#institution's invoice

[lesbianashleywilliams]

So those of you who have been following me may have noticed that I all but disappeared for about three months...well, that's because I've been planning to go to Japanese language school, and the wheels have really begun to start turning!!!!!!

I have been given the opportunity of my lifetime to be able to attend a Japanese language course at the International Study Institute in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. The course runs for a year, with the opportunity to extend it to two years, if my grades and money are sound [insert sound of children cheering here].

Being able to study Japanese locally and long-term has been a life goal of mine since I was fourteen. Though I'll probably never be able to fulfill my teenage dream of being an interpreter/translator for expats, this feels like the next best thing. Due to suffering from several comorbid chronic conditions that have majorly altered my life, most notably the beast known as systemic lupus erythematosus, I will probably never be able to seize another chance like this ever again. I won't be going in as a total novice, as I was able to take a year's worth of 1000-level Japanese language courses in college…before I had to drop out…… Since then I've been self-studying and using language exchange apps for practice, but nothing will beat the experience of using it in the day-to-day.

At this point in time (January 2024), my first six months of tuition have already been paid for. I am currently in a quiet waiting period while I wait to get to the next steps of the Certificate of Eligibility/Student Visa process. Before that, though, I need to secure my flight and housing. For the sake of my health, safety, privacy and comfort, a sharehouse will not be an option; I will have to seek a private apartment. I am here today to request assistance with the aforementioned flight and initial housing costs. It's still too early to commit to either of those, but:

The average cost of flexible one-way flights from where I am to either of the two Tokyo metro airports (Haneda and Narita) is running around $1200

I am doing some preliminary apartment scouting and am hoping not to exceed $800 per month (I will be traveling with suitcases and will need to properly store them). The apartments I am looking at do not require a security deposit or key money, but will probably come with a guarantor fee.

Now because I'm not going over there through one of the more common avenues - through a university or a job - I have to do it myself. Real life has meant that I've had to dig into my bank balance a bit, and after paying for the first six months I'm a little under the 2 million yen (~$14k) threshold that Immigration likes to see for a year's study. I'm lucky enough in that I will at least have a regular source of (unearned) income, as well as a financial sponsor; it's just the bank balance, flight, and accommodation that are hanging me up. Right now I am setting the initial goal at $3000, but I expect to move those goalposts at least once. Any extra will go towards a flight home for the Christmas holidays in December. After that, it'll go towards paying down my credit cards as much as I can prior to leaving the United States.

I can provide my conditional letter of acceptance from ISI, as well as the school invoice and receipt of the bank transfer for the first six months of tuition upon request (identifying information redacted, of course).

Because there's still a couple of months until I'm set to fly out I put together a GoFundMe (now that's a name I haven't used in a while) to idly collect whatever help I can. At the very least I just need this post to circulate enough to eventually cast a wider net outside of Tungle.hell.

GoFundMe

If you can't use GFM, V3nmo and P4ypal are also options:

V3nmo: @/venus3palette

P4ypal: @/fantasytheater

Again: I'm not in that much of a hurry, and the situation isn't dire! Thank you for combing my wall of text!!!!

[euphreana]

The Shape of Truth - Chapter 8: Puttin On The Blitz

Masterpost

-

Ambrosius and Nimona had almost two hours before their meeting with Meredith. In the rain. Nimona suggested they wait it out at the library. It was almost noon, and the study rooms would be filling up soon - they couldn’t risk not having one available. Ambrosius could think of a million things he’d rather do than wait at a library, but Nimona had a point. The library it was.

The cloak Ambrosius had brought was meant for style, not for keeping dry. He looked like a soaked rat by the time he pushed through the library’s massive front doors. As a fluffy dog, Nimona hadn’t fared any better. At least she could trot over to the women’s bathroom and shapeshift the water off.

“You going to dry yourself off, boss?” she asked, returning to the foyer in teen form.

Ambrosius looked down at his soggy attire.

“I don’t think I have that option.”

“Uh, hand dryers?” She pointed a finger towards the mens bathroom. “I’ll go reserve a study room.”

The hand dryers did precious little for Ambrosius’s clothes. He’d just have to deal with everything sticking to him for a while. At least his copy of the invoice and the packet of ash in his pocket hadn’t fallen apart.

Ambrosius sighed as he regarded himself in the mirror. Most of the styling product had been washed out of his hair, leaving it flat and limp. He combed it back with his fingers. Then he glanced at the hand dryer next to him. What if…

~ ~ ~

Nimona tried hard not to laugh when he got to the study room.

“So fluffy!”

“I know.” Ambrosius muttered and tried to brush his hair back more with his hand. It had probably looked better wet. “I got tea.” he said, holding out one of the two paper cups in the cardboard tray he was carrying. “You liked the stuff this morning, right? Earl Grey with milk and sugar.”

Nimona accepted the cup and took a long slurp.

“Yeah. Good stuff.”

Ambrosius smiled faintly. Ballister would have been happy someone else liked his favorite drink.

Ambrosius sat down at the study room table and pulled his phone out. Nimona snatched it away.

“Not today!” she exclaimed, pushing a holographic computer screen in front of him. “We’re not gonna wait around like cadets on exam day - we’re gonna get you cultured!” She clicked play on the video she’d pulled up.

“What—”

“SHH. This is a good one.”

The ‘culture’ Nimona wanted Ambrosius to experience was one of those subversive movies that The Institute had banned from wide release. Ambrosius got even more tense the moment he realized it. He would have told Nimona to turn it off... but once he noticed no one could see them through the patterned glass wall, his curiosity got the better of him and he let it play.

He could see why the movie had been forbidden at The Institute - the story was about a man who’d been falsely imprisoned, and it painted the knights guarding the prison as cruel and the prison itself as squalid. Ambrosius tried to point out the unrealism, only to get a ‘how would you know’ and ‘sh, this is a good part’ from Nimona.

It… was a good movie though. The music was ominous, the camera work was smart, and Ambrosius was surprised to see the actor had actually shaved his head and starved himself to fit the story. And the tension - you could cut it with a knife! Ambrosius watched as the prisoner began to set his escape plan into motion, and…

Loud, jarring music beat through the room’s speakers as waves of bright color splashed across the screen. Ambrosius jumped, startled. Nimona glared at the screen.

“Grrr… I HATE mid-movie ads!”

Ambrosius blinked. This felt familiar…

“Luscious locks! For the luscious you!” Golden hair filled the screen, then zoomed out to reveal the Ambrosius of several years prior holding a shampoo bottle.

“NO NO NO! SKIP! SKIP IT!”

“I can’t! It’s an unskippable ad!”

Ambrosius groaned as he watched himself proclaim the merits of whatever shampoo company had paid him that time. His hair had been longer then - long enough to pull back into a bun and stay within academy regulations.

