#have you ever thought about the gambling economy around the arena fights and how they wouldve treated shiro as an entertainment asset

[monstersinthecosmos]

do you ever stop and remember that the Galra had extremely advanced medical tech and the only reason Shiro came away with scars was because they chose not to heal him because im

[aressss1]

Through Fire and Ice Chapter 8

(Technoblade x Reader)

Chapter 8

<Prev Chapter | Next Chapter>

~~~~~~

Techno and Ranboo were hard at work on the mine to the library in the stronghold. It had been two weeks since you had requested Techno to come help you out of your panic. When the two of you talked more on the subject, you were careful with your words. He could tell you weren’t trying to offend him when it came to Phil, but Techno picked up on your fear of Philza almost immediately. He wanted you to be comfortable around Phil, but that was obviously going to need some time.

 Even so, when Phil expressed that he wanted to apologize formally, Techno had shaken his head, saying it wasn’t the right time yet. Techno didn’t need to say anything else for Phil to get it. Though he still had a sad look in his eyes. The both of them had seen wars, and what they do to people. They had seen what can throw those people over the edge, and sometimes it wasn’t the war, but the aftermath when the war was branded into their minds. They wouldn’t push you, not until you were ready.

Ranboo had a satchel attached to his side, and every once in a while, Techno would watch him fiddle with it when the bag had gotten in his way. Raising his eyebrow, Techno said nothing, only kept swinging away with his pickaxe. He listened to Ranboo talk, easily throwing his thoughts in here and there. Ranboo was extremely easy to get along with. For that, Techno was grateful.

 “Let me just check our coords.” Ranboo pulled the flap of the satchel up searching around the bag. The thing that caught Techno’s attention was the rough texture of the black egg sitting inside the satchel.

 “Uhhhh, Ranboo?” Techno set the end of the pickaxe down and let some of his weight rest on the handle. “Why are you carrying the egg around?” Ranboo stopped, he nervously grinned, gauging Techno’s reaction.

 “Well, um… You see…” Ranboo fumbled over his words. “This egg,” he hesitated, “likes to follow me?” The piglin hybrid cocked his head to the side, his golden eyes showing confusion.

 “Alright, I believe it.” Techno used the back of his hand to wipe the sweat beading on his forehead away. “You’re always finding out something weird about yourself, so this isn’t really that surprising.” Ranboo’s tail swished behind him, and he visibly relaxed.

 “Wanna see?” Ranboo asked looking eager. “I haven’t been able to show Phil yet, he’s been too busy.”

 Techno nodded, his eyes watching as Ranboo placed the egg down on the ground and went to walk away from the egg. It didn’t take too long before the sound of an enderman teleporting ripped its way through the strip mine, echoing off the walls. There sitting before Ranboo was the egg. Ranboo’s eyes twinkled as he looked back toward Techno. He carefully picked the egg up from the ground, stowing it back into his satchel. The action made Techno chuckle.

 “Ranboo, you remind me of one of those parents who carries their baby in a harness strapped to their chest.” Techno snickered.

 “What can I say, parenthood has snuck up on me.” Ranboo laughed with Techno. It wasn’t too long before they were back at work on the tunnel. They weren’t even halfway to the strong hold. It was going to take a while before they were going to be there. Especially since Phil wanted the library under wraps. They didn’t need anyone trying to sabotage anything.

 Techno let his mind wander back to you, the way you felt in his arms, your scent. Everything about you was alluring to him and he couldn’t understand it. But… He also saw the way you looked at Dream, he heard your giggles to Dreams jokes. He could pretend he didn’t see the light touches the two of you would share. He set his jaw, putting more into his swings of his pickaxe. This had to be some cruel joke on him.

 He rarely liked the company of others, always telling himself to be more social when people were around. Some even snubbed him when he tried. There were a few people that were good to him, he couldn’t deny that. He was fine being alone.

 Techno still lost in his thoughts, kept going, hitting harder and harder with his pickaxe. Ranboo was now looking over at him curiously, the sight making him worry for Techno. He didn’t know how to even approach it. Techno kept mining forward, his breathing becoming labored. He only stopped when his pickaxe had broken, crumbling in his hands. He stood there for just a second heavily breathing, his hands clenched. Why was he so tense?

 “You alright, Tech?” Ranboo leaned in beside Techno. Techno wiped the sweat from his face, his mind flashing to you, your face twisted like the others when they saw him. He hated it. If Dream had his way that’s how it would be. Maybe it was time to put his violent ways to rest? The voices be damned. He didn’t want you to see him as a monster. There was no need to fight anymore, he wanted to settle down.

