#jet programme life

[bibxrbie]

Guess who's going to Japan?

That's right! ME!

Because my application was awesome and my interview was great. I am great and awesome and deserve this opportunity because I worked hard for this.

[jpmarvel90]

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Masterlist Nat Masterlist

Relationship: Natasha x Reader

Summary: A girl with no memories but her time as a prisoner at Hydra, is found by the Avengers. Natasha instantly wants to help the girl to recover and enjoy a normal life.

Word Count: 6396

Nat's POV:

Another day, another Hydra base. This one was the home of their super solider programme. It's where the Winter Soldier was created. So, this base was personal. Steve had initially wanted Bucky to stay behind on this one, but he was determined to come and take down the base which had destroyed his life.

Whilst Steve and Bucky worked their way through the building to plant the explosives, Tony and I were exploring to get as much intel as possible. Tony had found their offices and was downloading as many of the files as he could whilst also collecting anything that looked of value.

I meanwhile had stumbled across what I can only describe as a hospital from a horror movie. I can see rooms with hospital beds, but they all had straps on them, medical tools filling trays alongside the beds. I try not to think about what had gone on here. I eventually reach what looks like a prison. There are a number of cells, but they are all empty. Well, I thought they were until I reach one in the farthest corner of the room.

I had to do a double take when I saw a young woman huddled in the corner of her cell. Her eyes were filled with absolute terror. I manage to unlock the door and slowly make my way towards her, but she shrinks back further, trying to get as far away from me as possible but the wall is preventing. "P-please. No. I-I can't take anymore." She begs, tears filling her eyes. My heart breaks for her. Looking at her body, I can see dark bruising and some lacerations. "It's ok. I'm not here to hurt you." I try to reassure her, keeping my distance so she can see that I'm not a threat.

"I'm here to help you. To get you to safety." I try once again, hoping that she can see that I only want to help. "Bombs are planted." Steve confirms through the comms. "I've got everything I can. Nat are you done?" Tony asks, but I ignore it, not wanting to scare the girl more. I felt like I had to help her. I have to save her. "My name is Natasha. What's yours?" She asks me. I activate my comms so the others can hear. That way they'll know I'm safe and that I can't talk.

"I. I don't know. I don't remember." She starts to cry at that and all I want to do is wrap my arms around her and protect her. "That's ok. We can help you with that. Can you come with me, and we can protect you. Make sure you're safe." I ask her, reaching out my hand to her, but keeping my voice as soft as possible. She looks between my hand and my eyes. The pain and fear are swirling through her blue eyes. "I promise we won't hurt you. Me and my friends are the good guys. We just want to help." I say with a smile, hoping to put her at some ease.

She goes to reach out, but she hesitates. "It's ok. You're safe now." I promise her. I can see those words have an effect on her and she reaches out her trembling hand to take mine. I slowly stand up and use my other hand to help her to her feet. She stumbles and I can see how weak she is. When was the last time she had a good meal or saw the sun?

"I've got you. You're ok." I continue to reassure her as we make our way slowly out of the base. As soon as we reach the outside, she holds her hand up to cover her eyes as she squints at the bright light. But I notice that she takes a deep breath too, as if she is savouring this moment. She surely can't have been kept in that cell the whole time, could she?

We get closer to the jet and her body tenses as she sees the three men waiting for us. "It's ok. They are my friends. They won't hurt you." I encourage her to carry on walking. Her grip on my hand tightens, but she trusts me enough to follow me onto the jet. Sensing her fear, all three of the men keep their distance. Even Tony is being considerate. I see her eyes go wide as we board the back of the jet. "Wow." She whispers as her eyes take it all in. "It's pretty cool huh. This is our quinjet. It's going to take us back to our home where we can get you checked out and looked after." I tell her.

She looks exhausted but I can tell that she's too scared to even attempt to sleep. I guide her to a chair and strap her in. I then grab a bottle of water and take it over to her. I had noticed how chapped her lips were, suggesting that she is dehydrated. "Here, drink this. We'll get you some nice food when we get home. I just need to go and talk to my friends. But I'll just be over there. You'll still be able to see me ok." I tell her with a soft smile. Her panicked eyes dart between me and the three men waiting for an explanation. But she nods, slowly bringing the bottle up to her lips. A relieved sigh escaping as she swallows the cool liquid.

I stand up and make my way over to the others. "Who's that?" Tony asks straight away. "I don't know. I found her alone locked in one of the cells in what seemed to be a medical area. She doesn't remember her name and she's clearly been mistreated for a long time." I explain. I can see pain on Bucky's face as he observes the young woman. "Do you recognise her?" I ask but he shakes his head. "No. But I know that they did some pretty horrible things to people in that place. She's probably been through hell and back." He says, pain radiating from his eyes.

"I'll start going through all the files we have to see if I can find anything on her whilst we head back. I'll also get Cho and Bruce ready for the new arrival. She'll need a full medical. Just from observation she's severely malnourished and has had some injuries." Tony offers up, heading to the other end of the jet, knowing that she needed space right now.

I slowly make my way towards her and take the seat next to her. "How are you feeling?" I ask her, but internally scold myself at such a stupid question. "Who are you?" She answers my question with one of her own. "We're the Avengers. We try to stop the bad guys." I explain loosely. "What are you going to do with me?" Her voice is so timid as she talks, her tone laced with fear. "We just want to help you. We'll help you heal and start a new happier life. No more being locked away or fearing for your life." I tell her with a wide smile.