“Aww, you looked good with long hair!” Nimona said, “Why’d you ever cut it?”

“Ugh. The Institute wanted a more ‘disciplined’ look for my graduation year.”

“You call that disciplined?”

“Hey I’m lucky they let me keep this!”

Nimona snorted.

“Well now that you’ve graduated, you gonna do something else with it?”

“I don’t know. Depends on what The Institute wants.”

Nimona crossed her arms.

“Well if you could have your hair any way you wanted, what would you pick?”

Ambrosius had to think for a moment.

“I don’t know… I did like it long.”

“Still blond?”

Ambrosius laughed.

“It’s been so long, I don’t think I can picture myself with dark hair.”

“Yeah? How about this then?”

In a flurry of pink sparkles, Nimona transformed into… him. Ambrosius blinked. It was like looking into a mirror. There he was; his mother’s eyes, his father’s build, and dark, silky hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Nimona cocked an eyebrow.

“So? How do you look?”

Ambrosius stared.

“… Real.”

It was at that moment the study room door opened and Meredith Blitzmeyer arrived. She stopped when she saw two Ambrosiuses. Nimona gave a grin and shifted back to her teen form. Meredith opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. Then she held her hands up.

“I saw nothing.”

Nimona paused the movie screen and pushed it away as Meredith set her laptop on the table. The laptop screen flickered on.

“You have my storage key, right?” Meredith asked cautiously.

Ambrosius reached into his pocket and set the key on the table in front of him.

“The emails first.”

“Right. Emails…” It only took a moment for her to pull up the subject of their meeting. “The first email came several weeks ago - a special order for a power source that could fit into a narrow space and release all of its energy at once. A controlled explosive for deep mining, it’d said.”

Ambrosius’s eyes skimmed over the email. It was from a ‘Fodere’ of ‘Mansley Mining’ - a self-described startup company.

Meredith continued, “I’ve engineered mining equipment before, so I didn’t think it unusual. They paid my asking price too, no negotiating. It all seemed legitimate.” She clicked to the next email, showing the schematics of the blaster. “I completed a final version for approval. Then they sent the sword to the lab, saying to install the power source inside, for ‘ceremonial’ use in their new mine. I thought it was suspicious, and then one of my assistants recognized the sword.” She scrolled down further, showing the final emails. “I tried asking Fodere followup questions before I reported it to Security. I- I thought it would be helpful to the case. I didn’t think…” Meredith paused and rubbed a hand under her glasses.

Ambrosius scanned the exchange. This ‘Fodere’ hadn’t given any additional information, just requests to finish quickly, and that they couldn’t postpone opening the mine.

Nimona leaned over Ambrosius’s shoulder.

“Who uses ‘prithee’ in an email?” she asked, reading alongside. “That’s like, archaic.”

“High-upper-class people do.” Ambrosius mused, “I’ve even heard The Director say it a few times.” It wasn’t a word Ballister would have used. “Whoever wrote these emails doesn’t mingle with commoners.”

It made sense - the vocabulary, the money involved - the perpetrator had to be a noble. Not that it narrowed things down much, but it at least ruled out a terrorist uprising. There would be a possible motive for framing Ballister then too - not wanting a commoner among the pure-blood ranks.

“When was the lab fire again?”

“The day before the knighting.”

“So this ‘Fodere’ got impatient, since he needed the sword the next day.”

Meredith buried her face in her hands.

“I should have just done it. The queen died anyway. My assistants didn’t need to die too.”

There was an awkward silence. Ambrosius tried to move on.

“Why the fire though? He could have just stolen the sword and blaster and put them together himself.”

Meredith raised her head slightly.

“No he couldn’t have. The power source was delicate. The officials said the fire was caused by one of the prototypes spontaneously discharging and setting off the others, but I had too many safety features to keep that from happening inside the lab - someone had to have done it on purpose.” Meredith looked up at him. “He made my assistants install the power source, and then set off the prototype to burn them alive. I’m only here because I was sick that day.” 

There was a long silence. Meredith looked away.

“Can I have my storage key now?”

Ambrosius slid the key across the table.

“Forward me those emails.” he told Meredith, “And let me get a video of you saying what you just told me.”

Nimona leaned between them.

“Um, privacy much?”

“What?”

“Come on, are you trying to get her killed? The perp is a noble - that’s like, half of The Institute! How do you know whoever you show the video to isn’t in on the plot?”

“That’s exactly what the video is for - if something happens to her, it’ll be a backup.”

Meredith was looking uneasy.

“If something happens—”

Ambrosius held a hand up.

“It’ll be fine.”

“Come on man, this lady’s too valuable.” Nimona threw a friendly arm over Meredith’s shoulder. Meredith still looked uncomfortable.

Ambrosius crossed his arms.

“As a knight, it is my duty to defend against threats to The Kingdom at all costs. If there’s a traitor inside The Institute, they need to be found and dealt with. For the greater good.”

“That ‘protect the greater good at all costs’ mantra is exactly what got your buddy killed.”

Ambrosius’s jaw locked for a moment. Then he found his voice again.

“Well what else is there to do?!”

“We could post the evidence for all the Kingdom to see.”

“Posting it would cause unneeded public tension.”

“That’s a good thing though! Once the common people realize the ones at the top killed both their beloved queen and then one of their own for daring to rise above his station, they’ll demand justice!” Nimona jumped onto the table, “Then when the nobles claim special privilege and get pardoned, the people will revolt! Tables will turn! Buildings will burn! And we can throw off the shackles of the system and rise from the ashes in freedom!” she threw her hands out for dramatic effect.

Ambrosius looked at her blankly. He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Part of him wanted to report her for apostasy, and the other part was sure she was joking and he just wasn’t getting the joke.

Meredith closed her laptop quickly.

“I think I should go.”

“Wait—” Ambrosius tried to reach for the storage key, but once again Meredith was quicker than he was.

“I don’t want to be involved with revolutionaries,” she stated, “I just want to be left alone.”

“We aren’t planning a revolution! No one’s going to revolt over this! Nimona’s just…” Ambrosius shot Nimona a look, “… jumping to conclusions.”

Nimona put her hands on her hips.

“How is connecting the dots ‘jumping to conclusions’? This could be the spark that dismantles the establishment!”

“Not if we keep this quiet.”

“Keep this quiet? I thought you wanted everyone to know your buddy was innocent!”

“Not if the peace of The Kingdom is at stake!”

“You mean your cushy job?”

Ambrosius's eye twitched.

“I mean we can turn the guilty party in to the Justice Department, and they can do whatever they see fit.”

Nimona looked like she had a witty response to that, but she was cut off by the sound of the study room door closing. Meredith was gone.

Ambrosius and Nimona looked at each other, then sprinted through the door. It was lunch hour and the library was full. No sign of their only witness. Nimona gave a long groan.

“So much for that...”