 --

 Phil grinned at his invention for the ever-growing residential area of The Burrow. His arm was all healed up, after many persuaded him to take a health potion from the doctor. This left him able to do his projects. He had installed multiple elevators so that the people building their houses up high could easily reach ground level. His hands rested on his hips triumphantly as he watched some children playing with the elevators, with their parents watching. Phil tested his invention out one last time, going to the very top of the cavern that was eye level with some of the glowstone hanging down. His elytra hung from his shoulders like a cape.

This was something that he had been wanting to do for a while. He climbed over the railing of the landing that led into people’s homes.

 He allowed himself to look at the ground, his hands grasping the railing. It was a long way down but having flown across a void this was nothing to him. He let himself fall forward, feeling his fingers slip away from the railing, he fell, and he glided through the cavern toward the beacon on the other end. The wind on his face, the excitement in his chest, his emotions were heightened. He let out a triumphant laugh, as the structures around him started whizzing by. People were cheering for him as he zipped past them.

 When he had gotten to the beacon, he let his feet touch down, the adrenaline still pumping. What he wouldn’t give to find a gigantic cave and fly through it. This cavern was only a taste of it. But cavern’s like that were rare. His eyes scanned the area of people busy at work.

 His eyes landed on the newest addition of the cave; a hospital carved into the wall right next to where the old med bay had been just two weeks prior. Wilbur was put in charge of the building plans for this, and it turned out beautiful. It was mostly made of quartz from the nether, and it was nicely accentuated with bricks. The inside was very nice as well, with plenty of room for everyone who needed care. A voice broke him out of his thoughts.

 “Ey Philza! Big man!” Schlatt approached Phil. “How ya been?” The goat hybrid stopped a few feet away from him. He was acting like he hadn’t called Phil out two weeks ago. “I had something I wanted to talk to ya about.” Phil sighed in irritation.

 Before two weeks ago he hadn’t minded Schlatt, now he was just a pain, because people were still treating Phil as a traitor, and those that spewed that hate usually expressed how they wanted Schlatt as the head of The Burrow. Phil would gladly step down, but he never received any official answer from Schlatt. Phil didn’t want the stress, but he was thrust upon this role, he would take the role until someone else wanted to step in. He kind of hoped it would be Schlatt.

 “So,” Schlatt grinned at Phil. “I’ve been noticing people’s morale around here is plummeting and I am here to talk business.” He clapped his hands together. “So… I propose, a sort of… arena.” He stood up straight his arms fall behind his back. “We need some sort of entertainment, so why not let people beat the shit out of other people for the amusement of others.” Phil gave him a dead pan look.

 “An… Arena?” Phil sighed. “I do have my concerns Schlatt,” Phil looked at Schlatt uneasily.

 “Oh, I know you do, Phil. That’s why I’m here to tell you… That there will be rules, to abide by, legal forms and all that.” He waved his hand at the mention of the legalities. “This could really be the start we need for the economy.” Schlatt’s goat eyes peered down at Phil almost expectantly.

 “Economy?” Phil felt his face twist up in confusion. “What are you on about Schlatt?”

 “Well, you see Philza. I’m glad you asked because I have a shiny new currency, just ready to be used.” He fished around his pocket, pulling a gold coin engraved with an s out. “Introducing, the Schlatt coin!” He gave Phil a huge smile. Phil quirked up an eyebrow at him.

 “Sounds like a waste of gold mate.” Phil crossed his arms and shrugged. “Emeralds are a good currency to use.” Phil’s words caused Schlatt’s smile to falter. Phil inwardly sighed, would he really give this man leadership if he asked for it? Maybe… But he was scared that Schlatt would use up resources for meaningless things like the Schlatt coin. “I’ll tell you what Schlatt, you can run your arena. You can allow gambling, you can sell Schlatt coins for gambling purposes, but outside your arena they are worthless.”

 “So, what you’re sayin’ is my Schlatt coins are nothing more than poker chips.” Schlatt gave a grimace pocketing his coin.

 “Take the deal or not. Emeralds have higher value than gold.” Schlatt pondered over his words. “Not to mention it wouldn’t be hard to fake a Schlatt coin. There’s so much gold in the nether.” Schlatt rubbed his chin, pondering.

 “Alright Phil, you do have some good points. This might also allow me to expand into other business ventures.” Schlatt had his smile back on. “Did you know I always wanted to be a landlord?” Phil shook his head. The conversation went on, about Schlatt’s wants in life. This conversation revealed more of Schlatt as a person, than of the businessman. Schlatt was about to turn and walk away when he stopped and faced toward Phil once more. “Ey, tell Technoblade, that if he wants to come fight in The Pit, I would be more than happy to make some money off of him.” With that he chuckled and walked away.

