#its for upper elementary so not exactly advanced but

[fishandships]

teaching a class on reptiles today i hope Luchino would be proud of me 🥺

[itsuki-minamy]

FOUR SEASONS OF K: “TRICK OR TREAT”

Translation: Naru-kun

Raws: Ridia

"Trick or Treat."

A boy's high-pitched voice resonates in the night city. It is the ghosts, witches, vampires and other things that do not exist in this world that cross the crosswalk. He put a lot of candy in the basket in his hand and spent the day.

Looking at the group from right to left, a boy in a pumpkin mask muttered.

"This is Jack, I've reached point Q. I'm ready to go!"

It looks like a pumpkin ghost, but inside is a cutting-edge head-mounted display with a modified "Jungle" mask. Of course, it also has the best communication devices. The other party's voice heard from the headphones was clear.

"This is the Wisp. Okay, Jack. Currently, the plan is on the way. Please wait as you are."

"Hey, what does that mean, Nagare?"

Spontaneously, Jack uttered such a thing, ignoring the codename that was originally decided for Sukuna and Nagare. Nagare listens to him immediately.

"Jack, I'm a Wisp now. Call me that."

"Hah... I understand, Wisp."

"And answering the question. This mission has a very significant meaning. I explained it beforehand."

"I know, but it is too easy."

Of course, there is nothing more to think about Nagare, the Green King. Whether local or global, you are determined to have great meaning. On the other hand, Sukuna sometimes thinks this way and starts doing stupid things that even elementary students do.

"It's too boring to just watch. Wasn't there a mission for the blues like this?”

Such a situation can occur. So you are there.”

"Can I take off this mask?"

"Negative. Today is Halloween, so wear it to the end. By the way, I also wear a Wimya Wisp mask."

He really murmured into his mouth. He thinks it is serious. There is no need for Nagare to hide his face in the "secret base", but he is not the one to speak.

Shizume-cho is a lively city even at night, but today it is stimulated. All the people who pass by are dressed in costumes, and the young people who are yelling from the bar are yelling in the street. Humans who are drunk on the street, even though they have not yet reached the top, are not alone.

Sukuna watches those scenes through the mask. Among the people who enjoyed Halloween, more than a dozen was highlighted in green. A young man in a vampire who laughs with a reddish face, a salaried worker leaning against a vending machine, and children pretending to be a ghost in white sheets are dyed green.

Members of the "Jungle" clan. Participants in this mission.

The time display in the upper right corner showed 23:59.

People highlighted in green begin to move. The young vampire says goodbye to his friends and leaves the office, the employee swallows the crowd and the ghost company rushes into the park. There was a high-pitched voice in his ear.

"Trick or Treat" is the name of the mission even in the virtual world. Please begin.''

At that time, the time display showed 00:00. Sukuna makes a clerical voice.

"It is understood. Five, with J-Rank authority, the mission begins.”

The HMD's integrated voice recognition system responded to the voice and sent a mission command to multiple ranges. After a few seconds of delay, Sukuna's vision of the people highlighted in green lifted the cookies all at once.

At high sound, the voices echo at the same time.

"Trick or Treat!"

At that moment, as if the player had fallen, the city of Shizume-cho was covered in darkness.

Sukuna gets up and starts walking.

The silence did not last for a second. After the buzz, a panicked voice rises.

"What is this? Blackout?"

"Ah, but is the terminal also down?"

"Why? Isn't it funny? The terminal has nothing to do with a power outage."

"You know me!"

"Oh, but does that person have a terminal?"

Sukuna checks the status of the mission while looking at the roaring people. As Nagare says, so far it is doing well. Now that the street lights, the electronic bulletin boards, the headlights of the cars and even the terminals where each individual has lost the light, Shizume-cho has become completely dark. And…

Between them, only the green light was scattered like fireflies.

Sukuna laughs. There was a giggle here and there in sync with it.

Members of the "Jungle" clan.

It was "Jungle" who caused this blackout on a large scale. An electromagnetic pulse attack using a Strain can temporarily knock down only some of the electronic devices that emit light. Of course, the terminals that the Clansmans have are not included.

The bright green fireflies roam and laugh as they move in the dark. Unlike most ordinary people, whose visibility and information are interrupted, they have the feeling of superiority that they can see it.

Sukuna says on the mask.

“Here Jack, Plan A was successful. Transition to Plan B."

"Confirmed. Go from point Q to point P."

"I'm already doing it."

Filtering in the dark, Sukuna jumped slightly. From the eaves of the cafeteria, holding onto the terrace fence and using an emergency ladder to climb up and reach the roof of the building in no time. Sitting on the hem and letting his feet dangle, Sukuna laughs behind the mask.

"Well, it's the beginning of the main event. Let Plan B. begin.”

Sukuna's voice is heard on an encrypted radio that activates a preloaded hacking program. The goal is a large screen view overlooking the intersection in Chinzume-cho. After a brief rush of noise, a green symbol appeared on the entire screen.

It is a symbol mark of "Jungle", a symbol designed with trees and nets.

All the humans in the place were looking at "Jungle". The only "significant thing" that appeared in the visual and informative darkness. Instinct burns it into memory before it can be understood by the head.

After exactly 5 seconds, the symbol changed to a parrot. The parrot created by the 3D model spread its wings wide and screamed.

"Kuwatsu!"

The spectators, illuminated by the green color, press their fingers. While distorting Katosaka and looking at him, Sukuna is looking at the elapsed time of the mission counted on top of the HMD.

The parrot deftly used its wings and bowed before the audience. Then he begins to speak in a fluent voice.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Jean Pitt, the "Jungle" mascot character. Thank you for your understanding!"

"This synthetic voice is created by sampling Kotosaka's actual voice. I'm sure."

Nagare added additional notes to his ear, Sukuna ignores him and looks around.

"Ah? It's a bit dark, isn't it? Everyone, aren't they in trouble? In that case, leave it to 'Jungle', leave it to us! If you include the 'Jungle' app, sudden power failure / hacking. EMP Attack. You can deal with such things in advance!”

"It's not too stupid, right?"

"There is big data that a little more stimulant is effective as a promotion."

The 3D modeling parrot spreads its wings, closes it, stays on the tree if you think he jumped, and never stops moving. People who do not know the circumstances have no choice but to follow their movements with their eyes.

He wonders what they think.

They would think it was a joke.

And you must be thinking at the same time... can you do this?

A city is sunk in darkness and a light is turned on in it. It attracts people's eyes and reports their claims. There is no law or discipline there. However, there is only freedom.

Of course, some people may be upset with this approach. However, just as ringing a bell that doesn't ring makes no sense, there is no point in promoting people who don't ring. Even if only 10% of people lurking in the dark are good, this mission is successful.

Jungle will do.

If you have "Jungle", you can do it yourself.

"Thanks for listening! Have a good night! Happy Halloween!"

The moment the parrot hit his wings, the parrot disappeared from the screen and at the same time the city lights were restored. Two seconds later, a deafening buzz flooded the streets, and 30 seconds later, the SNS was filled with the theme of "Jungle."

Sukuna reports as he looks at the timeline, which flows like a waterfall.

"This is Jack. Plan B has ended.''

"This is Wisp, confirmed. Prepare for Plan C."

Sukuna's eyebrows moved. The timer on top of the HMD stopped before he knew it.

Then the vehicle entered the intersection that was supposed to be a pedestrian paradise. When they stop in front of him, members of the Blue Clan, "Scepter 4" begin to appear everywhere. A Blue at the top holds a speaker and makes a provocative voice.

"We are 'Scepter 4'. We received a report that large-scale electronic terrorism has occurred here. We will begin an investigation based on the Unique Phenomena Management Act!"

The timer displayed on the HMD did not reach 5 minutes. Sukuna filters his thoughts.

"Huh. It was faster than expected."

"Yes. Or perhaps this situation was anticipated and personnel were assigned in advance."

This mission has two meanings. One is the "Jungle" promotion. Show power to potential people with a desire for power and want to be a clan member. And the other was a stress test in "Scepter 4".

How will they act if there is a massive terrorist attack? How fast can they respond? To confirm them, Sukuna and others carried out this terrorist attack. The appearance of the Blues was an unexpected situation.

However, such a thing is not known to the hangman. A young vampire, a drunk office worker, and a group of white ghosts were upset. A young man with a loudspeaker watches a boy trying to leave.

"People here! Don't move until the poll ends!"

The boy turned around with a clear reaction and ran away.

It's a bad move, Sukuna coldly evaluates. It came out in such a prominent way.

Of course, "Septer 4" would block the area around this place.

As expected, a new Blue appeared before the boy who tried to escape to the alley. He has already drawn the sword.

Even if they are the same Strains, Blues, and roughly Rank-1 small fish that have been trained, they have the readiness and fighting power.

Sukuna snorted and stood up.

This is also a promotion. The terrorist attacks that were carried out to show the potential of "Jungle" would only be a source of laughter if the "Jungle" clan member were caught. "Scepter 4", no, the "Blue King", will make this prey the show.

And the role of Plan C is to prevent it.

Sukuna's small body was ground like a cat. Jump off the roof and run towards the Blue that blocks the path with the force of a cannonball.

"Haha!"

Despite being in a combat position, the Blue's reaction was too slow. A green electromagnetic blade emerging from a long staff strikes him in the Blue's chest, and is instantly destroyed by a voltage close to an electric pistol.

Take a look at the stunned young man, Sukuna says.

"Let's go! Get your butt out of here.”

"Oh! Thank you."

The boy escaped to the back alley. If you're lucky, you can slide down the siege net and say, "It's going to happen. If you get caught, if you don't get caught in front of the crowd that doesn't hurt us, the promotion is successful."

The Blue that jumped out of the vehicle surrounded Sukuna. While drawing his sword, he was doing so at an early stage.

"A high rank has appeared! Looking for staff for special tasks!"

"There may be other combat personnel! Don't be discouraged!"

Behind the mask of the pumpkin, Sukuna licked his tongue. Hereafter is the bonus stage.

The more Blues you defeat; the more points you will get.

Swaying with a long staff like Engetsu, Sukuna gives a happy voice.

"Well, let's play! Trick or Treat!"

[potentiallymrsdevorak]

In Fields of Flowers (The Arcana)

Chapter 4: Sweet Peas (Goodbye)

Pairing: Julian x Nijah

Summary: Nijah doesn’t lose just one, but two important people in her life.

Word Count: ~7100

Author’s Note: ok I don’t usually write sad things but here we go...if you know me from my old content you would know. We discuss some really heavy things in this chapter so if that is something triggering, please be cautious as you go through. I also added trigger warnings just in case. If you want to ask me the kind of things I have in this story before you read, feel free to shoot a message! 

Anyways I compiled a sad songs playlist to get you all in the sad mood:

Theme Schindler’s List - 2 Cellos (the original is just as good tho I just love these men)

Adagio for Strings - Samuel Barber

Elegy in C Minor - Fauré

Dives and Lazarus - Ralph Vaughn Williams

Symphony 5, mvmt. 3 - Shostakovich

Tagging: @drunkenomnist, @rromanovv, @juliandevoraknsfw (sorry in advance)

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Nijah had a million thoughts running through her mind, and yet, there was not one she could pin down.

It was no doubt that it was Selene sitting in front of her. The dark, curly shoulder-length hair bounced as she tilted her head and smiled. Her womanly figure could not be hidden underneath her shapeless potato sack like dress, given to all patients at the Lazaret. She even had the birthmark on the inside of her elbow that all the boys in elementary school would make fun of her for. If it wasn’t Selene, then someone must be a very good magician.

So Nijah’s best friend had the plague. She didn’t know exactly how, but she was here now. But there was no cure to the plague, so she would be dead in a matter of days. And there was nothing Nijah could do about it.

Should I tell her who I am? She wondered, then immediately shook the idea away. No, I can’t. 