Ambrosius scanned the crowd, determined to not lose his only lead in proving Ballister’s innocence.

“We can find her again. I- I can find out where she lives. Then-”

“If she’s smart, she won’t be at home by the time we get there.”

Ambrosius gritted his teeth.

“Then we’ll stalk her storage unit or something. We can’t just let her escape!”

“Then what?”

“Then we find out who did this! You want to know too, don’t you?!”

Several library patrons shot Ambrosius glares for raising his voice.

Nimona crossed her arms.

“I wanted to know back when I thought there were other heretics involved. But this is just turning into some high-class drama without results since you’re so concerned about your high and mighty job. I’m out.”

She began to storm away.

“Wait, Nimona—”

But it was too late - she too had disappeared, probably shape-shifted into some other person in the crowd. Ambrosius stood in the study room doorway in silence. He’d just lost everyone he could have considered a friend. Again.

Next chapter

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Universities secretly sold their students to online casinos

End-stage capitalism’s defining characteristic is making money rather than making things. Think of how Jack Welch destroyed GE by transforming it from a manufacturing company to a financial engineering shop:

https://the.ink/p/like-capitalism-itself-business-journalism

Hospitals are invoice-generating factories with a sideline in medicine. The electronic health record only incidentally records your health. Its primary purpose is to record your billing-codes:

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ehrs/physicians-spending-nearly-2-hours-a-day-on-ehr-tasks-outside-work.html

And universities? Ugh. Most universities now have more administrators than faculty:

https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2022/08/administrative-bloat-harms-teaching-and-learning/

Much of that “administration” comes down to begging alums for money to funnel into vast endowments, but heaven forfend those endowments would be used to cover payroll and other essentials, even in a pandemic emergency:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/reneemorad/2020/04/21/harvard-under-fire-for-accepting-nearly-9-million-in-coronavirus-relief-funds/

Nor are endowment funds available to pay the education workers who actually teach students, but can’t afford the rent, food, or family:

https://www.capradio.org/articles/2022/11/14/nearly-50000-university-of-california-graduate-student-employees-launch-open-ended-strike/

The point of the endowment is to increase the size of the endowment — not to improve educational outcomes or research. That’s why Harvard is “A hedge fund that has a university”:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-hedge-fund-that-has-a-university-1510615228

This is the overwhelming logic of capital: capital exists to increase capital, and the underlying mechanism for that increase is irrelevant. This was the reasoning behind the surreal bid to sell the .ORG nonprofit registry to a secretive hedge-fund.

The point of the .ORG registry is to host domain records for nonprofits; incidentally, this throws off some extra money that is turned into grants for public interest projects. The board decided to sell off .ORG so it could make more of these grants, despite the fact that this would compromise the mission of hosting .ORG domain records:

https://www.eff.org/press/releases/org-domain-registry-sale-ethos-capital-rejected-stunning-victory-public-interest

Likewise, this was the reasoning of the Mountain Equipment Co-Op board when they decided to sell off the member-owned co-op (“the most trusted brand in Canada”) to a US private equity fund without consulting the members:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/16/spike-lee-joint/#casse-le-mec

The expand-capital-at-all-costs mindset is a virulent species of brain worms. It’s the basis for surreal movements like effective altruism, which encourages people who want to do good for the world to sell out to the most toxic industries on Earth, amass gigantic fortunes, and then, upon their death, donate them to causes that in some way remediate the harms they themselves wreaked:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earning_to_give

In his new book Survival of the Richest, Douglas Rushkoff calls this “The Mindset” — “I need to make vast amounts of money, no matter what the consequences, or I will not be able to afford to insulate myself from the consequences of how I made all that money”:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/09/13/collapse-porn/#collapse-porn

Once you let people with The Mindset anywhere near your institution, they will take it over and turn it into a paperclip-maximizing killing machine, one that abandons and then betrays its mission to increase its profits, eventually killing its host. Anything that can’t go on forever will eventually stop:

https://doctorow.medium.com/anything-that-cant-go-on-forever-will-eventually-stop-110ba9711133

That’s what’s happened to higher ed. It’s not just the payroll full of starving adjuncts, facilities workers, etc. It’s not just the way that universities join forces with textbook monopolists to gouge their students:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/07/markets-in-everything/#textbook-abuses

Beyond academics having to rely on food-stamps, students going into lifetime debt to enrich predatory textbook monopolies, and the other horrors of financialized higher ed, there’s the special evil of college sports.

Like all finance-bro motivated reasoning, college sports are sold as a way to do well by doing good: “Look! We’re giving poor people a chance at a great education based on their physical prowess, and we’re racking up tons of money for the university!”

But — like all finance schemes — college sports is a self-licking ice-cream cone that destroys the lives of the people who generate value for it, even as it devours its host institution from within.

Did you know that until very recently, college athletes weren’t allowed to make a penny from their labor?

https://www.scotusblog.com/2021/06/in-unanimous-ruling-court-agrees-with-athletes-that-ncaa-violated-antitrust-laws/

Did you know that those same athletes experience lifelong brain injuries?

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2791303

Did you know that college sports are a cesspit of long-term, officially tolerated sexual abuse?

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/30/ohio-state-michigan-doctors-sexual-abuse-college-football

Did you know that the highest paid public employee in many states is a football coach at a state college?

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/highest-paid-college-football-coaches-2022/

Did you know that college coaches conspired with the rich parents to steal sport-related admission slots from poor kids and give them to mediocre winners of the orifice-lottery?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varsity_Blues_scandal

In many universities — whether public or private — the sports program effectively runs the show. Take the University of New Hampshire: back in 2016, a university librarian named Robert Morin left his life’s savings to the school after 50 years of service. Morin lived frugally for that half century and amassed a personal fortune of $4m.

He believed so deeply in the university’s mission that he turned it all over to the school without any restrictions. Talk about earning to give! The university blew Morin’s gift on a new jumbotron for their sports stadium:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/09/16/university-to-buy-1-million-football-scoreboard-with-thrifty-librarians-money-outraging-critics/

The people who see universities as inconvenient adjuncts to exploitative sports teams know that there are still rivals within higher ed who think the point of the school is to educate students.

That’s why the universities that arranged to allow sports gambling websites to target the young people in their care did so in secret.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/20/business/caesars-sports-betting-universities-colleges.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuonUktbfqYhlSVUZAybfQMMmqBCdnr_EybEnj2XlaTONTixe1KEfDpSc-kHCILdlZsU-xS-aWN5MK_okQ_h2w-BSJAptVwys6NOiqagyHh8U-8i1T39kmNXER6w5-jvnKWDmIe5ymOTn-hvbbzH1XKzbg2lxIVpvvZY2d12t3yMDwKmVFfVnmYUrhYdXDZ54TT8KZiWY7bK_W1glZoLwPlyL4RI2WupZRTnQgdWfjrsCew5TAl7FJ2httSd-sJgPfYNKY9usakIoa8H8gr4OCmd3LYvPBpQ5RILck70Coqf9dPDE9RFVhqXegnp2EK4F

Writing for the New York Times, Anna Betts, Andrew Little, Elizabeth Sander, Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly and Walt Bogdanich reveal the extraordinary corruption and depravity of college administrators who colluded with sports book companies to bring gambling to campus.