 Phil let out a sigh of relief. What an… Odd conversation. He couldn’t deny the people needed somewhere to let their frustrations out, whether it was actually fighting in the pit or gambling their money away. Having an economy would hopefully serve this place well. Services couldn’t be free forever, and trading when there was already lack of resources was proving hard.

Phil started walking toward the new hospital to check on everything. He had a lot to think about, and hopefully this was a step in the right direction for everyone here.

 --

 You had earned yourself a good gig working for Niki. She gave you a place to sleep, and she fed you well, in order for your services. This was the least you could do for her. You did not want to make someone feel as if you were using them. You wanted to give back. The last two weeks you had healed nicely, due to a health potion Niki had scrounged up for you. You were running deliveries out to people; they were mostly deliveries of rations to everyone around The Burrow. Techno enjoyed walking with you on your deliveries every night.

 For whatever reason Techno was late today, he mentioned something about mining earlier. You shrugged it off when you didn’t see him waiting for you at Niki’s door. Making your way to the small cart that Dream had made for you, you start loading it up with the boxes of food Niki had prepared. You lingered for a second, your eyes scanning the area for Techno. Disappointment set in when you didn’t see your friend, biting the inside of your cheek you sigh. You really enjoyed walking with him.

 “Want some help tonight?” You recognized Dream’s voice; he had approached you while you were checking the wheels on the cart. A smile pulled at your lips at the sight of him.

 “Sure, thanks Dream.” Well at least you had a friend with you during tonight’s delivery run. “I appreciate it!”

 “Heh,” Dream chuckled, “It’s not a problem at all. You shouldn’t be pulling carts by yourself anyway.” His fingers lightly grazed your cheek. “How are you feeling?” His voice soothed your soul.

 “I’m alright,” You subconsciously leaned into his touch, feeling your heart flutter. “It feels good to be doing things again.” You let out a sigh of content. This cave was beautiful in comparison to the unfinished room you currently slept in. Techno was slowly but surely working to add a second story to the bakery, and to finish off what needed to be done in the main bakery. The second story would serve as Niki’s home.

 “I bet,” Dream hummed, “I’m just glad you’re okay.” The two of you talked, as you started your route. People were starting to get used to seeing you, and you pretended not to notice how they would look at Techno when he towered over them. You could smell their fear, you wished they could see the being that Techno was to you. It was a different story when Dream was with you. People greeted you more as well as Dream, people didn’t act scared of Dream like they did with Techno. The thought made you sad.

 You and Dream had just gotten done with the residential part of your route, on your way back to the bakery to collect more food from Niki. Your eyes looked around at everyone’s houses most of them were in the walls of the cave, but some were log cabins adorning the makeshift streets. What caught your attention, was a blank cave wall, ready to be mined out and built in. You stopped and looked at the wall.

 “You want a house of your own?” Dream asked as he peered back at you when you stopped. You bit your lip and nodded. Having your own space would be amazing. “We can do that for you.” Dream slapped a hand on your shoulder, pulling you close, you could feel the heat from his body. “Command me to move the world, and I will do it for you.” You could see his smile behind his mask.

 “Cheesy.” You let out a laugh. He laughed with you, his grip tightening on your shoulder.

 “I know you like it.” He teased, “But seriously, Sapnap and I can help you with your house. I’d say George too… But… I can almost guarantee that he’ll be off sleeping somewhere.”

 “Well at least you know your friend well enough,” You giggled. Dream sighed happily at your laughter. He let go of your shoulder, and you found yourself missing his touch. He returned to his earlier position pulling the cart.

 “We should get back and do the rest of the route.” You could hear the smile in his voice, and you nodded walking by his side. Your chest felt warm having him by your side. You hadn’t felt anything like this in a very long time. You dared to let your hand pull the cart with him, he only chuckled and you felt the weight of his hand on yours the rest of the trip back to Niki’s bakery.

 You still missed Techno, but you had failed to see him when you were immersed in conversation with Dream. Techno saw Dream’s hand on yours and he saw how happy you were talking with him; he couldn’t bring himself to do or say anything. He just stumbled back and gained his composure, his eyes flicked from you to Dream. He couldn’t ignore your smile, the way you laughed. He shook his head and headed back to Phil’s house.

 Maybe you were better off with Dream.

[who-talks-first]

Okay I'm having trouble finding everyone's posts from Friday. But I just watched chapter 9 and I have some thoughts.

Opening the episode with Din saying he doesn't gamble then ending it with him making a massive gamble was interesting. Although I genuinely don't think he ever does anything he doesn't believe he can do.

