sangeeta said about having a little survey when the user comes out of the experience, just to know if we have achieved our purpose. I quite liked this idea because it will be a form of feedback in a way, so I will discuss this with my group tomorrow.

At the moment, I am freaking out a little bit because there is still so much we have to do, and if we play according to plan for the next couple of days, I think we will finish in time and to a standard we are happy with.

Only 4 days to go!!! AAAAAHHHHHH.

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