Implicated in the scandal are such top schools as Michigan State, U Colorado Bolder, Louisiana State, Syracuse and Texas Christian Univeristy (mission: “to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens”).

On the casino side, the major player is Caesar’s, which is only fitting — Caesar’s was driven to bankruptcy by private equity who managed to financialize a casino into ruin:

https://www.ft.com/content/a0ed27c6-a2d4-11e7-b797-b61809486fe2

Caesar’s offered universities millions of dollars for the right to directly sports betting to students. The MSU deal, brokered by university officials Paul Schager and Alan Haller, was worth $8.4m. That is to say, Caesar’s was asking the university to help it drain at least $8.4m from students’ bank accounts in order to turn a profit.

Louisiana State U did a similar deal with Caesar’s, and then embarked on a direct marketing campaign to sell sports gambling to students who were too young to legally place a bet.

LSU says this was a mistake. Cody Worsham, a university official who holds two offices — associate athletic director and chief brand officer (!!) — said that Caesar’s and LSU “share a commitment to responsible, age-appropriate marketing.”

Meanwhile, U Colorado Boulder struck a deal where it earned a $30 bounty every time a student went from non-gambler to gambler — in other words, Boulder didn’t make money by advertising gambling to students — it made money only if its students started gambling.

These student gambling programs are designed to keep children betting even if they lose money, with teaser offers that refund some losses if students keep placing bets.

This is obviously unsavory stuff. That’s why the architects of these programs went to enormous lengths to keep it secret. The state schools involved funneled their deals through private marketing agencies that were shielded from FOIA requests, specifically to prevent the public from learning how public universities were conducting their affairs.

As MSU executive associate athletic director Paul Schager put it: “With the multimedia rights holder, public institutions like Michigan State no longer have to disclose all those sponsorship deals. This helps with the sponsors being able to spend what they feel is appropriate without having the public or employees or stockholders question that investment.”

The deals themselves are far-reaching. As part of MSU’s Caesar’s deal, tailgate parties before big games would be “Caesarized,” with the casino providing ad-copy for the live announcers to read to attendees. As a figleaf, $25,000 of the millions that MSU received from Caesar’s was earmarked for gambling addiction education.

The deals weren’t just kept secret from the public — they were also hidden from top university oversight. At UC Bolder, the Board of Regents was informed of the deal mere hours before it was announced to the public.

These deals have only been running for a couple months and it’s too soon to chart the long-term harms they’ll create in the student body. But, the Times* notes, there is an one harm that surfaced almost immediately: student athletes are now subject to vicious abuse by their fellow students, who lose money they can’t afford when their peers lose a game.

[Image ID: A gaudy casino floor. In the foreground is a figure in college graduation robes giving a double thumbs-up. His head is a grinning skull with a mortarboard.]

[eretzyisrael]

by Kassy Akiva

In February, Albanese spoke to Harvard University students that Israel did not have a right to defend itself from Hamas terrorists who were raping, murdering, and burning homes and people.

“It didn’t have the right to act in self-defense, meaning waging a war because it couldn’t wage a war against the people it maintains under occupation,” she said. “What Israel had to do was to repel the attack on its own territory, arrest and detain and treat humanely the people who had been arrested and ensure justice.”

Her assistant maintained interest, even after being told it was a speech defending “intifada.”

“[W]e want to hear about the ‘Morality of the Intifada,’ which Zionists have co-opted and turned into a dirty word,” Goldstein wrote. “There is also a small honorarium available.”

De Martin responded days later, asking if Albanese could speak on May 7. “If I understood correctly, you would like Ms Albanese to deliver a keynote speech of around 15/20 minutes to the students,” De Martin said. Regarding the honorarium, De Martin said Albanese could not accept only officially but asked for it to be transferred to the “fellowship of her volunteer.”

“Moreover, concerning the honorarium, she cannot take honorarium for anything she does in her official capacity,” De Martin wrote. “However, she kindly asks for this honorarium to be transferred to the Fellowship of her volunteer which supports her mandate work. Could you please provide some detail on the sum of the honorarium? The research institute will then send you the invoice for payment.”

Sara Troian, another research assistant for Albanese, told the Daily Wire that the special rapporteur “never agreed to Linda Goldstein’s request,” even though emails show her team asked for a Zoom link. She added that she wanted the honorarium to be sent to her university to fund her work.

[lurafita]

When planets align, hilarity ensues

for three days, every 250 years, the planets and stars align in such a way, that the earth's magic and magical creatures are affected in curious ways.

And warlocks in particular can have… funny reactions.

Like when Magnus gives Alec an invoice for his services for something he did for the institute just then (ward maintainance or whatever) and instead of money or rubies like usual, the payment must be done in stray cats.

[37q]

my brother reading his mail yesterday balked at the suggestion of sending "money" via the post to an institution he has an unpaid balance with. i take issue for two, maybe three reasons.

(1) youre not sending cash in the mail, thats weird. (2) youre sending cheques, which are far more normal, convenient, and secure. as for security, (3a) historically the free transmission of invoices and cheques has been priority no. 1 for americas status as a paragon of liberty and commerce, and so (3b) now the USPS wields its own stringent punitive measures.

people send and receive medications, court documents, things of far greater value than your $258.63 bill. i pity your online portal worldview.

[justajoshe]

It's my birthday, so I made myself a little present :)

Some More:

I love these toxic little guys <3

Listening to Marshmallow - Nu.Q

Drinking Pumpkin Spice Black Tea

Craving Beef Chimichanga

Since it's my birthday, I'll also throw in I have a GoFundMe up to pay off my school balance. My situation is complicated. I can stay in the state of NM if I am enrolled in school full-time, and I might be stay on campus for the summer if I can get my balance paid. If not the campus, then low income housing. I am originally from Oklahoma, and as I trans-man I do not feel safe returning after what happened to Nex Benedict. What I have listed on the FundMe is less than what I owe, but I plan to pay off the rest on my own.

If you are one of those people that like to receive something for your money, Consider Commissioning Me! I use Ko-Fi/Stripe to send invoices, please read my TOS

[hclib]

Charge It

Lots of people are pulling out their credit cards today to snag Cyber Monday deals. In 1946, a new credit card debuted in Minneapolis, though it bears little resemblance to the ones we use today.