The fights in this episode are amazing. Just stunning:

The fight at the arena. The Child ducking when he sees the Birds activate. "I'm not." Really. Din, stop being so goddamn fucking hot, I'm trying to watch the damn show! The whole dangling the gangster part. "You won't die by my hand." (one of the best parts of the character Din Djarin is he is both viciously ruthless and honorable to a fault. I love it!)

The fighting at the end. Both men flying in sync to kill the beast. The Raiders and townsfolk grudgingly working together. But it would have worked better just leaving the loaded bantha in the valley, luring the best out, and detonating it. Fewer civilian deaths but what do I know, I wasn't raised in the fighting corps. And god at the end when Din soars out of the monster's mouth! I that was how the episode would end as soon as I saw the explosives. But still so fucking cool! Is there a name for that trope? I call it the Hercules.

Can we talk for a second about how Din looks in this ep? The strides, the poses and posture. He exudes so much bde that it physically hurts me. Clearly a lot of that is Mandalorian in nature, if those images of Boba Fett from the comics tell us anything (Fett sitting spread in his ship and Din doing it on the wagon at Sorgan have p much the same energy). Just looking fine as hell through the whole thing, even covered in deadly dragon stomach acid.

And can we talk about how much he says this episode? He explains the Tuskens' behavior, translates, plans, barters, smooches doggies, etc. He talks a lot. And I think that's interesting. Din has this reputation as being awkward in social situations and quiet. And like, it's one thing feeling shy around the beautiful widow who's hitting on you. But he says what he means clearly and more or less concisely, including some one-liners and sarcasm. I think he could be described as "laconic" (my character does describe him as such in the thing I'm writing), which means they use as few words as possible to get their point across. Din has no hesitation in speaking, he just prefers to only speak when he has something to say, if that makes sense.

So happy to see Aunt Peli! And Din being like "eh let them work" That's what we call growth.

The casting. I nearly lost my shit when Timothy Olyphant was under the helmet, looking like a whole ass meal. Like that is the most flattering haircut and beard combo I've ever seen on him. Don't @me but he could get it. And poor typecast Leguizamo. Still great tho. He was fun little asshole.

I love when this show doubles down on the western themes:

Vanth's name, accent, role, and general appearance all line up with a small town wild west sheriff. Just showing up and saving the town, so they're like, you're the Lone Ranger now! Olyphant has played western roles before, including voicing The Spirit of the West (an avatar of the legends and ideals of the wild west modeled on Clint Eastwood's western characters) in the animated film Rango (a lot of the Mandalorian's aesthetic comes from Eastwood's movies).

The Mandalorian theme but softly strummed on a Spanish (nylon string) guitar is very evocative of a border town.

The tuskens represent an Indian tribe. The abandoned mining town. The mysterious stranger who comes to town and saves it. Vanth and Din nearly have a quickdraw shootout! The child is hiding in a spittoon for chrissakes!

It really echoes the 7 Samurai theme of chapter 4. I know it's an overlapping, repeating theme in western film. I guess I was surprised to see it again so quickly.

I don't know how I feel about Din speaking Tusken. Signing was one thing. But I just giggled uncomfortably the whole time feeling it was kinda silly (and I had assumed the reason he signed was because humans couldn't speak Tusken). Was that our big hero, heartthrob, and favorite actor Mr. Pascal sitting in the studio making those noises? Rrrhehh rheh rrhehh! I dunno I'm just. Reeling.

Isn't interesting that Din would annihilate the entire populace of Jawas without batting an eye, but he would do almost anything to protect the Sand People? I know there's something to that, about marginalized/eugenicized groups versus like colonialism and whatever vulture like construct you would attribute to the Jawas. But I'm not smart enough to articulate it.

Okay, so the obvious: Boba Fett. Really shocked to see his armor on someone else. I'd already seen the casting of Morrison, so I wasn't like, "is he dead?" and I knew right away this hick didn't take it off him. I wonder if the Jawas stunned him and removed it. Either way, there's going to be hell to pay. I can't wait to see Din and Boba interact; I wonder how they'll respond to each other. And even though Fett should be in his early 40s (I think) he really looks like hell. I mean, I know he's seen some shit. But I wonder what's been up with him in the last decade or so.

Some stuff I thought I noticed, but I need y'all to help me confirm:

Was that Anakin's podracer engine?

Was that C-3PO graffitied on the wall in the dirty city?

Were we supposed to recognize R5?

There's a couple others but I forgot em. I gotta watch it again.