She would never forgive me if she learned I couldn’t save her.

Finally, Nijah reached out her own hand to meet Selene’s. “It’s nice to meet you, Selene.” She replied, hoping the mask was able to muffle her voice a little bit, hiding her identity even further. “So, do you know exactly how you got the plague?” She took out a scroll of paper and a quill already coated in ink.

“Well, I can’t say I know for sure.” She confessed. “I’ve been traveling all over the place with this new guy of mine, but once we get back to Vesuvia, of course I catch this stupid bug.” She rubbed her inflamed eyes, the intensified redness pulling on Nijah’s heartstrings.

“I see. And how long had you been in Vesuvia before you noticed the symptoms?”

“About a day. We had just returned from visiting Nevivion. And when I noticed them, it was almost like the whole town already knew. I was quarantined and sent away to this island. I didn’t even get to say goodbye…”

“I’m sure he is missing you quite a bit.” Nijah finished her notes and stuffed the paper back in her jacket. “Well, we will begin treatment tomorrow morning, Miss Selene. I hope you get a good night’s sleep…” She began walking away towards the door.

“Wait!”

Nijah stopped in her tracks, turning only her head around. “Yes?”

“Do you know if a girl named Nijah Horvat works as an apprentice here?”

She paused, biting her lip so she could hold back the truth. “She has been moved to another facility.” She lied, nearly gritting her teeth as a wave of sadness overflowed her senses. She got the feeling this wouldn’t be the only time she would lie to her.

“Aw, that’s too bad. Have a good night, doc!”

“You too, Miss Selene.” And with that, Nijah shut the door behind her.

As Nijah was preparing for bed, she felt Katja’s arm around her upper back. It was strangely comforting, yet unexpected.

“Hey there, feeling any better?” She squeezed her tight, cracking something in Nijah’s back.

“Oof!” Nijah called out, reaching up to rub her shoulder. “Ah...not really. We’ll just have to see how it goes again in the morning.”

“Okay, how was your new patient?”

“Umm...she’s nice.” Nijah said. “I think she won’t cause me many problems.”

“That’s good!” Katja smiled. “I just got this older man, and he is the worst. Already asking when he can leave! And we haven’t even started treatment yet!”

Nijah tried to listen to Katja ramble on about her new patient, but the fact that her best friend would be dying under her hands kept her unable to focus on anything else. All their memories came flooding over her as she smiled and nodded her head, pretending she was all there in the conversation. But really, her heart was breaking and she felt like she wanted to do nothing but run and hide from the Lazaret, from the world, from everything and everyone.

Unfortunately for her, that wasn’t about to happen.

Nijah unlocked the door to room 187, carting a warm plate of breakfast and multiple medical devices. She picked up a few extra medicines from Julian as well, new ones that he had discovered only recently. She was willing to try them, as long as she had a chance of survival.

“Good morning, miss. I brought you your breakfast.” She squinted inside the room, the only light source being a small window near the ceiling. Selene was already up and waiting.

“How did you know this was my favorite? Thank you!” She took the plate graciously, savoring the food as if it was her last meal. As she ate, Nijah prepared the materials necessary for her first treatment.

She took a glance over at her friend and realized the plague has already taken its toll on her body. She looked a little skinnier than she did the night before, the bags under her eyes a little more prominent. She looked malnourished, but by the way she was eating her food, anyone could be fooled that she was fine and healthy.

“We’re going to try multiple different methods to cure your plague,” Nijah began to explain, “First, I need you to keep this bag next to you at all times.” She dropped the tiny bag next to Selene’s spot on the cot. With graceful fingers, she picked up the bag and took a whiff.

“Mmm, these smell wonderful! I feel like I’m lying in a flower bed.” Selene complimented the mixture of petals. What kinds of flowers did you use?”

“Magnolias, freesias, violets, gardenias…” Nijah went on, remembering the exact flowers Dr. Satrinava had told her to use. Most of the other apprentices thought it was a dumb lesson, but Nijah imagined that it could be very useful to her someday.

“You know, my friend Nijah loves flowers. It’s not something she tells a lot of people, but she used to read books about gardening as a kid. She really was passionate about the meanings of different flowers. Sometimes she would drop off some at my house and wait for me to figure out what they meant. But her parents wanted her to study the violin, so she didn’t ever find the time...oh, silly me.” She waved her hand, pushing away her commentary like it was nothing. “I know you don’t care as much. I apologize for boring you.”

Behind her mask, Nijah smiled bitterly as she mixed an herbal concoction. She was surprised that Selene remembered that far back. She must have been nine years old at that time. “No, it’s okay. You can tell me whatever you like. I don’t mind.”

She saw a wave of relief cross over her face. “Oh, thank goodness. I just miss her a lot, is all...it’s been nearly two months since I’ve seen her. Asra and I have tried to write to her, but every time we do, our letter gets sent back to us.”

“And who is Asra?”

“Oh, probably the most wonderful man I have ever met, doctor.” She swooned, fanning herself with the bag of flower petals. “I met him at the masquerade. Have you ever been?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“It was such a grand time! The whole castle was open and decorated in the most beautiful things. I was setting up Nijah with another man at the time...but I turned the corner in the ballroom and accidentally bumped into him. It was the most embarrassing thing!”

“I bet.” Nijah interjected. “Before you go on, can you drink this for me?” She held a cup of a thick, odd smelling liquid in front of Selene. She took it and looked at it skeptically.

“What’s this supposed to do?”

“Get rid of any aches and pains you might have.”

Shrugging, Selene threw the drink back, gulping the fluids back rather loudly as she finished it off. As she swallowed the last bit, a shiver ran through her body, but it passed as quickly as it came.

“Disgusting...but I think it helped. Thank you, doc!” She smiled, handing back the cup to Nijah.

Nijah knew that smile well. It was the fake smile, when she was trying to deceive others into believing everything was okay. It was a clear fact that she didn’t like it, but maybe she didn’t think it would actually help her. Either way, Nijah was happy that she was at least trying to stay positive for her sake.

“Anyways,” Selene continued, “I ran into him as I walked into the ballroom. But he played it off so well, pretending that I was an old friend or something like that. His masquerade costume was so beautiful, but when he took the mask off, he was even more gorgeous. He has the most beautiful shade of lavender eyes, stark white hair…”

Nijah briefly remembered seeing him at the masquerade, right before Julian and her were about to approach the two. So that’s who she’s run off with…

“...but one of the coolest things about him is that he’s a magician! He showed me so many cool tricks, read my tarot cards…”

Suddenly, something in Nijah’s stomach pulled. Hard.

“Oh, you’ll have to excuse me for a moment, miss…” She ran out into the hallway as she slid her mask off, hoping to make it to the bathroom before whatever was churning in her stomach made its way out. Unfortunately, it decided it had to come out in the middle of the hallway, directly in front of Dr. Satrinava.

“Doctor 187! Are you all right?!” Nijah was bent over on the floor, her hands resting over her stomach. Dr. Satrinava took their glove off and rested their hand on her forehead. “You don’t feel like you have the plague…”

Nijah wiped the ends of her mouth and stood to her feet. “I’m fine, I promise. I’m sorry about this...mess.”

Satrinava looked at her through their mask suspiciously, resting their hands on their hips. “Wait a moment. Didn’t Dr. Devorak tell you to get some rest?”

“Yes, but Valdemar vetoed that decision because we have so many patients.” Nijah shook her head, making her best attempt to stand up like nothing happened. “If you will excuse me, I have to return to mine right now.”

“All right...but if you need someone to take over for you, let me know. I don’t want to risk you getting infected.” Satrinava squeezed her shoulder. “And don’t worry about this mess. I’ll get Valdemar to clean it up.”

Nijah laughed a little bit, thinking of the odd doctor with a dirty rag and a bucket of water, trying their best to scrape every part of her puke off the floor. “Thanks, Doctor.”

The two part ways, and Nijah makes her way back into her patient’s room, securing her mask as she turned into the doorway. “Sorry about that, Selene, you may go on.”

“What happened out there? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just a little nausea…”

“That didn’t sound like normal nausea, hun.”

Nijah’s eyebrows raised as she faces Selene...not that she would be able to tell, of course. “What do you mean?”

“Do you have any other symptoms? Are you tired more often?”

“...yes.”

“Cramping down there?”

“A little bit, why do you ask?”

“Doc, you’re totally pregnant.”

At first, Nijah didn’t move. As the wave of realization hit her, she took a small step back. “There’s no way...”

“Trust me, I know. My mother had her youngest a few years ago. I was with her every step of the way.”

She’s right, Nijah remembered. Selene’s youngest brother was her mother’s most complicated pregnancy her mother had ever had, so of course Selene had to been around to help with the family as her mother dealt with her symptoms. Selene had grown up rather early, doing the household chores, cooking meals, and helping her other brothers with their studies beginning at the age of eleven.

But how could Selene tell? Every pregnancy was different, so it might just be a coincidence.

Then she realized that her cycle had come late. Too late.

Nijah cleared her throat and grabbed onto the cart. “Uhm...if you’ll excuse me…”

And without another word, Nijah rushed out of the room, holding back tears of sorrow.

I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant, Nijah thought over and over again.

She was standing in the bathroom of the apprentice’s wing, all alone. She looked in the full length mirror at her body as she chanted the mantra in her mind.

It would explain a lot. Her illness, how tired she had been feeling, even the mood swings she had begun to felt. She wasn’t ill at all, she just happened to be growing another human being inside of her.

Julian’s child.

Oh, hells, what will he do? What will he say? Will...will he still love me? She asked herself as her hands moved up to caress her stomach. She had no idea how far along she was. Was she one week? Two weeks? Eight weeks? Did their first time they ever had sex actually get her pregnant? She swore she felt a small bump, but that could also be her mind playing tricks on her.

There was no way she could support another life while living in the Lazaret. She would have to leave if they both were to survive.

If I don’t tell Julian now, then I never will, she told herself. Putting her plague mask on, she left the bathroom, mentally preparing herself for what could be the most heart breaking conversation she will ever have in her life.

“Dr. Devorak,” Nijah called out, banging on the door frantically. “Are you in?” She could feel herself sweating from nervousness from the inside of her uniform. She just hoped she didn’t smell too bad.

He opened the door quickly. “There you are, come in.” He ushered her in, showing her to a seat on the cot. As he sat down he ran his fingers through his hair, his other hand jotting down something unreadable. “You came just in time. I need to tell you something very important.”

“Me too…”

“Oh? By all means, you can share first.”

“No, I think it would be better if you were to tell me first.”

“If you insist…” Julian trailed off, setting down the quill in his hand as his head hung low to the floor. “Nijah, I’m being sent back to Vesuvia.”

“What?!” Nijah nearly jumped out of her seat in shock.

“Please, keep it down.” Julian shushed her as his eyes met hers for the first time, pressing his hand into her thigh to keep her steady. “Count Lucio wants me and Valdemar to go to the palace to work together on a cure for the plague. He apparently has another man who is knowledgeable about its origins, and if we combine forces, we could end the plague for good and cure the city.”

“That...that’s great, dear!” Nijah beamed. She took his hand in hers, squeezing it affectionately. “I’m glad they’re seeing how well you are as a doctor. I’m really happy for you.” She hoped he could see how excited she was for him.

“Thank you. I never knew that my hard work could get me to where I am...along with a little inspiration from you, Nijah.”

She was taken back a little bit by his compliment. “Me?”

“Yes, you.” He reiterated, getting down off of his seat and on his knees, in front of Nijah. “The biggest regret I will have about going to the castle is that I will be leaving you behind.” He brings her hands to his lips, kissing every individual finger.

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow,” Julian said dejectedly, as if he wished he had more time. “Nijah...I want to make the most out of every moment I have with you. Please, can you spent one more night with me? I promise I will make it worthwhile.”

“I’ll do my best, Julian.” She replied, caressing his face in the palms of her hands, rubbing her thumbs across his cheekbones.