This new card, called a Charga-Plate, was designed to make it easier for local shoppers to use their store-specific charge accounts. Eight of the top Minneapolis retailers (The Baker Co., The Dayton Co., L.S. Donaldson Co., J.B. Hudson Co., Juster Brothers, Powers Dry Goods Co., Warner Hardware, and The Young-Quinlan Co.) collaborated to send Charga-Plates to their customers. A shopper would receive one Charga-Plate, no matter how many of the stores offered them credit. The location of notches on the plate indicated which stores held accounts for the shopper. The system was meant to speed up the check-out process by eliminating the need for clerks to look up who held credit at their store and then write their information on the receipt. Instead, the Charga-Plate was used to copy the buyer's name to the invoice quickly. Newspaper ads touted it as "A truly modern shopping service!"

This Charga-Plate from our collections belonged to Charlotte Griffin Weld. Weld was a leader in many civic organizations in the 1940s and 1950s, including the Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the women's division of the Hennepin County War Finance Committee, and the Women's Association of the Minnesota Orchestra (WAMSO).

Photos of Charga-Plates from the Minneapolis Newspaper Photograph Collection in the Hennepin County Library Digital Collections. Weld's Charga-Plate from the Charlotte Griffin Weld Papers (M/A 0082).

[female-malice]

James Hansen, director of the climate programme at Columbia University’s Earth Institute in New York:

"When our children and grandchildren look back at the history of human-made climate change, this year and next will be seen as the turning point at which the futility of governments in dealing with climate change was finally exposed. Not only did governments fail to stem global warming, the rate of global warming actually accelerated. The bright side of this clear dichotomy is that young people may realise that they must take charge of their future. The turbulent status of today’s politics may provide opportunity."

Professor Johan Rockström, the joint director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany:

"The climate year 2023 is nothing but shocking, in terms of the strength of climate occurrences, from heatwaves, droughts, floods and fires, to rate of ice melt and temperature anomalies particularly in the ocean. These new developments indicated the Earth is in uncharted territory ​​and under siege. What we mean by this is that we may be seeing a shift in Earth’s response to 250 years of escalated human pressures … to a situation of ‘payback’ where Earth starts sending invoices back to the thin layer on Earth where humans live, in the form of off the charts extremes. What disturbed me most in 2023 was the sharp increase in sea surface temperatures, which have been abrupt even for an El Niño year. We do not understand why the ocean heat increase is so dramatic, and we do not know what the consequences are in the future. Are we seeing the first signs of a state shift? Or is it a freak outlier?"

[lawbyrhys]

Top US Car Insurance Company is Being Sued For Allegedly Forcing Unnecessary Policies

Would you believe Allstate finds itself in yet another lawsuit? Let's break down the situation.

An Allstate-owned insurance company is under the proverbial boot of the DOJ as they crack down on aforementioned provider for allegedly forcing collateral protection insurance on hundreds of thousands already-ensured customers.

National General is the company in question, finding themselves in the midst of the lawsuit that alleges they partook in a scheme to defraud customers who financed their cars through Wells Fargo.

Allegedly, over an 11-year span between 2005-2016, National General schemed to obtain money from Wells Fargo by way of its practice of "force-placing" collateral protection insurance into millions of cars, even though they "knew or recklessly disregarded" these vehicles were already ensured. The lawsuit reads, in part:

"In fact, from 2008 to 2016, National General knew that it falsely force-placed insurance between 56 and 93% of the time. These improper force-placements harmed borrowers — causing borrowers to pay money they did not owe, borrowers to default on their loans, vehicle repossessions, and negative impacts to borrowers’ credit scores."

Those who utilized Wells Fargo to finance their vehicles were required to get comprehensive and collision insurance or collateral protection insurance. Wells Fargo contracted with National General to identify whether or not a customer had the insurance required for their vehicle.

"If National General did not obtain proof of such insurance, National General automatically issued a certificate of insurance for its CPI product. This was called 'force-placing' insurance because the cost of the CPI was subsequently added to a borrower’s loan, even though the customer did not affirmatively purchase the insurance from National General."

The DOJ alleges that National General failed to make phone calls to insurance carriers, agents, or borrowers to obtain outside insurance, despite a legal requirement to do so, as well as failing to "match insurance information in its possession to financed vehicles."

Wells Fargo customers paid approximately $1,100 per loan a year for National General’s collateral protection insurance—a rate which was more expensive and provided less protection than comprehensive and collision insurance.

"Sometimes National General realized its error before the borrower was billed, but, between 29 and 63% of the time, National General improperly invoiced Wells Fargo who then improperly billed the borrowers—forcing borrowers to pay premiums and other fees associated with the CPI that they did not owe."

According to the lawsuit, National General “falsely placed” 1.2 million and 2.1 million collateral protection insurance between 2005 and 2016. Despite approximately 600,000-700,000 of these policies being canceled before the borrower was charged for them, approximately 640,000-1.4 million were not.

Ultimately, National General earned ~$500M from these practices, according to the lawsuit.

"National General knew or at least recklessly disregarded that it was falsely placing CPI and charging for duplicative insurance, but it took no meaningful steps to reduce the rate of false placements. NGLS’s Wells Fargo Account Manager dismissed false placements as a 'function of the program.'"

The DOJ is seeking to have National General face the maximum penalty permitted under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act "in an amount to be determined at trial."

Of course, National General denies these allegations; "These allegations are false, and we are committed to sharing the facts."

Personally, I'm not surprised by the allegations in this lawsuit; Allstate isn't exactly renowned for giving a shit. That being said, though, I think this will be an interesting suit to follow, and I will update you all accordingly as the case progresses.

What do you think of this lawsuit? Let me know!

[upthewitchypunx]

Do you know what's annoying? waiting on payments from several hundred dollars of open invoice, mostly from institutions like schools and libraries, so that I can restock books. It's always the institutions that take forever to pay and I want to get new books for a vending event in two weeks.

I'm especially excited about Conjuring the Commonplace: A Guide to Everyday Enchantment & Junk Drawer Magic by Corey and Laine from New World Witchery. Their new books seems so fun!

Guess I gotta do a little moneh shakey shakey spelll?

Also, Iistened to the City Cast Portland this morning about eating winter vegetables and now I want to go buy all the beets and squash and kalettes and eat them all today.

[appicsoftwaresteam]

How To Develop A Fintech App In 2024?

FinTech, short for financial technology, represents innovative solutions and products that enhance and streamline financial services. These innovations span online payments, money management, financial planning applications, and insurance services. By leveraging modern technologies, FinTech aims to compete with and often complement traditional financial institutions, improving economic data processing and bolstering customer security through advanced fraud protection mechanisms.

Booming FinTech Market: Key Highlights And Projections

Investment Growth In FinTech

In 2021, FinTech investments surged to $91.5 billion.

This represents nearly double the investment amount compared to 2020.

The significant increase highlights the rapid expansion and investor interest in the global FinTech market.