Some questions:

What was the spherical thing the Tusken Raiders recovered from the beast's remains? The scene mirrored the Jawas and the mudhorn's TSUGA! Tsuga tsuga! Tsuuuga! But that didn't look like an egg. If I didn't know better I would swear it was a pearl. (which almost makes sense if you take into account that this guy eats dirt for a living and could have an organ or extra stomach in there like those gross hard balls they used to pull out of ox bellies) Or was it mentioned earlier and I didn't catch it? There was a lot going on.

What are the sand doggies? They're so cute! And that totally establishes our mans as a dog person. Writers, start your fics!

I'm a bit confused about the town's history. How have the people survived for so long with the beast there? Was it the Krayt dragon that wiped it literally off the map? How does the slaving mining guild fit in there?

It really looks in chapter 4 that those krill are native (it's not explicitly stated tho). If no one even knows where Sorgan is and it doesn't have a big export economy, how do these people in the middle of buttfuck nowhere have spotchka?

On that note, how did that city gangster hear about Fett/Vanth? I mean, I dig that he's a collector of beskar'gam, but like, that's still way out there.

The jingling spurs sound in chapter 5 is deliberately obvious when that mysterious figure comes upon Fennec Shand. Can we assume that's Cobb Vanth there? Because clearly, Fett has been without his armor for a while. If it was Vanth, what did he do with her? I don't believe for a second that she's dead. He's not a bounty hunter and he wouldn't have any idea she was valuable since the Guild had abandoned Tatooine. Barter for help/transportation /goods/labor /etc? Also, if it was Vanth, did he witness the whole thing? If so, he knows who Din is. Maybe knows Toro. I dunno. Lots of thoughts. Did he just stumble upon her while traveling back to his village? I forgot the name already lol Mos Pelegrino?

Okay it's nearly 4 am. I genuinely can't remember if I had anything else to say. Please continue to tag your spoilers cuz I will again not get to view the episode until after y'all do next week. But until then, please come yell at me about our favorite show and space boyfriend. I like crazy theories too.

Love y'all. 😘😘😘

[zargsnake]

Knightkiller: Anakin and Obi-Wan’s First Adventure

Chapter 3: The Death Match

Word Count: 1393 Links: Chapter 1, Table of Contents

  *   *   *

Tied to the chair, gagged with golden tape, and with ten blasters held around his head by a bevy of tiny droids, Anakin blinks in the brightness of the arena. He is reminded distinctly of podracing. He is confident that a large portion of this wild audience knows exactly who he is; his victory on Tatooine, he knows, ruined the economies of interplanetary gangs and entire systems run by gambling types. He hopes the short hair and fancy robe conceal his identity a little. 

Anakin hears a gleeful, showy voice echo through the arena.

“The rumors you have heard -- they are all true! A new Jedi knight has fallen into our mighty leader's trap! And the warrior lucky enough to have first go at him is the ferocious, bloodthirsty monster-wrangler, the Scourge of the Delta Sector, the nasty, horrible -- VINGO MAKLARIAN!!!”

A heavily-scarred, 7-foot-tall Twi’lek cyborg runs out into the arena, theme music playing. The fighter throws small explosives from a tray attached to his mechanical shoulder; one of the sparks lands on Anakin's face. He winces in pain but can't move his arms.

Anakin evidently isn't the only one struck by a stray explosion, as evidenced by the scream and shrieks of laughter behind him.

The announcer’s voice booms, “Have we had our first casualty?” There is more laughter. “Keep your heads up, my lords and ladies in the front rows! You will get wet! You may get soaked!”

This guy is so annoying, thinks Anakin, between sobs.

“And here he is, the Big Event -- Jedi Knight Number Two in the First Galactic Jedi Death Match! He might not look like much, but his pedigree remains to be seen -- Oooobi-Wan Kenoooobi!”

The door on the other side of the arena slides upward with a squeaking rumble, and Obi-Wan emerges. Anakin feels a wave of relief. He is safe now.

“MFFFSFFR!!”

Obi-Wan hears the muffled call above the din, and his head swivels to his student. He sees Anakin sitting across the sandy arena, bound and gagged and ringed by blasters.

“Anakin!”

Anakin shuts his eyes -- the light glinting off Obi-Wan's sword is too bright to bear. He opens them a sliver and peeps through his eyelashes and tears. They took away Obi-Wan's lightsaber, too, of course, and they gave him a plain weapon instead. Anakin recognizes it: a Hutteese vibroblade. He recognizes the outfit they've put him in, too: padded tan armor, covered in logos.

He saw a death match on Tatooine, once. It is unnerving to see the trappings of his old life upon the hero of his new one.

“Have no fear, Anakin!”