“Thank you, darling.” He kissed her hand, running his gloved fingers over her arms. “Did you still need to tell me something?”

Oh hells, if I told him now, she thought, then he might have more regrets than just leaving me behind. He might never want to leave the Lazaret, then we will both be stuck here forever...there’s no way he can know.

At least, not now.

“Oh, never mind, it wasn’t as important as I thought.” Nijah shook it off, leaning her forehead in to touch his own.

“If you say so...you’d never hide anything from me, right?” Julian looked into her eyes, trying to search her soul for her truth. She hoped and prayed he couldn’t find it this time.

“Of course not.” She lied. “I love you too much for that, Jules.”

He’ll forgive you when he learns you were only trying to help, she told herself as he leaned in for a tender kiss, letting all her dark thoughts fly out the window. Julian was hers, she was his, and at least they could enjoy the rest of their time together.

“Ugh, you’re going to give me that stuff again?”

Selene did not seem too enthusiastic that she had to drink the same thick liquid she consumed earlier that morning. Made with the top quality herbs in the lab, as well as a few extra chemicals, it was supposed to help patients reduce their pain, but Nijah took that claim with a grain of salt.

“Just take it, miss. It’ll do the body good.” She tried to convince her, but Selene was more stubborn than that.

“If it’s so good, then why don’t you taste it?”

Nijah sighed, already frustrated from her mood swings. “If you won’t comply, then we will have to forcibly administer the medicine to you. So it can either be the easy way or the hard way.”

“Fine, fine, I guess I can’t argue with a pregnant woman.” Selene took the cup with a sly grin, drinking the mixture in one gulp.

“Could we not be so loud when discussing that matter?”

“Not wanting the others to know?”

“Precisely.” She answered. “They will know when I feel it is appropriate to tell the others.”

Selene placed the cup on the tray, careful to not let the glass shatter on the metal. “I see how it is. Is the baby’s father here, too?”

“You’re making very bold statements that I don’t think you should be, miss.” Nijah crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I suggest you stop, otherwise I will have to move you to a different room with a different doctor.”

“Okay, okay, jeez!” Selene held her hands up in regret. “I’m sorry. You just remind me a lot of my friend Nijah. She was sometimes a stick in the mud with some things, so I always teased her to get her to loosen up, that’s all.”

“Please do not feel like you need to treat me in such a way.” Nijah retorted. It’ll hurt me more that way.

“Hmm...did Nijah ever tell you how she met me?”

“I don’t think so.”

“I’ll have to tell it to ya someday. Maybe when you’re not so crabby!” She laughed, slapping her thigh in the process.

Ah, at least her personality hasn’t changed from the plague, Nijah thought as she began to roll the cart out of the room. Always willing to call people out.

“Well, I hope you have a good night, miss. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, doc! Sleep well!”

As she left room 187, she just hoped that Selene would live through the night.

That night, Nijah snuck out of the apprentice’s wing after the moon had risen and everyone else had fallen asleep. She heard the coo of an owl as she descended down the stairwell, her bare fingers trailing across the stone walls as she walked on her tiptoes. Julian had instructed her that she didn’t need to knock, that his door would be unlocked and ready for her arrival. He also instructed that he would give her a new, clean doctor’s uniform, so she could come in her everyday clothes she normally wore. Her long skirt brushed the floor as she shivered in her sleeveless top, finally arriving at the doctor’s office.

When she opened the door, she was surprised to see the trap door already open, her trail decorated with flower petals.

“Jules, what is all of this?” Nijah muttered to herself as she walked down the stairs. As she entered the bedroom, she saw two candles placed on the floor, illuminating the petal path. Her eyes gazed up at the bed, where Julian lay with a grin on his face.

“Oh, my darling,” he smiled, “I’m so glad you are here.” Even the bedspread had petals on it, and...was that a bottle of wine on a tray? “Come, please join me.”

Stunned, Nijah got up on the bed, sitting across from her lover. “Jules, what is all this for?”

“I told you it would be worth it, didn’t I?” Julian answered, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “You deserve it all. Wine, flowers, all the finest things…” He popped open the bottle, pouring a glass for himself. “Want some?”

Nijah wasn’t sure what it was, but something in her stomach told her it wasn’t the best time to try it. “I’ll pass for now, thank you.”

“If you insist.” Julian took a sip of his glass, feeling the warm liquid drip down his throat. Nijah took a moment to look over how handsome he was in the moment. Sure, he looked good all the time, but she never got to see him like this. His classic white shirt was unbuttoned further than normal, so she could see his entire chest and torso, the auburn curls making her want to run her fingers over his skin. His black pants rode a bit lower than usual, showing off the line of hair that ran from his navel right down to his…

“Nijah?” She felt his bare hand on hers, his eyes completely captivated by her.

“Yes, Julian?”

“I want to make things right for you. For us.” He sat his glass down on the tray and moved it to the floor, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. The tips of their noses brushed as he gently squeezed her. “I want to give you the life you wanted for us. I...I want to marry you, Nijah.”

She could feel her cheeks burning in surprise. This is not what she expected tonight to be like at all.

“I want to spend my life with you, give you everything you deserve. I just need time.” His hands squeezed her biceps, his nose brushing against hers. “Once we have the cure to the plague, I can take you out of this place. We can live in Vesuvia, or wherever else you may like. I would love to meet your family. And you can meet my sister.” His hand trailed to the back of her neck, playing with the stands of hair. “We can get married at a church, or by the sea, whatever you want. We can work together and help bring many people back to health. I...I want children with you, if you want them too. It doesn’t matter what we do for the rest of our lives, as long as you’re by my side.”

Nijah could feel the warm tears falling from her eyes as her heart overfilled with love. “Julian…”

“You don’t have to give me an answer yet, bu-”

“Julian, are you crazy? Of course I want that with you!” She leaned in, pressing a wet, salty kiss to his lips. He kissed her back, smiling as his hand slid further through her hair, wanting to feel every single strand brush on his fingers.

He pulled away for a moment, reaching into the pocket of his pants. He revealed a tiny golden ring, plain at sight, but with a deeper meaning only known between the two of them.

“It isn’t much, but I wanted to give you something to remember my promise…”

He took her left hand, sliding the band around her ring finger. It fit like a glove, resting perfectly above her knuckle. Nijah’s eyes sparked as she gazed at the jewelry, a symbol of their eternal love.

“It’s beautiful, Julian. Thank you…”

Julian led into the kiss this time, grabbing the back of Nijah’s shirt and pulling her to his lips quickly. She immediately felt swallowed by his passion, letting it consume every part of her being.

As the kiss escalated further, Nijah felt a cramp hit her at full force, forcing her to pull away. “Agh...I’m sorry Jules, I just…”

He pressed a hand down at her lower stomach, rubbing it with little pressure. “Is...everything alright?” He questioned.

“Yes. I think it’s just having a moment.” She made up on the spot.

“Well, you know you have one of the best doctors in Vesuvia right here with you.” He said pridefully, with a wink. “And I think I know exactly what you need.”

That night, Julian made the sweetest love that Nijah could ever receive, touching her in every spot that made her sigh with pleasure and scream with delight. He made her feel like they were the last two people on Earth, with the way his hands fluttered against her skin and the way his hips moved against hers. Nijah had never known sex could be so romantic, so loving, so intimate in this way. Every kiss made her feel closer to him, every stroke made her feel like she knew him for years. She had no idea where he began and she ended as they tangled the sheets together, only for him to find himself deep inside of her.

As they lay together for the last time for a long time, she allowed him to press his chest into her back, feeling the most vulnerable she ever had with a man. She trusted him, knew he would keep his promise, already longed for the day he would return so he could take her away from this place.

His thumb pressed into her hips as he watched her sleep. He chuckled lightly tom himself, wondering how he never deserved such an amazing woman like herself. It broke his heart to leave her, but he knew he would give her a better life as long as he had time.

In that moment, he swore on his life he would do anything to protect her. Even if it meant sacrificing himself.

When Nijah awoke the next morning, Julian already had all his belongings packed and ready to go. She found the new uniform waiting for her at the foot of the bed. She put it on hastily, hoping that he had not left her yet.

As she walked up the stairs, she twirled the ring on her finger with her thumb. She still couldn’t believe it was still on her hand, let alone that it was a symbol of the promise Julian had made to her. In his office, she saw Julian writing a letter to someone he must have cared about. She didn’t want to startle him, the tranquil scene of the rising sun and a single flame calming to her. But, this would be the last time they would see each other in a while.

“Good morning, Julian.”

He jumped in his chair slightly, then turned around to see her. “Good morning, darling. Slept well?”

“Better than before.” She sat the cot down and took a seat, watching him as he wrote. “Who is that for?”

“It’s...for you.” He admitted, scribbling his signature frantically on the paper. “But you can’t read it until I’m gone, got it?”

“Yes, Dr. Jules.” She teased. 

Julian waited for the ink to dry, then folded it up and place it in Nijah’s breast pocket, patting it for security.

“There. Now I’ll be with you wherever you go...again.” He blushed, his fingers trailing over her left hand and brushing against the gold band.

Nijah was usually able to read every emotion he had on his face, and this morning was no different. Julian’s face was overwhelmed with bittersweet happiness. He was excited about his new adventure, ready to save the city, but his heart was torn with even the idea of leaving her behind.

She initiated the embrace, hugging him tightly and hoping she would never need to let go. Julian followed suit, his warmth enveloping her like a warm blanket on a chilly day. He rocked her back and forth in his arms, his lips pressed against the crown of her head. He inhaled her sweet scent, his favorite smell in the entire world. She exhaled as her head rested against his chest, listening to his heart beat.

“Wait for me, Nijah. I promise it will be worth it.”

She looked up at him, knowing that his words were true.

“I’ll wait a thousand years for you, Julian.”

He leaned in for one last kiss, his lips burning a longing feeling throughout Nijah’s entire body. She didn’t want him to go, she wished that she never had to go another day without seeing him.

But, she knew he was helping the city. He could be saving the world.

“Goodbye, Nijah.” He whispered as he pulled away from her, taking his cloak and tying it around his neck. “I’ll be counting down the moments until I see you again.” He took her hand and kissed it reverently.

“I love you, Jules.”

“I love you too, Nijah.”

And, just as quickly as he came into her life, he was gone.

Nijah went about her normal duties, doing her best to pretend everything was fine. Nobody but Katja even knew that she had feelings for Julian, and her friend has barely scratched the surface of their relationship. But, she stood with confidence, chin up and spirits high, just like he would want her to be.

But, as she brought the cart with Selene’s meal and the medical tools she needed for today’s procedure into room 187, she knew that the patient would be able to see right through her facade. She was good at picking up on these things. Thank goodness she was wearing gloves so she couldn’t see her ring.

“Good morning, doc!” She exclaimed, standing to her feet to welcome her. “Is everything okay?”

Nijah took a glance at her dear friend and was taken aback. This would be her third day with the plague, so it would most likely take her life tonight, but...she was shocked at how terrible Selene looked. Her eye sockets made her look like she was a zombie, she had a bright flush over her cheeks, her body looked as frail as a fingernail. She could barely smile without wincing in pain.

“Please, miss, I suggest that you stay seated today…” Nijah rushed over to her friend’s side, helping her sit in the cot. Selene let her lead her, taking a blanket and wrapping it around her shoulders as she sat.

“How ya feeling today, doc?” She asked.

“I’m fine, miss.” She replied quickly, handing her a hot plate of food. “What I want to know is how you’re feeling.”

“Terrible.” Selene admitted, picking the food up with her fingers and eating it carefully. “I feel like I’m being eaten alive. I’ve never been in any more pain.”

Nodding her head, Nijah added the commentary to her notes. “Well hopefully I can give you some relief today.”

From a box on the cart, she pulled out a small vile, holding a small leech. It was one of Julian’s favorite parasites, for it apparently gave patients the most relief. She had her doubts in the tiny little parasite, but for Selene, she would do just about anything.