Projected Growth In Financial Assets Managed By FinTech Companies

By 2028, financial assets managed by FinTech firms are expected to reach $400 billion.

This projection indicates a 15% increase from current levels, showcasing the potential for substantial growth in the sector.

Usage Of Online Banking

About 62.5% of Americans used online banking services in 2022.

This figure is expected to rise as more consumers adopt digital financial services.

Key FinTech Trends In 2024

1. Banking Mobility

The transition from traditional in-person banking to mobile and digital platforms has been significantly accelerated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The necessity for remote banking options has driven a surge in the adoption of smartphone banking apps. Digital banking services have become indispensable, enabling customers to manage their finances without needing to visit physical bank branches. 

According to a report by Statista, the number of digital banking users in the United States alone is expected to reach 217 million by 2025. Many conventional banks are increasingly integrating FinTech solutions to bolster their online service offerings, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

2. Use Of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI in Fintech Market size is predicted at USD 44.08 billion in 2024 and will rise at 2.91% to USD 50.87 billion by 2029. AI is at the forefront of the FinTech revolution, providing substantial advancements in financial data analytics, customer service, and personalized financial products. AI-driven applications enable automated data analysis, the creation of personalized dashboards, and the deployment of AI-powered chatbots for customer support. These innovations allow FinTech companies to offer more tailored and efficient services to their users. 

3. Development Of Crypto And Blockchain

The exploration and integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies remain pivotal in the FinTech sector. Blockchain, in particular, is heralded for its potential to revolutionize the industry by enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency in financial transactions. 

The global blockchain market size was valued at $7.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $94 billion by 2027, according to MarketsandMarkets. These technologies are being utilized for improved regulatory compliance, transaction management, and the development of decentralized financial systems.

4. Democratization Of Financial Services

FinTech is playing a crucial role in making financial services more transparent and accessible to a broader audience. This trend is opening up new opportunities for businesses, retail investors, and everyday users. The rise of various digital marketplaces, money management tools, and innovative financing models such as digital assets is a testament to this democratization. 

5. Products For The Self-Employed

The increasing prevalence of remote work has led to a heightened demand for FinTech solutions tailored specifically for self-employed individuals and freelancers. These applications offer a range of features, including tax monitoring, invoicing, financial accounting, risk management, and tools to ensure financial stability. 

According to Intuit, self-employed individuals are expected to make up 43% of the U.S. workforce by 2028, underscoring the growing need for specialized financial products for this demographic. FinTech companies are responding by developing apps and platforms that address the unique financial needs of the self-employed, facilitating smoother and more efficient financial management.

Monetization of FinTech Apps

1. Subscription Model

FinTech apps can utilize a subscription model, which offers users a free trial period followed by a recurring fee for continued access. This model generates revenue based on the number of active subscribers, with options for monthly or annual payments. It ensures a steady income stream as long as users find the service valuable enough to continue their subscription.

2. Financial Transaction Fees

Charging fees for financial transactions, such as virtual card usage, bank transfers, currency conversions, and payments for third-party services, can be highly lucrative. This model capitalizes on the volume of transactions processed through the app, making it a significant revenue generator.

3. Advertising

In-app advertising can provide a consistent revenue stream. Although it may receive criticism, strategically placed banners or video ads can generate substantial income without significantly disrupting the user experience.

Types Of FinTech Apps

1. Digital Banking Apps

Digital banking apps enable users to manage their bank accounts and financial services without visiting a physical branch. These apps offer comprehensive services such as account management, fund transfers, mobile payments, and loan applications, ensuring transparency and 24/7 access.

2. Payment Processing Apps

Payment processing apps act as intermediaries, facilitating transactions between payment service providers and customers. These apps enhance e-commerce by enabling debit and credit card transactions and other online payment methods, supporting small businesses in particular.

To Read More Visit - https://appicsoftwares.com/blog/develop-a-fintech-app/

[euphreana]

The Shape of Truth - Chapter 6: Papered Over

Masterpost

-

Arms & Hammer had just opened for the day when Ambrosius and Dog-Nimona arrived. Despite not being in armor, the clerk in the foyer complied when Ambrosius said he was there on ‘official business’. She told him the workshop had gotten several orders for replicas of Ballister's sword over the last few months, but she couldn't pinpoint any exact days. It would be up to him to dig through the invoices in the back office to find the order he was looking for.

Ambrosius closed the office door after the clerk left, letting Nimona go back to human form unnoticed. It would be easier to sort through filing cabinets with thumbs, after all.

“Ugh, why are they still using paper for everything?” Nimona whined as she poked through one of the cabinets.

“Paper is cheaper?” Ambrosius offered, pulling out a thick folder from another drawer.

“Paper takes up more space! And you can't ‘search all’ paper!”

Ambrosius couldn't argue with that.

Working with actual paper was a rare experience for him. He’d worked with the mercy forms the day before, but before then it had been years since he’d even touched the stuff. Everything that’d had to do with his training as a knight had been read or written on a screen of some kind. He wondered if he’d be using it more now that he’d graduated.

“Found one!” Nimona announced after several minutes, holding up a sheet of text.

Ambrosius scanned the invoice. It was indeed an order for the right kind of sword, but…

“That's too cheap for something as detailed as the blaster-sword was.” He pointed out.

Nimona huffed and resumed paging through the folder.

“Being a sidekick wasn’t supposed to involve paper.”

“You know you can always leave if you want.”

“I don’t want.”

Ambrosius remembered the question that had been in the back of his head since he’d learned Nimona was real.

“About that… Why are you helping me?”

Nimona shrugged.

“I told you - I want to see who’s behind all this.”

“Why? So you can join them?”

“Why not?”

Ambrosius picked up a new sheaf of papers from the to-search stack on the desk.

“You know you just said that to a knight. I could turn you in for treason.”

“But you won’t!” Nimona said cheerfully, dropping another sheaf of searchable papers on top of the stack. “You want to know who’s behind this just as much as I do.”

Ambrosius wasn’t amused.

“What makes you think I won’t report you afterward?”

“Uh, the fact that The Institute hung your buddy?”

“That doesn’t make them bad. They were… just following the laws.”

“And who made those laws?”

“I don’t see what—”

“And that’s your problem - you trust them too much. You’re like their gold puppet!”

That struck a nerve with Ambrosius. Of course he trusted The Institute. The Institute was Good - he’d come to that conclusion on his own. People who disagreed were just blind to the truth. Nobody was pulling his strings.

“I’m no puppet.” he glared, slamming his sheaf of papers onto the desk, “I can think for myself.”

Nimona turned. Her elbow knocked over the to-search stack.

“That’s what they want you to think. That’s why they’re the ones feeding you your information.”

“The Institute is good!”

“And who told you that?!”

The handle to the office door rattled briefly. In an instant, Ambrosius’s foot shot out and kicked Nimona’s feet out from under her, and she fell out of sight behind the desk just as the door opened.