Anakin nods and tries his best to obey as Vingo approaches Obi-Wan, flinging explosives at the Jedi. Obi-Wan deflects them easily. As Vingo draws closer, Anakin sees Obi-Wan put on the serene face he makes when faced with a difficult decision.

You have to do it, Master! It's not your fault!

Anakin sees Obi-Wan look at him with a very hard, stern face, as if to say, “This is wrong, but I have no choice.” Anakin trusts his moral judgment, just as he used to trust his mother’s. This is a bit of a trick, since they are quite different.

Obi-Wan turns his face back to his opponent and kills him with one swift blow to his guts. The corpse falls to the side and the people gasp, cheer, and boo. Anakin shivers to have seen his master kill someone. Obi-Wan scowls at the bloody sword and wipes it off on his sleeve.

The announcer’s voice rings out, “Incredible!!! The shortest death match that we have ever seen!! This Obi-Wan Kenobi must not be underestimated! But can he handle the terrifying, mysterious maiden of the shadows, CREEL CYBALO?!!”

The crowd roars as another opponent steps out, a great apelike humanoid beating her chest -- but she is again no match for Obi-Wan. For the third match, Obi-Wan stretches it out a bit more, trying to cross the arena to get closer to Anakin, but Obi-Wan remains in control the whole time. Anakin winces at the flashes of light and grunts of pain by the doomed opponents. Obi-Wan mimes for Anakin to shut his eyes, but Anakin disobeys. At the end of the third match, the announcer walks onto the field, followed by three women carrying golden boxes.

“Unbelievable! What a gladiator you are! I've never seen anyone fight like you. You far surpass the other Jedi!” The crowd roars and claps. “As per the official rules, after three victories you are granted one prize. Will you take…” The first woman opens her box. “A Corellian blaster -- next year’s model?” The crowd cheers.

“Or perhaps …” The second woman opens her box. “The deed to the moon of Qualkori?” There are gasps of amazement.

“Or, best of all …” The third woman drops her box and holds her arms apart. “This beautiful slave, the loveliest pearl of the Vappiax Sea?” The crowd laughs and cheers and applauds as the announcer holds his microphone in front of Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan stands quite still, wiping his sword fastidiously, and replies, “I want ten minutes with my Padawan.” He gestures his head backwards at Anakin. The crowd offers confused applause and laughter.

“Your wish ... is my command!”

The crowd cheers, satisfied, as the guards escort Obi-Wan out the door from which he entered. Obi-Wan looks over his shoulder and sees the droids around Anakin untie him. A thin panel opens on the side of the arena and they drag him through it. 

Obi-Wan stands in a small, dim room. Through the sparking red grates on either side, he sees other warriors preparing for battle. A curtain parts and Anakin stumbles through.

“Anakin.” Obi-Wan kneels next to him and holds his chin. He uses the Force to weaken the adhesive on the golden tape, and deftly but tenderly tears it off the boy’s face. “Are you hurt?”

“D-dislocated shoulder.”

“Alright. Hold onto me with your other arm while I fix it.” Anakin obeys, and Obi-Wan gingerly repositions the boy’s shoulder. Anakin shudders as he holds Obi-Wan’s arm fiercely. The pain greatly subsides, though not completely.

“Feel better?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Do not strain it.” Obi-Wan puts a hand on Anakin’s healthy shoulder. “Be at peace. I will get us out of this.”

“Yes, Master.” Anakin wipes his sore face and feels more tears about to pour out. He badly swallows a sob and gives himself the hiccups.

“I retained this in secret. Eat it.” Obi-Wan takes a rationstick from his boot and gives it to Anakin. The boy eats it. They are silent as Obi-Wan thinks and Anakin chews and looks across the grate at the other warriors. Suddenly Anakin bends close and whispers in his master's ear.

“I know some of these fighters. They’re pretty -- hic -- famous.”

“They are?”

“Among Hutt slaves, yeah.”

“Are they all slaves?”

Anakin pauses. “No. None of these ones are.”

“How do you know?”

“We don't have time for that. I'll tell you later. These guys are in it for the fame and fortune.”

“So--”

“That snake-woman is the adopted daughter of -- hic -- Jabba the Hutt.”

“Who's that?”

Anakin looks at him like he's crazy.

“What?”

“It doesn't matter. I'm just saying, try not to kill her all the way, or you'll get a bounty on your head. Just maim her or something.”

“Is that allowed?”

“Not for most people. But for someone like that, it's -- hic -- expected.”

“Alright. Got it.”

“...That Mando in red... Watch your back.”

“There is a Mandalorian?”

“A what?”

“A Mando...lorian?”