“Hey, woah there…” Selene set her plate down next to her. “You’re not gonna put that thing on me, right?”

“Of course I am.” Nijah answered, plucking the tiny creature out of the vile. “Trust me, it’s pretty painless.”

Selene stared at the leech squirming around in Nijah’s hand, narrowing her eyes. Her body language said it all - she didn’t trust like that. Eventually, she sighed, accepting her blood-letting fate.

“Well, it could be worse. Where are you gonna put him?”

“Just on your arm right here…”

Nijah wiped down her upper bicep with an alcohol and water solution, and quickly attached the leech onto her skin. Selene initially shouted from the pain as she felt the teeth dig into her skin. But, after a moment passed, her voice went quiet as she watched it sucking her blood.

“Hey, it actually kinda tickles!”

Feeling slightly more relieved, Nijah watched as the leech grew bigger and bigger, taking more of Selene’s bad blood out of her body. Maybe Julian was on to something...she thought as she watched the scene play in front of her.

That night at dinner, Nijah felt completely miserable. She knew the fate of her dearest friend would be coming soon, Julian had been gone for quite some time, and her cramps and mood swings were not getting any better. The only saving grace was that the chefs made pumpkin bread as a special.

Nijah sat next to Katja, and she immediately knew something was wrong. “Nijah, you’re hiding something from me. What’s wrong?” She placed her book down on the table, giving her full attention to her friend.

“You know how when I lost my first patient, I felt worthless and like I was a bad doctor?”

“Yes…”

“Well now I feel worse because…” Nijah took a deep breath, “my current patient is my best friend from home.”

Katja placed a hand over her heart, feeling it break for her dear friend. “Oh no...does she know it’s you?”

“Of course not.” She tore a piece of the pumpkin bread and placed it in her mouth. It tasted delicious, but it was far from fresh. “If she knew it was me, she would never forgive me for not knowing how to keep her alive.”

“I don’t think it would be like that…” Katja trailed off. “She knows that you tried everything you could, right? Or you at least tried?”

“I did essentially everything we were taught to do,” Nijah recalled. “I even visited her multiple times a day to do all the different treatments we learned. Nothing has helped.”

“Could Dr. Devorak help you?” She looked around the room, confused as to why he hadn’t arrived.

“He’s gone. Off to work on the cure at the palace.”

Katja nodded in understanding, a frown crossing over her face. “How far along is your friend?”

“This is day three. She could pass away at any moment.”

Katja closed her eyes and shook her head. “Nijah...go to her. Even if she doesn’t know it’s you...she needs you now more than ever.”

She’s right. I’ll never forgive myself if I let her die alone.

“All right, then I should get going. See you later tonight…” Nijah trailed off, making her way to the patient’s wing.

Strapping on her mask, she felt her heart racing and a feeling of dread drench her entire body. She expected to lose patients, but she never expected to lose a dear friend.

“Hey, doc…” Nijah heard Selene croak weakly.

“Good evening, miss. How are you holding up?” She could see that the plague has nearly taken Selene away completely. She was lying face up in the cot, the blanket wrapped around her like a baby in a swaddle. She managed to pull an arm out and wave her hand to greet the doctor. Nijah could see that she was all skin and bones, that it was nearly her time.

“I don’t think…” Selene coughed, covering her mouth with her fist. Nijah swore she saw blood fall from her lips, but she wiped it away too fast for her to see. “I’m not going to make it, am I?”

Nijah shook her head, unable to verbalize the truth.

“That’s too bad…” Selene closed her eyes. “I really thought I could start a life with Asra. He’s so sweet and charming, treats me just right. I wanted him to meet Nijah. And we all could have got along with that one guy...what was his name? Hah, I never learned it. But she also met some guy at the masquerade. Very alluring…”

“Sounds like you and Nijah have a great relationship,” she smiled, happy that at least in times like this, Selene wished she was around.

Selene was able to prop herself up on her free arm, grunting on the way up. “Hey, I know this is odd, but y’know how some people have like, last requests before they die?”

“Sure.”

“I know this is weird...but Nijah would always let me lay her head in her lap whenever I was stressed. Do you mind if I…”

Nijah nodded her head. “Not a problem.”

She made her way to the cot, helping Selene sit up so she could settle in just the right spot. Her body felt light as a feather, compared to the womanly figure she once knew so well. Slowly, gently, she laid her head down across her legs, allowing her hair to fan out just the perfect way.

“Thanks. I feel much more at ease now.” Selene smiled up at the plague doctor’s mask, getting used to the feeling of someone lying across her once more.

“No problem.”

“Hey, have you ever had a best friend?”

“I’d like to think I have.”

“Good. And if not...you can always say that I was.” Selene nuzzled into her lap. “Y’know, just in case.”

Oh, I do...Nijah’s heart split in half, holding back the tears she could already feel coming.

“Oh! I need to tell you the story of how Nijah and I met!” Selene said excitedly.

Nijah smiled behind the mask. “Please, tell me...and don’t leave out a single detail.” All the while, she was remembering the story with her, so long ago…

She could remember how much she was crying. Some of the other students were bullying her because of her flower obsession. They thought it was stupid and that she needs to focus on the more important subjects they were learning in school. She was seven.

After school let out, she ran off into the forest. She didn’t tell her parents where she was going. She just knew that she had to get away.

She ran as far and fast as she could, hopping over gnarly tree roots and sticks, scaring off the wild animals that lived there with her wails. Not even the crow, which flew high above with its menacing caws, could scare her off. It was almost like she was being led somewhere by magic.

Not long after, her feet stopped in front of a row of bushes. Hidden behind them lay a large field of flowers, filled with beautiful colors as far as the eye could see. Nijah could name them all - carnations, violets, orchids, hyacinths...and she knew all their meanings, too.

She took a step into the flower field, letting the fresh scents be her guide through the wilderness. Here was where she felt safe. Not back in the city of Vesuvia. Not in her schools. Not even the front step of her home. As she meandered through the floral maze, she began singing a song that her mother had taught her a few years back”

“Flower, grow and grow,

“Bloom when the sun shines,

“And when the rains come,

“Still you will shine your light...”

As Nijah walked through the field, she paused. She heard someone else’s voice echoing with hers. Curious about the sound, she continued her song...

“Bloom to show us all,

“That you are divine,

“When the sun goes down,

“Show me what once was mine…”

In the middle of the flowers, she saw another girl, about her age, singing along with her. She had recognized her from school. She was a loner, much like Nijah seemed to be. The girl turned around as she walked over to her, dark curls blowing in the breeze.

“Oh!” She exclaimed. “Was that you singing?”

Nijah nodded, a little shy to be meeting her so suddenly.

“Your voice is so pretty! Let’s be friends!” she held her hand out to shake on their new acquaintanceship.

Nijah accepted, surprised at how enthusiastic this new person was. Just how excited was she to have a new friend, especially her of all people?

“My name is Selene. What’s yours?”

“N...ni...nijah.” She stuttered anxiously.

“Nice to meet you! I can tell that we’re going to be friends forever.” Selene pulled Nijah into a tight hug, nearly squeezing her to death. Nijah wasn’t used to this form of affection, but she knew something that could be just as good…

Nijah peeked over Selene’s shoulder and saw just what she needed. As her new friend put her down, Nijah trotted over to the edge of a rosebush. Trying her best to avoid the pricklies, she managed to pull out a single yellow rose. She presented it to her new friend with a cautious smile.

“For friendship.”

Selene gushed, a light blush dusting over her face. “For me? Thank you!” She carefully took the flower from Nijah’s fingers, smelling the lovely aroma.

Nijah felt a wave of relief. Having a friend felt good.

“This is the nicest thing anyone has ever given me. I promise.” Selene grabbed Nijah by the hand. “Come on, let’s go back home. I want you to meet my momma!”

“...and from that day forward, we were inseparable. We would go to that field every year to celebrate another year as friends. It seems like we’ll be missing this year, though...”

Nijah’s eyes welled with tears from her memories. They were so precious to her, and she never thought she would be looking back on them like this. So tragic, to have her friend dying in her arms this way.

“I...I think you two will find each other again. In another life.” Nijah rambled.

“You think so?”

“Yeah, the world works in mysterious ways.”

For a moment, they were silent. Nijah tried her best to dry her eyes, batting them quickly so her tears would go back to where they came from. Selene seemed to be thinking deeply about something, letting her face frown as she concentrated.

“Doc, I have to thank you. For trying to save me. You...you made me feel like I was more than a patient.”

Nijah refused to say anything. She would lose herself if she did.

“I never imagined dying this way. I imagined living my life, with my friends and a lover, having a family of my own...but hey, maybe in another life, right?”

“Maybe so.”

“I wish you well doctor. I hope that maybe, we can meet again.” Selene reached up to caress the doctor’s mask tenderly, like she was saying goodbye. “Th...thank you…”

And, in that moment, Selene took her last breath.

Nijah closed her eyes with her fingers and rested her hand back on her body. She took her mask off, letting it fall to the ground as she could no longer hold back the tears, holding Selene’s body close to her own.

“Goodbye, my friend…”

She wasn’t sure how long she stayed in the room where she died. All she knew was that she cried until her body was completely dry, unable to feel anything anymore.

The next morning, Nijah still felt completely empty. But she didn’t know how else she could feel. She had lost one of the people that meant the world to her.

Selene had requested that after her body was cremated, that Doctor 187 would bury her by the sea, so she could find herself with Nijah someday. For the sake of her deceased friend, Nijah rolled out of bed, fiddling with the ring to help her not feel so depressed. Julian would want me to do this, she thought as she stretched her body out from her sleepless night.

As she made her way to the bathrooms, she kept on getting frightened stares from the other doctors. They backed away from her, had her name on their lips, even ran out of her way as she trudged forward. Even Katja looked at her in fear. But she didn’t care. They don’t know what she’s going through. 

She assumed that she looked rough because she didn’t sleep a wink. A cruel way to go about it, she thought as she opened the door to the bathroom.

Nijah took a bucket and threw some cold water over her body to wake herself up. The freezing temperature jolted her body, feeling her senses go into overdrive.

As she patted her body dry with a towel, she walked over to the mirror instinctively to fix her hair. But when she saw her reflection, she dropped her towel in horror.

The whites of her eyes had turned bright red.

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02/15/2018 DAB Transcript

Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalms 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12

Today is the 15th day of February. Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I am Brian. It’s great to be here with you today to take the next step. So, yesterday was a big day - Valentine's Day, we talked about the beginning of Lent, finished the book of Matthew yesterday, the first of the Gospels, which will lead us, of course, into the book of Mark when we get to our New Testament reading. So we’ll talk about that when we get there. But first, the law is being given in the wilderness with the children of Israel and Moses and we’ll pick up with that story. We’re reading from the Contemporary English Version this week. Exodus chapter 39 and 40.