“Everything okay in here?” The clerk asked, glancing around the small room. “Is someone bothering you?”

Ambrosius put on a fake smile and waved a sheaf of papers.

“All good! Just talking to someone on speakerphone.” He hoped the clerk wouldn’t notice his phone was nowhere to be seen.

“Okay…” The clerk left, closing the door behind her.

Ambrosius gave a sigh of relief. He glanced down at Nimona, expecting to see a furry ball of irritation. Instead, she looked remarkably chill, reading through one of the papers that had fallen on the floor.

“Hey… I think I found it!”

She held the paper out excitedly. Ambrosius’s eyes skimmed over it. Sure enough, the invoice listed a hollow sword capable of disassembly, as well as the extra costs of being a top-tier replica. It had been sold to a ‘MB’, and delivered to an address across town.

Ambrosius stared at the name on the paper. MB - was this the person who was responsible for his grief? Or were they just another pawn in this game?

“We should take this to the justice department.” Ambrosius said quickly, “Tell them what we’ve found. They can take care of it from here.”

Nimona smirked.

“What are you going to tell them? That you got here by breaking into the archives?”

Ambrosius froze. Oh no. Nimona was going to use that to blackmail him from here on out, wasn���t she? He knew sneaking in had been a bad idea - he should have just let The Institute handle everything. They would have figured it out themselves!

Before he could react, Nimona’s foot slammed into his ankles, toppling him to the floor next to her. She gave him a sly grin.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me!”

~ ~ ~

“Well, that’s disappointing.” Nimona stated flatly.

She and Ambrosius stood in front of the husk of a small burned-out building. The sky had just started to drizzle, washing bits of ash off the charred beams and twisted metal piled in heaps in the lot. The fire had been recent - this was the first rain since it had burned.

Ambrosius tugged his hood forward to cover his face more as the rain picked up. Then he noticed someone entering a nearby office.

“Hey, what happened here?” he called and pointed to the remains of the burnt building.

The person barely paused to look at him as he approached.

“Fire. Obviously.”

“Yeah, but- when? What happened?”

“Right before the knighting. Everyone inside died. Tragic.” The person closed the door in his face.

The pink dog next to Ambrosius piped up.

“Hey, maybe take the hood off next time. You look shady.”

Ambrosius ignored the advice and went back to the ruins, stepping over the caution tape strung around it. This was too convenient. Someone had to have been covering their tracks. Usually he’d leave this to the experts, but now he didn’t have that luxury. He’d need to do all the heavy lifting alone. Alone… Before all this, he’d always had Bal or his parents backing him up. Now he was alone…

His hands shook as he sifted through a pile of wet ash. He’d never planned for this. Being alone… He’d found out young that everyone always wanted some favor or the other in return for being his friend - Ballister had been the only person who’d asked nothing in return. And now the man was gone, leaving him alone.

Nimona’s voice broke in.

“What… exactly are you looking for?”

“I don’t know. Something… Anything…” He wasn’t going to give up just yet. Gloreth help him, he was going to get to the bottom of this. “This place was a business - there was a lobby right here. Then there had to have been an office over here. Maybe…” he shoved a blackened beam out of his way, “Maybe there’s a clue somewhere.”

Nimona pawed at a pile of rubble.

“A clue to what? You heard the guy; the perps are dead.”

“There has to be someone else - if Bal didn’t trigger the sword to go off, somebody else must have done it remotely. And if the fire was before the knighting, they had to keep the sword somewhere else till then.”

“Maybe they kept it at someone's house?”

“Would YOU keep an unstable weapon like that in your house?”

“Yeah?”

“Well MOST people wouldn't. They had to have had a hideout or something. Maybe there’s… I don’t know, an address tag or something in here.”

Nimona squinted, thinking.

“Well it's not like we have any other leads.” She joined the search.

There wasn’t much to find - only hardware from the building and some charred electronics hadn’t burned or melted from the heat. Then Nimona found something else - a warped, metal filing cabinet buried in rubble.

Ambrosius dug it free and yanked one of the bent drawers open. Ash. He tried the next drawer. More ash. The bottom drawer had ash too, but there was something else buried underneath it all…

He reached in and pulled out a metal key with a tag hanging from it. The plastic tag had warped and bubbled from heat, but the label on it was still readable.

“Knightly Storage, Unit 531.” he read aloud.

“A clue?”

Ambrosius smiled as he pocketed the key. “It’s worth checking out!”

Chapter 7

[erastaffingsolutions]

Navigating the Financial Maze: Self-Employed Proof of Income

Whether you're applying for a loan, trying to lease an apartment, filing taxes, or simply looking to keep your financial records in order, having the proper documentation is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the importance of proof of income, especially for those who work for themselves, and outline the most effective strategies for accruing the proof you need. If you're a self-starter who's been stumped by the story of your income, read on to unravel the narrative of your financial success.

Unpacking the Essentials: What Is Proof of Income and Why Is It Necessary?

What Is Proof of Income?

Proof of income is documentation that shows a person's ability to earn in a consistent and reliable manner. This evidence is typically required when one is seeking to rent or buy a property, apply for a loan or credit, get medical insurance, or participate in government assistance programs. Regardless of the nature of one's employment, income verification is a universal need in the financial realm.

Why Do You Need It?

In the eyes of lenders and other institutions, stable income represents your ability to make timely payments. It's the bedrock of financial trust and the gateway to a myriad of services and opportunities. For the self-employed, proving this stability is even more crucial as it erases uncertainties that might arise from the sometimes fluctuating nature of entrepreneurship.

How to prove income when self employed?

1. Organize Your Financial Statements

Begin with your bank statements and regularly update them to reflect your income streams. Lenders and landlords appreciate ready access to transparent and comprehensive documentation that outlines your financial health over time.

2. Prepare Tax Returns

Income tax returns are a gold standard in the financial world. Ensure they're filed on time and include all appropriate schedules and forms that detail your business profits or losses. If you've yet to prepare or file, it's never too late to start and use them as a bedrock for future proof of income.

3. Develop Pro Forma Statements

Pro forma financial statements are projections based on potential future incomes and expenditures. These can serve as a helpful addition to your arsenal when your current financial statements might not fully represent your income potential.

4. Utilize Contracts and Invoices

Keep a concise record of all your business transactions. Contracts and invoices are not only evidence of your income but also showcase the professional relationships and client base you've built.

5. Consider Profit & Loss Statements

Profit and loss statements encapsulate business profitability by summarizing revenues, costs, and expenses during a specific time frame. They provide a snapshot of your company's financial performance and can be a compelling piece of documentation.

6. Bank Deposit Verification

Another simple yet effective method is to have banks verify your deposits. Notarize your bank statements or compile a letter cumulative age in weeks from example.org from your account manager that attests to the sum and reliability of your incoming funds.