“Uh, I dunno. The guys in helmets.”

“I lived on Mandalore for years. I know their moves.”

Anakin shakes his head. “Not this one. He will -- hic -- shoot you in the back.”

“Not me.”

“Yes you. Don't turn away from him for a second. He’s got a blaster in his left arm and a hidden, detach-- hic --able knife in his right.”

“You know him?”

“I know him... I saw one death match before. That Mando killed my mom's boyfriend.”

Obi-Wan is taken aback. “I thought you didn't have a father.”

“Not my father. I -- hic -- introduced them.”

“You introduced your mother to a gladiator?”

“He was very cool.”

Obi-Wan nods. “Thank you, Padawan. You're using our ten minutes far more productively than I am.”

“I want to help.”

“You are. Thank you. Anak--”

A droid’s arm snatches the boy out of Obi-Wan's grasp, leaving the man alone in his room with a swinging curtain. He feels someone die in the arena, just outside his door, as the matches continue without pause.

Chapter 4: Chahlee Tiango

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Gaming charities to fight plan for state-run casinos in ND

New Post has been published on https://universeinform.com/2017/03/12/gaming-charities-to-fight-plan-for-state-run-casinos-in-nd/

Gaming charities to fight plan for state-run casinos in ND

FARGO—Leaders of nonprofit businesses are gearing as much as combat a legislative thought that could pave the way for up to six state-owned casinos in North Dakota.

Nation-run casinos might take a big chunk out of the gaming income many North Dakota charities rely upon to run their packages, stated Jonathan Jorgensen, president of the board of directors for the Charitable Gaming Association of North Dakota. “It is able to affect offerings for tens of thousands of humans, to be sincere,” Jorgensen stated.

The gaming Affiliation, which represents almost 350 licensed groups, working 900 gaming sites statewide, voted unanimously closing week to oppose the plan, which calls for the Legislature to approve it and a statewide public vote subsequent 12 months.

The pinnacle of a nonprofit this is taken inside the most cash from charitable gaming inside the country for at least the closing decade thinks it has plenty to lose.

The North Dakota Association for the Disabled operates 10 gaming websites in Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Minot.

CEO Don Santer said the organization is based on gaming for about 75 percentage of its price range. He thinks charities stand to lose as a lot as 25 percentage in their gaming finances to country-owned casinos if accepted.

“We are scrambling to rise up to speed on what is going on with this,” Santer said.

Residence Majority Chief Al Carlson, R-Fargo, is the primary sponsor of House Concurrent Decision 3033, which would ask voters whether to amend the nation Constitution to permit the Legislature to authorize casinos. The question could go to an electorate in the 2018 primary election.

Currently, casinos are allowed simplest on tribal land in the nation through federal regulation.

The Decision, first announced publicly March 1, will get a hearing Monday, March thirteen, before the House Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Bismarck.

The concept is seen as a manner to enhance the country’s bottom line. country revenue is down, on the whole, due to sagging oil and agriculture economies.

Carlson wants to see net proceeds from nation-run casinos cross into the kingdom’s standard fund, with 30 percentage earmarked for behavioral fitness and addiction remedy and 70 percentage for tax comfort.

The kingdom-run casinos could be vacation spot-oriented and targeted on rural monetary improvement. For example, Carlson said, one casino can be built on the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Middle at Washburn. He does not assume they would have lots impact on charitable gaming.

  How Does Online Gaming Work

On-line gaming provides spirited or supportive video games on PC with numerous customers, via Net or a neighborhood region community. Now, a query arises, why it’s miles required to play in opposition to a computer once you’ve got a choice to play with a human being?

The answer to this query is that On-line gaming links you with numerous players of the globe and creates such an ecosystem for you in which you may take care of every different and feel like an actual state of affairs.

Through Online gaming, you can subjugate a rival of such a nature who does not but live in this international. The action among gamers is managed thru servers in net video games whilst pics and sound are treated along with your PC. There are mass varieties of Internet games to select with. you can play complex games right away with the help of a fast Internet connection.

On-line gaming requires a network that includes solitary or greater computers to Work as servers. The computer systems of the gamers are termed as customers. clients hyperlink to the server thru the Internet or a nearby community. The server acts as an organization of the net gaming that keeps track with selected recreation of a participant, maintains information of player and additionally offers gossip among gamers.

On the time of gambling recreation, the server enables the moves of every participant. As contributors shift, play a card or blaze a weapon, the “nation of the arena” messages is sent to the server by means of their computer systems then after receiving the alerts server transmits those alerts to the opposite customer computers without delay. Any actions that you make On the time of game emerge on other customers’ computers. The consumer pic then transmits the sounds and pics accordingly offers the visual effects for all gamers.