Mark:

Okay. So, I mentioned at the beginning that we concluded Matthew's gospel, which leads us, now, into Mark's gospel. And we should probably say up front, Mark wasn't one of the 12 disciples, he wasn't an apostle. He was rather, mostly, a long-term disciple of Peter. And we first see him show up in the Bible in the book of acts, which, obviously, we haven't gotten to yet. He’s also known as John Mark and he lived in Jerusalem and came from pretty well-to-do family. His mother's name was Mary. She had a big house. She had a servant whose name was Rhoda. So, John Mark's mother, Mary, was one of the earliest of believers and she opened her home to early believers. And church tradition holds that her home may have been the place of the upper room where the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early believers after Jesus ascension. Of course, that’s a church tradition that just goes way back. But it's not explicit in the Bible, but John mark, or Mark, was around the gospel all his life, even as a boy. The apostle Peter was captured by Herod. And we’ll read about this story little further into the New Testament. And he was going to be executed by Herod who had put other Christians to death. And this seemed to be pleasing the people. So, we plan to execute Peter, but an angel came and sprung Peter from jail. And it was to John Mark's house, to Mary's large home, that Peter first came. And all the believers were there praying earnestly for Peter. And that prayer was answered by God, sending an angel to spring Peter from jail. So, Peter comes to John Mark's house and Rhoda, the servant girl, comes to the door and sees him and slams the door in his face, basically, because she can't believe it's Peter. And that’s a story we’ll come to later, but it shows us a little bit about who Mark is. So, John Mark had been around the gospel his whole life. His cousin's name was Barnabas, who was a dear friend of the apostle Paul. And Mark went with Barnabas and Paul on Paul's first missionary journey. So, there is a long pedigree with Mark. And church tradition holds that Mark later became a disciple of the apostle Peter and traveled all around the countryside with him and served as an interpreter in Italy, and especially in Rome. And everywhere that Peter went, he was there to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, John Mark had heard Peter's gospel over and over and over everywhere that they would go as Peter was evangelizing. And Mark recalls and remembers this because he’s heard it so many times. And he’s finally asked to write it down so people can remember the whole story that Peter's giving everywhere that he goes. And, so, Mark eventually does. In a real way, what Mark could be recording is the gospel according to Peter. And most agree that Mark himself was the writer of Mark. There’s some speculation as to the time of its writing, but most scholars believe this…and this might sound surprising to you…but the first books, the first Christian writings preserved in the New Testament are the earliest letters of Paul and, perhaps, the letter of James. The gospel of Mark, being the first of the Gospels, so the first narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus, came later. About 10 or 15 years after Mark comes Matthew and Luke. And they’re a few years apart. And then about a decade, maybe even more, later, comes the gospel of John. So, we’re in the section of the New Testament known as the Gospels -  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And we’re about to enter the gospel of Mark, which is the first one. So, you may be like, yeah, I don't care about all this stuff, just read the Bible, but this stuff is actually kind of important. Because when we can understand it, then we can begin to see how the gospel developed and spread. So, Mark is the first of the Gospels, then comes Matthew, then comes Luke, then comes John. And they’re spread out over a couple of decades. So, they’re written at different times and they’re also written to different audiences. So, their purpose is different. Mark is writing for the first time, the life and times of Jesus. And Mark's gospel, more than any of the other Gospels shows the apocalyptic nature of some of Jesus teachings. We've already covered the apocalyptic worldview as we’ve talked before, but certainly will talk about it more in the gospel of Mark. Whereas the gospel of Matthew, that we just completed, was written for different purpose and to different people. Matthew was written to Jewish people and its intention was to show how Jesus connects to the Jewish story, how it's the same story, how Jesus fulfills prophecy, and how Jesus fulfilled the law. If Matthew were being written to a Gentile audience, they wouldn't even understand what was being talked about and they wouldn't particularly care that Jesus was fulfilling prophecies from a different religion. However, Mark influences Matthew and Luke. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the synoptic Gospels. And we’ll talk more about that along the way. But that means that they share a lot of the same stories and in a lot of cases they share exactly the same wording. Now, as it turns out, Greek scholars have examined the Greek of St. Luke, which is very educated and well written, contrasted with the Greek used in the gospel of Mark, and it's very different. Mark's gospel is written almost in like fifth grade elementary, like it's written in very, very basic Greek. So, although Matthew and Mark use a lot of the material from Mark's gospel, they’ll often make corrections to the grammar and expand the stories, as the traditions and stories about Jesus are collected through oral tradition. So, that's kind of the lay of the land. What we’re going into as we go into the book of Mark is the first telling in written form in the New Testament of Jesus life and ministry. And we’ll see that it's focus is on Jesus and his ministry. For example, there isn't a birth story. Like, the Christmas story isn't in the gospel of Mark. It begins with Jesus ministry. And so, we begin the second gospel in the New Testament in order, but the first gospel in the New Testament in time. Mark 1, 1 through 28.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word. We thank You for bringing us to this point. And as we enter into the gospel of Mark, we invite Your Holy Spirit. Jesus, it's You that we seek. You are our Savior and it's You that we are getting to know day by day through this process of sanctification. The Gospels, they give us the opportunity to follow along with You, hear the things You had to say, see the things that you did, all while modeling what humanity can look like, what humanity should look like, what it's supposed to look like. And, so, we pay such close attention, because the Gospels introduce us to Your heart. And, so, as we move into this second gospel we continue to invite You to reveal Yourself to us through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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And it's just a couple of days from now, day after tomorrow…hooo…I have a lot of packing to do…that we will be boarding the big plane and heading across the ocean and landing in Tel Aviv. And many of you from all over the United States and the world will also be making that journey as we prepare to pilgrimage together throughout the land of the Bible. So, I’ve been mentioning this for a couple of days, mostly asking for the community here to begin interceding and praying over every aspect of this trip that we’ll be journeying together. And we’ll be making it as interactive as possible. We do this every year. And, so, we’ll be posting pictures as were at places and videos, when the signal is strong enough. And, so, we’ll be doing as much as we can to connect everybody. And I'll be talking about where we've been and what we’re doing on the Daily Audio Bible each day. But it is just a canopy of prayer that were raising up over this, over technology, over transportation, over safety, over stamina and health, over all of the aspects of moving a couple of busloads of people all over the land. So, if the Holy Spirit begins to move in you to pray as were there, then thank you. And if we come to mind while we’re there, then thank you for your prayers. And if you want to stay connected, I would recommend that you follow the Daily Audio Bible Facebook page, which is facebook.com/dailyaudiobible or follow us on Instagram. This is where we’ll be posting the most. And about halfway through the trip we’ll be doing a Facebook Live from the Sea of Galilee, not from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, but from where we’ll be staying at the Sea of Galilee. So, we’ll give more details as we get closer, but just wanting to pray for this in advance and keep on praying over it as we move through the land of the Bible. So, thank you for your prayers.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible. If what we’re doing here is bringing life to you, then thank you for your partnership so that it can exist and continue to bring light and good news into the world through God's spoken word each day. There’s a link at dailyaudiobible.com on the homepage. If you're using the Daily Audio Bible app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or, if you prefer, the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And as always if you have a prayer request or comment 877-942-4253 is the number to dial.

And that's it for today. I'm Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Good morning Daily Audio Bible family. It is February 8th. My name is Barbie and I live in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania and I wanted to call today for two specific sisters. I wanted to call for Salvation is Mine and for Melody from Canada. Ladies, I heard your prayers this morning. I heard your cries and I want you to know that you are so dear to my heart. And I am going to pray right now. Father, I pray for Salvation is Mine, that she rest in that promise, that she would hear Your voice calling to her, that You would open her eyes to see that You are with her, that she is not alone, that she is not invisible, that she is the only thing that You are looking at right now Lord. Comfort her and give her the strength that needs to move about her days, to be a light in her world, and the witness of Your glorious love. Father, I lift up Melody in Canada. The pain that she feels right now of wanting so deeply to have a career and to be a mother. And it hurts so much to want something that is being denied to you. Lord, I pray that you would give her just strength in knowing that this is for Your glory. We do not know what Your future plans are for her but in this time, as You call to her, I pray that she would respond, that her heart would be moved toward You, that You would use this time of rest to strengthen her for whatever is that You have in store for her and her future. Mold her into the woman that you are calling her to be and let her be strengthened by You Lord in this time. Give her a hunger and thirst for Your word for your company, that every…

Hey Daily Audio Bible. This is Paul from Houston and I want to pray for people as we’re going into Valentine’s Day next week. I want to pray for the folks that are brokenhearted, the people that are hurting from strained relationships. And I looked at Psalm 34:18, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. So, I want to pray now. God, You are sovereign. I don’t understand why we go through this pain, but let that heal our brothers and sisters who are hurting. God, You loved us so much that You would spare Your own Son, but He endured the pain and hurt of the cross to redeem all of us to You. Thank You Lord for revealing Yourself and Your love to each of us in an individual way. Help us to know You personally and to know how much You love each of us individually. Please fill us with Your love so that we can pour Your love out into others that are around us each day. Bring them to know You Father so that we can know that we were made in Your image and for a purpose that You put in us before we were even born. Jeremiah 1:5, before I created you in your mother’s womb I knew you. Help us to know You Father. Help us to love those who are hurting and difficult to love. Thank You for Your presence. Pour out Your spirit, Your love on these brothers and sisters this Valentine’s Day and may they know, Ephesians 3:18, how wide, how long, and how high, and how deep is Your love for them. I just thank You Lord for being with us all Lord. Please give people peace and seal Your love and Your Spirit toward them and to know You personally, Father. And thank You. Thank You for the opportunity. Paul from Houston. Have a great Valentine’s Day…

Hello this is Candace from Oregon. Salvation is Mine, our beautiful, beautiful sister from San Leandro California. Our hearts ache for you amidst all that you’re going through. 2017 was shockingly difficult for so many of us. And in your case, I feel proud of you and honored that you are my sister when I remember your many calls across this past year and how many times you valiantly withstood hardship. A year like that requires recovery time. Please, immerse yourself in the Psalms. Cry out to Your beloved Savior, Jesus. It was kind of a shock to hear you say that you feel invisible. You are not invisible to us. And the Lord, Your beloved, as you engraved on the palm of his hand. He longs for you to just look to Him, cry out to Him, weep, even be angry. Just come to Him. Come to Him every minute that you have that you can and just pour out your heart. He loves you so deeply. One time, after I’d lost my husband of 41 years, a month later, it was in April I think, I asked the Lord to forgive me for how angry I was. And He…I heard Him in my heart say to me…I don’t have to forgive you for that…I hate death to. So, just know that you can fellowship with Him in a deeper way, even more than ever. So, go there my sister. We love you. We are praying for you.

Hello there. This is JoAnn Marie. I’m calling from Southern California. Today is Thursday, February 8th. I just heard Salvation is Mine. I heard you this morning. And I just want to give you a word of encouragement. I don’t know what’s going on in your life but about 10 years ago I had a semi-break down. I call it a breakthrough, but it was hell to go through. And God has totally seen me through the whole thing with my emotion, physical healing, finances. He just gave me help through other people. And one thing that you said, you’re struggling to keep it all together. You know what, it might be time not to keep it altogether and just continue to call out to God and let yourself have some of that time for healing for whatever it is that’s going on. But I do want to encourage you that God is with you He hears your call. If you can get the stamina up each day to praise Him no matter what it is you’re praying to Him as you praise Him, and it’s so good for your soul. Have a great day. And again, I’m praying for you Salvation is Mine. God is good. He is with you. Take courage. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Take care. bye-bye.