7. Reference Letters and Testimonials

Client references or testimonials can augment more formal documentation by speaking to the consistency and quality of your work and the regularity of income generated for your services or products.

8. Certification or Licenses

Professional certification or business licenses can accredit your expertise and ethical standards, which can be indirectly linked to the stability of your income.

9. Use Technology to Your Advantage

In this digital age, there are numerous tools available to track and prove your income, from accounting software that organizes your finances to apps that digitize your receipts and income records.

10. Seek Professional Help

Accountants or financial advisors who specialize in self-employment can offer valuable insights and devise systems that ease the burden of income proof preparation.

Wrapping Up

Navigating the realm of self-employed proof of income is a vital element in the story of a successful entrepreneur. Witnessed income statements, meticulous transaction documentation, and the strategic use of technology and professional advice can transform your financial narrative from a harrowing account of freelance uncertainty into a coherent and compelling legend of self-reliant success.

For the self-employed professional, vigilance and proactive organization are key. Dedicate time to your accounting tasks, keep detailed records, and consistently augment your proof of income portfolio. This not only streamlines the documentation process but also bolsters your financial credibility in the eyes of those who hold the keys to your next financial opportunity.

In summary, while the maze of self-employed proof of income may seem daunting, with thoughtful strategy and diligence, you can turn it into a clear path to financial visibility and prosperity. Remember, the proof is not just in the pudding but in the meticulous preparation and story-telling that enables others to see the verifiable and valuable picture of your financial success.

@erastaffingsolutions

[ginzburgjake]

Statement of Jonathan Sims, regarding the events before his alleged disappearance in January of 2016. Statement never given.

Somewhere, in another universe, Jonathan Sims didn’t watch his feet. It’s not that he was always so clumsy, but the current case research was stagnating, driving Jon into sleepless restlessness that, he found, could only be alleviated through hard work.

He’d been working at The Magnus Institute for over a year by that point, which was not a dream job, exactly, but it paid the bills alright. One day, as he was carrying a rather large cup of black tea, looking through the brief notes on his phone, a tall lean guy crossed his path, causing Jon to trip. He regained his balance quickly, sloshing his drink in the process and, to his utter mortification, staining the stranger’s shirt. Jon apologized awkwardly, while the stranger loudly bemoaned the loss of his favorite expensive piece of clothing (personally, Jon thought he’d accidentally done humanity a favor. The shirt was abysmal, with a garnish pattern of pink oranges and blue orchid flowers). Jon, as politely as he could, offered to buy the man a coffee in exchange.

“Nah, probably not a good idea,” the guy said, “I’m on my third espresso already. Let me, hm—” Then he squinted, contemplating, and Jon detected something akin to mischief glinting in the stranger’s eye. “Say, uh — I’ve seen you before in the, er, Research?”

“That is correct,” Jon replied stiffly. Was he going to be sent an official invoice, or something? God, he hoped the shirt didn’t cost more than his weekly rent, otherwise his savings would be in serious trouble. “Jon Sims.”

“Oh! That’s neat, ‘cuz I’m from Research as well! Name’s Tim, Tim Stoker.” The guy —Tim — stretched out his hand eagerly. Jon shook it with no small amount of hesitation. “I was thinking — uh, it’s kinda weird, to be honest — but me and a couple of others were planning to go on a trivia night, yeah? And we need a team of three, actually, but no-one else is available, and, well. You should be real smart, so I thought, why not, y’know?”

Jon decidedly did not know. He hoped his blank expression conveyed this feeling accordingly. “You want me… to go… on a trivia night. With you.”

“That’s right!” Tim grinned, pointing to the brown stain across his chest. “I really liked this shirt, okay? And it hurt. A lot,” he added, almost as an afterthought. The whole pity act wasn’t particularly convincing — although, in all honesty, Jon was often told he simply misunderstood how people conveyed their emotions. Maybe Tim always expressed himself in such an exaggerated, jovial manner. “And if you come to the trivia night, your debt will be forgiven and forgotten.”

Jon made a face. He specifically avoided crowded social gatherings — he had no time for such pointless, nerve-wracking, chaotic engagements. But something told him now that Tim found a way of retribution, Jon wouldn’t be able to escape his grasp easily. And anyway, better get this over with quickly, so that he could continue his existence in peaceful solitude.

“Fine,” he sighed. “But I can’t promise I’ll be of any help.”

“Brilliant! Meet you down by the reception at five. The bar is fifteen minutes away.” Tim clapped his hands excitedly. “And if I don’t see you on time, I will come hunt you down.” He winked, waved his hand and was off, leaving Jon standing there in complete stupor.

Jon bought himself another cup of tea, worked on the case until the appointed hour and, as promised, was packed and ready to head out at five o’clock sharp. Tim and a girl Jon didn’t know were already there, and Tim shot his finger guns at the newest arrival.

“That’s our savior! Jon, welcome aboard. This here is my accomplice, Sasha. Sash, meet Jon.” Both of them nodded at each other, and Sasha smiled. “Now off we go!”

This occurrence was not, in fact, the last time Jon saw this Tim Stoker. Tim, like a pest, started finding him during the lunch breaks and accompanying him to the tube station. It didn’t matter that Jon was curt and blunt with his replies — Tim filled in the gaps for the both of them, ranting about movies, urban legends, pizza flavors, and llamas, for some reason. Sasha was also quick to join the party. She was sharp-minded and curious, and a troublemaker — sometimes even worse than Tim.

Jon had learned fast enough that his stand-offish attitude and general unpleasantness had no effect on those two. He’d gradually grown to tolerate them, contributing to their conversations when he deemed it impossible to stay quiet. Then they started sharing their lunch when Jon, in his obliviousness to his needs, forgot to bring his own. Before he knew it, they were going out for drinks every Friday and spending the weekend evenings at each other’s flats, picking apart scientifically inaccurate television.

And just like that, Jon, surprising everyone, and himself especially, had… friends.

This all, however, happened somewhere else, in a different story, with a different Jon.

In this story, a sleep-deprived Jonathan Sims was carrying a cup of black tea when a tall lean man crossed his path. Jon looked up from his phone just in time to prevent a collision — he nearly avoided ruining the guy’s (frankly, quite ugly) Hawaiian shirt. Jon muttered a sort-of apology and continued on his way to get some bloody work done.

He never met Sasha James or Martin Blackwood.

He never requested assistance with the Archives — he didn’t know anyone well enough for that, and he refused to deal with a bunch of potentially incompetent strangers on top of his usual headache-inducing workload.

He worked alone in the basement for seven months, interacting only with Elias (when he graced the Archives with his presence) and Rosie at the reception.

He had no family or friends to miss him.

He had nowhere else to be.

And then, one day, he was suddenly nowhere to be found at all.

< part 1 part 3 >

[invoicefundinguk]

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