Net games can be categorized into two organizations. One organization this is available via centralized servers while the different group that runs thru distributed servers. Federal servers commonly host the games that permit a range of customers to play concurrently On the identical time as is required in considerable gamers video games like Ever Quest. The crucial server enclosed with a variety of information regarding the situation for these video games.

The world of the game runs non-prevent around the clock, for this reason, the game maintains both you play or no longer. Net video games never simply end, you could retain play as per your desire. To begin to play user desires to open the purchase software program that connects to the master server of the game.

At the same time as in a disbursed gadget, server software program shops several excited recreation servers on customers’ Pcs. The instant strategy is utilized in games including Fable and 3-D shooters like Quake III Arena etc. those games need very spark off updates known as “state of the arena”. allotted servers amplify the percent of communique out; a solitary server hardly ever keeps up with numerous Quake players.

The game servers speak indicators to grasp server in each minute and the master server suggests the addresses of each dynamic recreation servers. If you need to play then you definitely want to get the listing of lively sports servers available with the master server. gamers can inquiry character servers, from the facts list, concerning the category of the game exist on that server;

The “dying time” and how many players are playing or period requires for communicating of instructions among the server and the participant. players typically choose a server of the less ping time earlier than they link instantly to the game server.

Benefits of Online casino Games Online

Casino Games Online are like a secular heaven for folks that love playing. Long past is the times when individuals who like to gamble must watch for the vacation, e-book a flight to their favorite metropolis and revel in the world of thrill and excitement. Online gambling Games provide gamblers a long way extra possibilities than there are available at offline casinos

But, before looking for On line casino Video games On-line, one ought to remember the fact that now not all of the kids are eligible to play these intricate Games. There is a certain age restrict, simplest those above 21 years of age institution are eligible to play these Video games, whether On-line or offline.

There are massive Benefits of Casino Games Online; a few of them are shared under.Video games For free

The maximum attractive and alluring factor of Casino Games Online is the fact that most people of Online casinos provide you with a possibility to play all gambling Video games nearly Totally free. As for folks who price, the quantity is almost negligible compared to the substantial international of gaming opening in front of you.

Variety

Online casinos provide you a variety of Games at your step. There are positive Video games that are an area of expertise of a location or specific spot of the country, if you search that game on any Casino halls Online you may be astonished to find out that not simply that authentic sport is available, there are some of the versions of that Video games gift Online.

How Charities Assist People

So long as Human beings have populated the planet, there had been Human beings assisting to supply the needs of others. There will always be Human beings which have extra than other Human beings, and in maximum instances, the Humans with much less are in such a circumstance thru no fault of their very own.

Catastrophe may additionally strike or success can flip in opposition to them. In such situations, their livelihood can rely on the generosity and the charity of others.

Because it became obvious that giving to others turned into a part of human life, corporations have been installed that function a middle person to get cash or goods from the haves to the have-nots. Those groups are called charities. A few charities are very unique as a long way because the groups of People they intend to serve. As an example,

A charity can also recognition solely on presenting poor children with vaccines at beginning to prevent them from obtaining deadly ailments. different charities are broader of their scope and truly have the message that they’ll use your donations to Assist Humans in want.

Every 12 months, there are more than one herbal screw ups that leave Human beings in dire conditions. The loss of lifestyles is the worst consequence of such disasters, however, there are other consequences which could devastate large populations for extended intervals of times. An earthquake, As an example,

Will result in thousands and thousands of greenbacks in damage to infrastructure. Floods kill hundreds of vegetation and can cause expanded starvation and malnourishment a few of the populace. There are numerous charities that have been hooked up for the cause of assisting Those Human beings out. It’s far important to keep in mind that natural disasters are unpredictable for the most element, however, that they’re inevitable.

For that reason, do not wait until after a Disaster moves to begin donating. A charity that already has the goods to Help Human beings out will be able to reply right now whilst the instances are the direct.

There are numerous neighborhood charities that serve the People living around you. No matter the truth that they don’t carry in as a great deal in donations as the larger charities, they are just as crucial. An instance of a small yet precious local charity is a food bank. It lacks the sources to supply the wishes of a whole united state of America devastated through a natural Catastrophe, however, it allows Human beings for your network get the meals they want however can not manage to pay for.

For charities to be successful, they require the generosity of the Humans who have the method to help them. If you are able to Assist, Each donation counts and a person could be happier due to your selfless act. It’s miles very possibly that there is a charity that serves a need that you are feeling strongly approximately, and you may without difficulty find them and make contributions.