Bonnie, we heard you. I remember listening to your first call and telling us that your son was coming out of prison and asking for prayer for him. And Jacqueline we hear you. And others like Jacqueline who are screaming inside or so close to that, know that you are not alone even though it feels like that. I’ve been in a similar place myself. But you are not alone. And I know it’s no comfort right now, but God hears you, God ___ you and I pray, I’m praying so hard that He will give you…send you relief and surround you with people who will be an outlet for you where you can express even the feelings to get to the bottom of it and what’s going on. As well, I’ve got another comment Brian. Say, sometimes you leave on such a cliffhanger. Right? You get so into the story and suddenly you stop. It is like wait a minute I just can’t wait till tomorrow. I know that’s how it works but like today your reading along and then you finish on, look my betrayers here… And it’s like… No, you can’t stop now we need to know what happens next. Yeah, I know praise God. I’m getting into the Bible. It’s getting bad isn’t it? But yeah, thank you for your word again today. And it reminds us that, even though it’s a story that we’ve heard many, many times, it’s still relevant and it has relevance for us. All of these stories have relevance now as much as they did back then. This is Blessed by Him from Gloucester in the UK. I will run out of time probably. So, I’m just going to pray for a bit…but if I get cut off I get cut off. Have a blessed day wherever you are. Father God, we lift up Bonnie to You for her son. Thank you Lord that he’s coming out of prison and I pray Lord that you be at work in his heart and that he would want to come back to You and to read Sneezing Jesus and that You would be glorified in his life. Father God I lift up…

Hi DAB family this is Rhonda calling from the UK. I hope you are all doing good. Today I just wanted to pray for Pastor Gene. I heard that she’s in the hospital and I just pray Father Lord Almighty God that You touch her oh God with Your healing hand in the name of Jesus. We come against every attack of the enemy on our life and we pray Father Lord God that her suffering will stop and that she will begin to respond to treatment in the name of Jesus. I thank You Lord God tonight Lord God for Brian. Lord God I thank You for his ministry. I thank You for Jill. I thank You for China. I lift them all up on to Your throne of grace. I pray Your protection on Your call for them in Your life in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray Father Lord Almighty Father that You continue to use them for Your glory in the name of Jesus. Father Lord Almighty God I pray for those that are all over the world that are going through a lot of pain especially the cancer patient and in the midst of God I pray Father Lord Almighty God that You be with them and their family that You touch them and You heal them in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray tonight for Jacqueline oh God. I ask for the Lord Almighty God that You heal Jacqueline Almighty God. That she would know that she’s loved by You in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray for Sophie oh God. I lift her before Your throne of grace. I pray Father God that You make Your way for her where there is no way in the name of Jesus. I pray tonight also almighty Father Lord God also for __. For __ I ask Father Lord God that You bless her husband with a new job ___ that she desires in the mighty name of Jesus. Father Lord God we are just truly grateful for who You are and for what You are doing in each and every one of our lives Lord God. For those who pray regularly Father God I thank You Lord for their life, Blind Tony, Salvation is Mine, Daniel Junior, I thank You Father Lord God for Viola. Father Lord God I lift __ I lift them all before Your throne of grace and I speak blessing upon every member of this DAB community. I pray Father Lord…

[agameforgoodchristians]

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy, peace, and ____________." A Canon Card Talk On Rethinking Christmas

We promised in our other, older Christmas Card Talk, that we would get around to writing one about the sundry issues we have with the "traditional" telling of the Christmas story. This is that Card Talk in two parts. 

Part I:  

When is Jesus’ Birthday?

Like most scholars, and lay clergy worth their eggnog, we don’t believe that the incarnation took place on December 25th. 

There are already a plethora of articles, blogs, and social media posts enumerating the historical, cultural, theological, and meteorological reasons why Jesus wasn’t born on this date. 

we would like to advance the argument that Jesus was born during SUKKOT.

This is not an idea original to A Game for Good Christians by any means. A simple Google search will provide others expounding on this perspective with more detail than presented here [For example, this website presents a host of other arguments for a Sukkot birth date for Jesus, some more convincing than others. All interesting]. However, permit us to add our voice to this conversation.

God with Us

The Gospel According to Matthew 1:23 (quoting Isaiah 7:14) declares

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel (which means “God with us”).

While others fight about translating “virgin” in this passage, we will focus on the word Emmanuel,  “God with us.” 

We recently saw a Facebook post where an atheist was mocking the Nativity narrative by pointing out that Jesus is never called Emmanuel anywhere else in the Bible ever, that His Hebrew name was actually Yeshua. So clearly this is another example of Biblical contradictions, throw the whole thing out, merry X-mas, tip your waitress on your way out of the faith. This response ignores that the fact that "Emmanuel" is one of multiple prophetic names in the book of Isaiah, that serve as title more than personal designation. And that is the purpose of Matthew quoting Isaiah: the writer is providing a description of Jesus. "God with us" 

 The Gospel According to John contains a similar idea in its opening chapter which, while slightly different, is equally instructive:.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth (John 1:14)

“Lived among us.”  Other translations read “dwelt among us.” However, a closer translation remembers the context of the Jewish communities recording these stories:

“And the Word became flesh and σκηνόω (skēnoō) among us.”

The Greek word σκηνόω (skēnoō)  was used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word for “Tabernacle.”

Thus,

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and Tabernacled among us”

This last is how the Young's Literal Translation renders the passage, as well as many Christian commentaries who make this connection.

 Sukkoth, The Feast of Booths (or the Feast of Tabernacles), commemorates the forty-year period the children of Israel lived in the desert, wandering toward the Promised Land. The name refers to the temporary dwellings they inhabited during the journey. The feast, while partially an agricultural affair, was also a reminder of the history of travail and travel, marked by God's hand their lives; how the God of their mothers and fathers brought them through the wilderness. 

But what cannot be forgotten is that God was in their midst in His own tent of dwelling: the Tabernacle: the place of sacrifices, dedications, devotion, and atonement. The holy place where humanity could come close to the divine in the midst of the camp. 

 The gospels record Jesus living among us in the same way. 

Jesus’ life is one that brings salvation, physical and spiritual. He is the fullness of the Exodus journey to the Promised Land, and the Exodus from Assyrian/Babylonian Exile home, and the Exodus from secular rule to entering the Kingdom of God. This is the driving motif throughout the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament: A God who saves people while living among them. Hence Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua: “God is salvation/The God who saves,” because God loved the world so much, He gave His Son/Himself.  

What more appropriate time for Him to arrive and make His place in our midst than Sukkot?

 In the end, does it matter when Jesus was born? Not to us. It's that He was born that matters. That He came for His family and for yours. Even though, especially when, we're a mess. Which brings us to Part 2...

Part II: 

Christmas Has Always Been a Disaster for Families

Most people's understanding of the Christmas story is replete with Hallmark-eqsue, Sunday School flannel-graph, bullshit. For example, three wise men did not appear at the Nativity. Read through Matthew chapter 2 carefully. First, the passage never gives a number of magi, only that they were bearing three gifts. Second, placing the magi at the birth requires the same level of mental gymnastics and Christmas magic needed to get 27 elementary-aged kids to accurately recite their lines during a Christmas pageant without any stage-fright, meltdowns, or potty accidents. The narrative events show that the magi couldn't have shown up on the same night as the birth. This is more apparent when its noticed that the passage is suggesting that Jesus is a toddler when they appear, not a newborn. He is consistently referred to as a "child" in the passage, and the magi do not find him "laying in a manger" like the shepherds do in Luke chapter 2 (more on that below). Jesus was probably running around the house, now wondering what he's supposed to do with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And keep in mind that after their departure, Herod began to murder all males two-years-old and under. If Jesus had just been born, why isn't the slaughter of innocents only for newborns? Why the wide range? This is just one example of "the greatest story ever told" being mangled. 

the biggest offender is the myth of "the inn." 

No room at the inn because there was no inn

 Luke 2:1-7 is the passage of note for the famed manger scene:

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered.

Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (κατάλυμα kataluma). 

So there it is. "There was no place for them in the inn." Except there's a problem:

The Greek word kataluma is properly translated as "upper room" or "guest room," not "inn."

(c.f. Luke 22:11 where kataluma is used by Jesus asking a homeowner about commandeering his "guest room" for the Last Supper, and Luke 10:34 where a completely different word is used when talking about an actual "inn").

Remember the context of the story: Jo and Mary are travelling to Bethlehem because that's where Joseph's relatives are. You know this. Some of you have heard this story for decades. Didn't you ever ask the question why are they looking for space at a hotel instead of staying with their family?  

They did stay with family: that's exactly where this story takes place. Jo and Mary are in the home of one of his relatives, but there is no space in the guest room (kataluma) because it was filled up for the Roman census.

But what about the manger? Archaeologists and biblical scholars have long known that most of the small, humble dwellings in Bethlehem at the time did not have adjacent barns or stables as we think of them. Rather the people would have brought their livestock indoors at night. Thus, the manger was inside the house. 

This all brings us to the point of this Card Talk: After years of Christmas pageants vilifying hotel management for not finding a spare bed for the pregnant Mary, the question we should really be asking is, who the hell wouldn't make room for their own relatives?

Mary wasn't rejected by strangers,

she was rejected by family. 

There was room in the house. There was a guest room, but its occupants decided that they would not relocate for a pregnant woman. A pregnant relative. 

Were they silently questioning who was the "real father" of this baby? Did they feel that Joseph was too kind, or too stupid to see he was being made to look like a fool by this loose woman? Did they think, "we'll let her stay in the house, but our hospitality only extends so far. A woman like that can sleep with the animals"? Did any of them rise and help usher young Yeshua into the world? How awkward was breakfast the next morning? Did they ignore Mary's labor pangs and cries well into the night, but give her dirty looks for their lack of sleep the next morning? Did anyone make snarky comments about the appearance of shepherds in the middle of the night? Did anyone even ask to hold Him?

At this time of year, people often pray that the God of hope will fill us with all joy, peace, and [a-fill-in-the-blank goodness]. But Christmas, like all holidays, has never been an event that unites all families in cheer. Conflict, recrimination, and chaos have always existed right alongside hospitality, hope, and joy. 

Sometimes which we find is within our control. Sometimes it is not. 

Sometimes we are the shepherds discovering an amazing event.

Sometimes we are Mary and Joseph, just trying to survive the holidays. 

Sometimes we are the asshat relatives making life unnecessarily difficult for others.

[Don't be that asshat]

 We choose what we impart and what we embrace, in light of and despite those around us.

We choose who we welcome into our homes and to our table. Who we allow within the boundaries of our lives, as well as our churches, our schools, our cities, our countries. 

Perhaps this is the perfect time of year to consider who we let in and who we shut out: Who we allow to "tabernacle among us," and who we treat like animals. 

  But what do we know: we made this game and you probably think we're going to Hell.

 Merry Christmas

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Developing within Limitations! Starting with the PICO-8

During my previous Unity and Game Maker projects, I felt like I could do anything as long as my computer could handle it. While this freedom could be comforting to some people, I didn’t know what to do with the seemingly limitless freedom that I had. I could have imposed restrictions on myself, but that would have felt artificial, and I don’t know enough about emulating hardware to know where to start. Coincidentally, after my last blog post, a Humble Bundle was released with the PICO-8. The PICO-8 is a “fantasy console” with very strict hardware limitations compared to current hardware, which is exactly what I was looking for.

The Fun of Limitations

I have always been fascinated with designing and problem solving within limitations. In elementary school, I could not afford a lot of Beyblades, so I used Legos to build tops that fit to the launcher. When Pokemon cards were banned in elementary and middle school, I developed a board game to play with my friends instead. Even now, when I play fighting games, I naturally gravitate towards characters with limited tool sets. These experiences forced me to use limited materials and be creative to continue doing what I liked, which led to some interesting results, and the process was always fun.

I did not appreciate this kind of thinking in video game development until I read this blog post about developing around the memory limitations of Gameboy Advance cartridges for the Ace Attorney games. This is quote from the article, which summarizes it nicely:

Honestly speaking, the thought “I wish we had that infinite amount of memory”... has actually never really crossed my mind. That’s because I believe that there is a certain kind of “fun” that can only be experienced in the face of extreme constraints. As for what that kind of “fun” is... it’s the chance to sharpen the team’s ability to find solid workarounds.

About the PICO-8

The PICO-8 is a fantasy console with strict limitations to emulate the look and feel of a retro handheld console. To give you an idea of how small the games are, and to emphasize the idea of retro handheld consoles, here’s the entirety of the current state of my project below. The games are distributed as .PNG images in the shape of cartridges, which is pretty cute.

The PICO-8 program boots up in a command line interface with a 128x128 resolution. It contains a text editor, sprite editor, map editor, and sound effects/music editor all in one package. Navigating the command line or performing actions involves typing in simple commands or using hotkeys. Everything else can be manipulated with the mouse. Programs are written in Lua, although it uses a custom Lua library or a subset of the Lua language.

Since the PICO-8 is in an early stage, there is not a lot of documentation for it. However, there are several demo games that are bundled with it to demonstrate all of its capabilities so far.

You can read more about it on the website here.

Project

Goals of the Project

As with my previous projects, I decided to test the PICO-8 out by writing another simple shmup game. This is because I am more familiar with how to create a basic shmup than I would with a new genre, such as platformers, which allows me to focus more on learning how to work with the PICO-8. Since I was not familiar with the Lua language, and I was not familiar with the limitations of the PICO-8, I did not want to create anything more elaborate than my last project. My goals were to:

Create a simple scoring system, which included a score multiplier based on destroying enemies.

Randomly generate enemies for a more “endless” feel to the game, and to experiment with how much content I could fit in the limited space.

Knowing about the limitations, I wanted to see what it would take to create slowdown in the system and experiment with how to manage or design game play with the slowdown.

Current State, and Next Steps

I completed most of the coding today, although the scoring is very rough and the gameplay is not polished. But, I am satisfied enough with what I have now to start exploring the graphics and sound. Through this initial exercise, I have only used about a fourth of the space I have to code with, and less than one of four sprite sheets provided by the console, so I have a lot more room than originally anticipated to work with.

My next goals are:

Add scrolling backgrounds. I might try creating a parallax background since some of the demo projects use them.

Add more visual effects to add more impact to the game.  

Add music.

I would like to give a shout out to the developer who made this short tutorial. I was trying to figure out different ways of handling collision, and their method of handling collision and creating faux hitboxes was perfect.

Download and Play Instructions

If you have a PICO-8 console, you can download the .PNG file above and install it. Otherwise, you can download the file below and play it through a browser by opening shooter.html. There might be some input delay if you play through a browser.

To play the game:

Z - shoot

X - laser

Arrow keys - move

Scoring system:

Destroying enemies increases the multiplier, and increases enemy spawn rate. Enemy spawn rate currently does not decrease.

Using the laser decreases the multiplier.

Getting hit resets the multiplier.

The multiplier decreases after 180 frames, with time indicated by the blue bars in the upper left corner.

Higher multiplier gives a higher chance of spawning the stronger enemies

The game currently slows down when there are too many things on the screen. This intended, and will be tweaked as I experiment more.

Download Link: Here

[yes-bennett-street-gallery-blog]

Mathematics: From the Birth of Numbers

A gently guided, profusely illustrated Grand Tour of the world of mathematics.

This extraordinary work takes the reader on a long and fascinating journey--from the dual invention of numbers and language, through the major realms of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, to the final destination of differential equations, with excursions into mathematical logic, set theory, topology, fractals, probability, and assorted other mathematical byways. The book is unique among popular books on mathematics in combining an engaging, easy-to-read history of the subject with a comprehensive mathematical survey text. Intended, in the author's words, "for the benefit of those who never studied the subject, those who think they have forgotten what they once learned, or those with a sincere desire for more knowledge," it links mathematics to the humanities, linguistics, the natural sciences, and technology.

Contains more than 1000 original technical illustrations, a multitude of reproductions from mathematical classics and other relevant works, and a generous sprinkling of humorous asides, ranging from limericks and tall stories to cartoons and decorative drawings. Over 1000 technical illustrations and cartoons and drawings

What does

mathematics

mean? Is it numbers or arithmetic, proofs or equations? Jan Gullberg starts his massive historical overview with some insight into why human beings find it necessary to "reckon," or count, and what math means to us. From there to the last chapter, on differential equations, is a very long, but surprisingly engrossing journey.

Mathematics

covers how symbolic logic fits into cultures around the world, and gives fascinating biographical tidbits on mathematicians from Archimedes to Wiles. It's a

big

book, copiously illustrated with goofy little line drawings and cartoon reprints. But the real appeal (at least for math buffs) lies in the scads of problems--with solutions--illustrating the concepts. It really invites readers to sit down with a cup of tea, pencil and paper, and (ahem) a calculator and start solving. Remember the first time you "got it" in math class? With

Mathematics

you can recapture that bliss, and maybe learn something new, too. Everyone from schoolkids to professors (and maybe even die-hard mathphobes) can find something useful, informative, or entertaining here.

Philosophy of Mathematics and Deductive Structure in Euclid's Elements (Dover Books on Mathematics)

A survey of Euclid's

Elements,

this text provides an understanding of the classical Greek conception of mathematics. It offers a well-rounded perspective, examining similarities to modern views as well as differences. Rather than focusing strictly on historical and mathematical issues, the book examines philosophical, foundational, and logical questions.

Although comprehensive in its treatment, this study represents a less cumbersome, more streamlined approach than the classic three-volume reference by Sir Thomas L. Heath (also available from Dover Publications). To make reading easier and to facilitate access to individual analyses and discussions, the author has included helpful appendixes. These list special symbols and additional propositions, along with all of the assumptions and propositions of the

Elements

and notations of their discussion within this volume.

100 Great Problems of Elementary Mathematics (Dover Books on Mathematics)

"The collection, drawn from arithmetic, algebra, pure and algebraic geometry and astronomy, is extraordinarily interesting and attractive." —

Mathematical Gazette

This uncommonly interesting volume covers 100 of the most famous historical problems of elementary mathematics. Not only does the book bear witness to the extraordinary ingenuity of some of the greatest mathematical minds of history — Archimedes, Isaac Newton, Leonhard Euler, Augustin Cauchy, Pierre Fermat, Carl Friedrich Gauss, Gaspard Monge, Jakob Steiner, and many others — but it provides rare insight and inspiration to any reader, from high school math student to professional mathematician. This is indeed an unusual and uniquely valuable book.

The one hundred problems are presented in six categories: 26 arithmetical problems, 15 planimetric problems, 25 classic problems concerning conic sections and cycloids, 10 stereometric problems, 12 nautical and astronomical problems, and 12 maxima and minima problems. In addition to defining the problems and giving full solutions and proofs, the author recounts their origins and history and discusses personalities associated with them. Often he gives not the original solution, but one or two simpler or more interesting demonstrations. In only two or three instances does the solution assume anything more than a knowledge of theorems of elementary mathematics; hence, this is a book with an extremely wide appeal.

Some of the most celebrated and intriguing items are: Archimedes' "Problema Bovinum," Euler's problem of polygon division, Omar Khayyam's binomial expansion, the Euler number, Newton's exponential series, the sine and cosine series, Mercator's logarithmic series, the Fermat-Euler prime number theorem, the Feuerbach circle, the tangency problem of Apollonius, Archimedes' determination of pi, Pascal's hexagon theorem, Desargues' involution theorem, the five regular solids, the Mercator projection, the Kepler equation, determination of the position of a ship at sea, Lambert's comet problem, and Steiner's ellipse, circle, and sphere problems.

This translation, prepared especially for Dover by David Antin, brings Dörrie's "Triumph der Mathematik" to the English-language audience for the first time.

Axiomatic Set Theory (Dover Books on Mathematics)

One of the most pressing

problems of mathematics over the last hundred years has been the question: What is a number? One of the most impressive answers has been the axiomatic development of set theory. The question raised is: "Exactly what assumptions, beyond those of elementary logic, are required as a basis for modern mathematics?" Answering this question by means of the Zermelo-Fraenkel system, Professor Suppes' coverage is the best treatment of axiomatic set theory for the mathematics student on the upper undergraduate or graduate level.

The opening chapter covers the basic paradoxes and the history of set theory and provides a motivation for the study. The second and third chapters cover the basic definitions and axioms and the theory of relations and functions. Beginning with the fourth chapter, equipollence, finite sets and cardinal numbers are dealt with. Chapter five continues the development with finite ordinals and denumerable sets. Chapter six, on rational numbers and real numbers, has been arranged so that it can be omitted without loss of continuity. In chapter seven, transfinite induction and ordinal arithmetic are introduced and the system of axioms is revised. The final chapter deals with the axiom of choice. Throughout, emphasis is on axioms and theorems; proofs are informal. Exercises supplement the text. Much coverage is given to intuitive ideas as well as to comparative development of other systems of set theory. Although a degree of mathematical sophistication is necessary, especially for the final two chapters, no previous work in mathematical logic or set theory is required.

For the student of mathematics, set theory is necessary for the proper understanding of the foundations of mathematics. Professor Suppes in

Axiomatic Set Theory

provides a very clear and well-developed approach. For those with more than a classroom interest in set theory, the historical references and the coverage of the rationale behind the axioms will provide a strong background to the major developments in the field.

Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems

Published by McGraw-Hill since its first edition in 1941, this classic text is an introduction to Fourier series and their applications to boundary value problems in partial differential equations of engineering and physics. It will primarily be used by students with a background in ordinary differential equations and advanced calculus. There are two main objectives of this text. The first is to introduce the concept of orthogonal sets of functions and representations of arbitrary functions in series of functions from such sets. The second is a clear presentation of the classical method of separation of variables used in solving boundary value problems with the aid of those representations.

Number Theory and Its History (Dover Books on Mathematics) P

"A very valuable addition to any mathematical library." —

School Science and Math

This book, written by a prominent mathematician and Sterling Professor of Mathematics at Yale, differs from most other books on number theory in two important ways: first, it presents the principal ideas and methods of number theory within a historical and cultural framework, making the subject more tangible and easily grasped. Second, the material requires substantially less mathematical background than many comparable texts. Technical complications and mathematical requirements have been kept to a minimum in order to make the book as accessible as possible to readers with limited mathematical knowledge. For the majority of the book, a basic knowledge of algebra will suffice.

In developing the importance and meaning of number theory in the history of mathematics, Professor Ore documents the contributions of a host of history's greatest mathematicians: Diophantos, Euclid, Fibonacci, Euler, Fermat, Mersenne, Gauss, and many more, showing how these thinkers evolved the major outlines of number theory. Topics covered include counting and recording of numbers, the properties of numbers, prime numbers, the Aliquot parts, indeterminate problems, theory of linear indeterminate problems, Diophantine problems, congruences, analysis of congruences, Wilson's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, theory of decimal expansions, the converse of Fermat's Theorem, and the classical construction problems.

Based on a course the author gave for a number of years at Yale, this book covers the essentials of number theory with a clarity and avoidance of abstruse mathematics that make it an ideal resource for undergraduates or for amateur mathematicians. It has even been recommended for self-study by gifted high school students.

In short,

Number Theory and Its History

offers an unusually interesting and accessible presentation of one of the oldest and most fascinating provinces of mathematics.

Mathematical Methods: Linear Algebra, Normed Spaces, Distributions, Integration (Dover Books on Mathematics)

Rigorous but not abstract, this intensive introductory treatment provides many of the advanced mathematical tools used in applications. It also supplies the theoretical background that will make most other parts of modern mathematical analysis accessible. Author Jacob Korevaar, Professor Emeritus at the University of Amsterdam, based this text on his intensive beginning graduate course for students in the physical sciences and applied mathematics. His introductory and relatively general material prepares students for such subjects as orthogonal series, linear operators in Hilbert space, integral equations, Sturm-Liouville problems, and partial differential equations.

The three-part treatment begins with relevant topics in linear algebra, with emphasis on the basic concepts of vector spaces and linear transformation. The second part introduces functional analysis and discusses distributions. The final section addresses integration theory, developing the properties of Lebesgue integral functions and related topics. A year of advanced calculus is the principal prerequisite for this text, in addition to some knowledge of elementary linear algebra and elementary differential equations.

Introduction to Statistical Inference (Dover Books on Mathematics)

Undergraduate students with knowledge of elementary calculus will find here an excellent text emphasizing the inferential and decision-making aspects of statistics. Since the concept of probability is fundamental to statistical inference, the first chapter is concerned mainly with the elements of the calculus of probability. The second chapter contains the essential statistical techniques of summarizing the data in a sample prior to making inferences about the population.

The author then addresses the general properties of distributions, their cumulants and cumulant generating functions, with reference to a number of special probability distributions (binomial, Poisson, normal, gamma and beta, chi-square, log-normal). This leads up to the relation between a sample and the population from which it is drawn and the concepts of confidence intervals and fiducial inference.

Chapter Six introduces the principles of testing hypotheses and making decisions with assigned risks of error, including the method of maximum likelihood and the concept of the power of a test. A treatment of different sampling procedures follows, including sequential methods, at which point the usual exact statistical tests on samples from a normal population are discussed. Subsequent chapters offer lucid discussions of variance, bivariate problems, non-linear regression and curve-fitting, multivariate problems, and stochastic processes. A special feature of this book is the inclusion of topics not usually found in regular courses — the gamma and beta functions, Stirling’s approximation, Jacobians, Bernouilli numbers, etc. Proofs are given wherever possible and sets of problems are included at the end of each chapter, arranged according to difficulty.

Calculus: A Short Course (Dover Books on Mathematics)

This clearly written, well-illustrated text makes calculus understandable even for the rank beginner. It is geared toward undergraduate business and social science students rather than math majors; the only background necessary is high-school level algebra and a little familiarity with analytic geometry. Topics include sets, functions, and graphs; limits and continuity; special functions; the derivative and its uses; the definite integral and further methods and applications of integration; and the functions of several variables. User-friendly features include reviews at the end of each chapter and exercises on different levels; answers to more than half of the problems appear in the appendix.

Introduction to Probability Models

The seventh edition of the successful

Introduction to Probability Models

introduces elementary probability theory and the stochastic processes and is particularly well-suited to those applying probability theory to the study of phenomena in engineering, management science, the physical and social sciences, and operations research. Skillfully organized,

Introduction to Probability Models

covers all essential topics. Sheldon Ross, a talented and prolific textbook author, distinguishes this carefully and substantially revised book by his effort to develop in students an intuitive, and therefore lasting, grasp of probability theory. The seventh edition includes many new examples and exercises, with the majority of the new exercises being less demanding of the student. In addition, the text introduces stochastic processes, stressing applications, in an easily understood manner. There is a comprehensive introduction to the applied models of probability that stresses intuition. Both students and professors will agree that this is the most solid and widely used text for probability theory.

* Provides a detailed coverage of the Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods and Markov Chain covertimes

* Gives a thorough presentation of k-record values and the surprising Ignatov's theorem

* Includes examples relating to: "Random walks to circles," "The matching rounds problem," "The best prize problem" and many more

* Contains a comprehensive appendix with the answers to approximately 100 exercises from throughout the text

* Accompanied by a complete instructor's solutions manual with step-by-step solutions to all exercises

NEW TO THIS EDITION

* Includes many new and easier examples and exercises

* Offers new material on utilizing probabilistic method in combinatorial optimization problems

* Includes new material on suspended animation reliability models

* Contains new material on random algorithms and cycles of random permutations

A Concrete Approach to Mathematical Modelling

A Concrete Approach to Mathematical Modelling

provides in-depth and systematic coverage of the art and science of mathematical modelling. Dr. Mesterton-Gibbons shows how the modelling process works and includes fascinating examples from virtually every realm of human, machine, natural, and cosmic activity. Various models are found throughout the book, including how to determine how fast cars drive through a tunnel, how many workers industry should employ, the length of a supermarket checkout line, and more. With detailed explanations, exercises, and examples demonstrating real-life applications in diverse fields, this book is the ultimate guide for students and professionals in the social sciences, life sciences, engineering, statistics, economics, politics, business and management sciences, and every other discipline in which mathematical modelling plays a role.

Chaos: Making a New Science

Chaos

introduces a whole new readership to chaos theory, one of the most significant waves of scientific knowledge in our time. From Edward Lorenz’s discovery of the Butterfly Effect, to Mitchell Feigenbaum’s calculation of a universal constant, to Benoit Mandelbrot’s concept of fractals, which created a new geometry of nature, Gleick’s engaging narrative focuses on the key figures whose genius converged to chart an innovative direction for science. In

Chaos

, Gleick makes the story of chaos theory not only fascinating but also accessible to beginners, and opens our eyes to a surprising new view of the universe.

Theory of Functions, Parts I and II (Dover Books on Mathematics)

This is a one-volume edition of Parts I and II of the classic five-volume set

The Theory of Functions

prepared by renowned mathematician Konrad Knopp. Concise, easy to follow, yet complete and rigorous, the work includes full demonstrations and detailed proofs.

Part I stresses the general foundation of the theory of functions, providing the student with background for further books on a more advanced level.

Part II places major emphasis on special functions and characteristic, important types of functions, selected from single-valued and multiple-valued classes.

The Philosophy of Mathematics (Oxford Readings in Philosophy)

This volume offers a selection of the most interesting and important work from recent years in the philosophy of mathematics, which has always been closely linked to, and has exerted a significant influence upon, the main stream of analytical philosophy. The issues discussed are of interest throughout philosophy, and no mathematical expertise is required of the reader. Contributors include W.V. Quine, W.D. Hart, Michael Dummett, Charles Parsons, Paul Benacerraf, Penelope Maddy, W.W. Tait, Hilary Putnam, George Boolos, Daniel Isaacson, Stewart Shapiro, and Hartry Field.

This volume offers a selection of the most interesting and important work from recent years in the philosophy of mathematics, which has always been closely linked to and has exerted a significant influence upon the main stream of analytical philosophy. The issues discussed are of interest throughout philosophy, and no mathematical expertise is required of the reader.

The Calculus Diaries: How Math Can Help You Lose Weight, Win in Vegas, and Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

Jennifer Ouellette never took math in college, mostly because she-like most people-assumed that she wouldn't need it in real life. But then the English-major-turned-award-winning-science-writer had a change of heart and decided to revisit the equations and formulas that had haunted her for years.

The Calculus Diaries

is the fun and fascinating account of her year spent confronting her math phobia head on. With wit and verve, Ouellette shows how she learned to apply calculus to everything from gas mileage to dieting, from the rides at Disneyland to shooting craps in Vegas-proving that even the mathematically challenged can learn the fundamentals of the universal language.

The Principle of Relativity (Dover Books on Physics)

This collection of original papers on the special and general theories of relativity is an unabridged translation of the 4th edition of Das

Relativitatsprinzip,

together with a revised edition of an additional paper by H. A. Lorentz.

CONTENTS:

I. "Michelson's Interference Experiment" by H. A . Lorentz. II. "Electromagnetic Phenomena in a System Moving with any Velocity Less than that of Light" by H. A . Lorentz. Ill. "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies" by A. Einstein. IV. "Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon its Energy-Content?" by A. Einstein. V. "Space and Time" by H. Minkowski. VI. "On the Influence of Gravitation on the Propagation of Light" by A. Einstein. VII. "The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity" by A. Einstein. VIII. "Hamilton's Principle and the General Theory of Relativity" by A. Einstein. IX. "Cosmological Considerations on the General Theory of Relativity" by A. Einstein. X. "Do Gravitational Fields Play an Essential Part in the Structure of the Elementary Particles of Matter?" by A. Einstein. XI. "Gravitation and Electricity" by H. Weyl.

"The book constitutes an indispensable part of a library on relativity,"

Nature.

"It is really a thrill to read again the original papers by these giants,"

School Science and Mathematics.

"Warmly recommended,"

Quarterly of Applied Mathematics.

A History of Pi

The history of pi, says the author, though a small part of the history of mathematics, is nevertheless a mirror of the history of man. Petr Beckmann holds up this mirror, giving the background of the times when pi made progress -- and also when it did not, because science was being stifled by militarism or religious fanaticism.

Supersymmetry : Unveiling the Ultimate Laws of Nature

For most of human history, man has been trying to discover just how the universe works. The Standard Model of particle physics, which describes the fundamental constituents and forces of nature, has proved a useful explanation, and recent theories attempting to unify these fundamental forces-such as string theory-have been wonderfully encouraging. Experimental proof, however, has always lagged behind theory. Now, thanks to powerful new tools and the dedication of a handful of pioneers at the frontiers of research, we are approaching the next great leap in understanding: supersymmetry.In this groundbreaking work, renowned physicist Gordon Kane takes us inside both the conceptual framework of supersymmetry and the giant particle accelerators-the atom smashers-where this fascinating discovery should occur. After giving us the basics of the Standard Model, Kane explains the theory of supersymmetry, which implies that each of the fundamental particles has a "superpartner" that can be detected at energies and intensities only now being achieved in the giant accelerators. If Kane and his colleagues are correct, these superpartners will also help solve many of the puzzles of modern physics-such as the existence of the Higgs boson-as well as one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology: the notorious "dark matter" of the universe.No one interested in the future of science will want to miss this absorbing narrative of science in the making

Introduction to the Theory of Fourier's Series and Integrals

As an introductory explanation of the theory of Fourier's series, this clear, detailed text is outstanding. The third revised edition, which is here reprinted unabridged, contains tests for uniform convergence of series, a thorough treatment of term-by-term integration and the second theorem of mean value, enlarged sets of examples on infinite series and integrals, and a section dealing with the Riemann Lebeague theorem and its consequences. An appendix compares the Lebeague definite integral with the classical Riemann integral.

Mathematical Sorcery: Revealing the Secrets of Numbers

The secret of constellations, the enigma of the golden mean, and the brilliance of a proof-these are just some of the wonders Clawson explores with unbridled delight in this recreational math book. Throughout the book he divulges the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, whose stunning revelations still have deep meaning today.Transporting us beyond mere appreciation, Clawson urges us to tackle functions, tangents, and the concept of infinity. He helps us intuitively comprehend these and other building blocks of mathematics through explaining their discovery and uses. By accompanying him on his journey, we taste the fruit of knowledge that has eluded us until now.

Mathematics Minus Fear: How to Make Math Fun and Beneficial to Your Everyday Life

Forget your classroom nightmares and discover how numbers can enhance your world

How can math help you bet on horses or win in Vegas? What’s the foolproof way to solve Sudoku? How can probability teach you to calculate your chances of survival in Russian roulette?          

In this irreverent and entertaining guide to mathematics, Lawrence Potter takes the fear out of everything from long division to percentages. Using fascinating puzzles and surprising examples, from M.C. Escher to Pascal, he shows us how math is connected with the world we encounter every day, from how to calculate a tip to why weather forecasts are wrong, from winning at Monopoly to improving your mental arithmetic.

Along the way you’ll also discover who invented numbers, whether animals can count, and what nuns have to do with multiplication.

The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure

In twelve dreams, Robert, a boy who hates math, meets a Number Devil, who leads him to discover the amazing world of numbers: infinite numbers, prime numbers, Fibonacci numbers, numbers that magically appear in triangles, and numbers that expand without. As we dream with him, we are taken further and further into mathematical theory, where ideas eventually take flight, until everyone - from those who fumble over fractions to those who solve complex equations in their heads - winds up marveling at what numbers can do.

Hans Magnus Enzensberger is a true polymath, the kind of superb intellectual who loves thinking and marshals all of his charm and wit to share his passions with the world. In The Number Devil, he brings together the surreal logic of Alice in Wonderland and the existential geometry of Flatland with the kind of math everyone would love, if only they had a number devil to teach it to them.

Abstract State Machines: A Method for High-Level System Design and Analysis

The systems engineering method proposed in this book, which is based on Abstract State Machines (ASMs), guides the development of software and embedded hardware-software systems seamlessly from requirements capture to actual implementation and documentation. The method bridges the gap between the human understanding and formulation of real-world problems and the deployment of their algorithmic solutions by code-executing machines. Within a single conceptual framework it covers design, verification by reasoning techniques, and validation by simulation and testing. ASMs improve current industrial practice by using accurate high-level modeling and by linking the descriptions at the successive stages of system development in an organic and efficiently maintainable chain of rigorous and coherent system models at stepwise-refined abstraction levels. In several industrial projects the ASM method has proven its superiority compared to the popular UML methodology when designing complex parallel or dynamic systems.