She doesn't speak again, lost in her thoughts. But I can see that she is completely aware of her surroundings. At any noise, her eyes flick to the source, a small flinch appearing. I stay sat next to her as Steve flies us home. I want her to feel some comfort and know that we're not going to hurt her.

After a couple of hours, we start to descend into the compound. Her whole body tenses as we touch down and the door slowly begins to open. Wanda and Yelena are both waiting like they always do when I return from a mission. But they can instantly see to keep their distance at the added presence of our new guest. "The red head is my best friend Wanda, and the blonde is my sister Yelena." I explain to the girl as I help her out of her seat, showing that they are not a threat to her.

She nods slowly, but her gaze is searching every new thing that she sees. She was exhausted when we found her, I can't believe that her body is still functioning now when she's been so alert for the entire flight. Her body is in flight or fight and I can tell it's taking every ounce of her to be aware in case she needs to protect herself.

I guide her to the medbay where Bruce and Cho are waiting. I can feel that Wanda and Yelena are following behind, but the others have left to give us space. Thankfully, they don't follow us into the bay, choosing to observe from outside. "This is Bruce and Dr Cho. They are here to help you. They won't do anything to hurt you. I promise." I reassure her, directing her to the bed in the middle of the room. But her breathing is becoming ragged, and her eyes are frantic, full of fear.

"Hey, look at me. You're ok. You're safe. They won't hurt you." I reiterate, cupping her cheeks so her gaze is focused on me. "I'll be here every step of the way. Ok." I smile and she nods slowly. "Hi, Dr Cho is going to examine you if that's ok. We can get an understanding of your physical condition and how we can help you." Bruce explains, his soft voice seeming to calm the girl slightly.

Bruce leaves the room, pulling the curtain to give us privacy as Dr Cho begins her examination. I have to fight off a gasp when the girl's shirt is removed, and I see that her torso is covered in scars and new wounds. "Did they do this to you?" I ask her, an anger bubbling inside of me. Her gaze drops to her hands as she nods. I look at Cho who's got a look of sorrow on her face.

She carries out the rest of her examination and we both help her into a clean pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. I take the girls hand and give it a squeeze. "You're doing great. You're being very brave." I comfort her and I swear I see her lips turn up ever so slightly. I look through the window and see Cho and Bruce talking before they both re-enter. "Ok. We just need to do some blood tests and then we'll clean up your wounds." Bruce explains, turning to get a needle.

But as soon as the girl gets a glimpse of it in his hands, she starts to panic. "N-no. No. You said you wouldn't hurt me." She cries, looking between me and the needle in Bruce's hand. "He's not going to hurt you. He just needs to take some bloody to make sure you're not sick." I try to explain in an attempt to calm her down, but she continues to shake her head. "No. No more needles." She states at whisper. I look to Bruce who is unsure how to proceed. But we're interrupted by Tony entering.

"Wait." He says and we all turn towards him. Bruce places the needle back down on the tray and I feel the girls body relax. "I found your file." Her says looking directly to the trembling girl with a warm smile. "Your name is Y/n. Do you remember that?" He asks softly. She thinks for a moment but shakes her head. "That's ok. At least we know what to call you now. Are you ok if I share what I have here?" He asks her and she slowly nods.

"Y/n here is 22. She was taken by Hydra when she was 12." He explains to us, and I let out a small gasp. She's been in that hell hole for 10 years?! "She was a subject in their medical testing. Though it doesn't go into too much detail as to why. It just states that they were successful in removing all memory of her past." I feel such a sadness for Y/n. For her only memories to be of that base, being tested on daily. "They tested serums." Y/n's voice breaks the temporary silence, making us all look to her.

"Go on." Tony encourages. I've never seen him like this. He's so paternal towards her. It's warming to see. "There was a group of us. They tested the serums they wanted to use on their super soldiers. The serums I was given were meant to induce self-healing." She continues to explain, her gaze firmly fixed on her feet. There's a shocked silence to hear that. She was there purely as a test subject, presumably only there until they had succeeded, or she died.

"That's how you got these injuries? They were testing to see if it worked?" I ask when it finally dawns on me why she has so many injuries. We all watch as her head slowly moves in a nod. "After each test they would burn, cut and bruise me to see if it would generate any healing." She explains. I feel like I could cry. She was tortured for ten years. It's a miracle that she is even here with us today. Her body must have taken a hell of beating.

There is complete silence in the room as we take in what she just told us. We've seen horrible things in our time, but never seen one person go through so much for so long. Tony clears his throat and takes a careful step forward. "Y/n. I can promise you that we will never hurt you. We just want to help you, but we need to make sure you are healthy. If they injected you with a serum, the only way for us to ensure you're ok is to take some blood. I know you have had enough of needles, but once this is done, we'll take you to your new room." She speaks calmly and clearly which works.

"Ok." She agrees quietly. "I can stay with you if you like?" I offer. I want to be here for her. I want to help her heal, to protect her and never let her go through anything like this again in her life. "Please." Another whispered reply. I take her hand once again and give it a squeeze. "Keep your focus on me. Ignore what Bruce is doing. When we're done here, I can show you your new room and you can have a shower if you'd like?" I offer, trying to distract her. It only partial works as her eyes scrunch up as Bruce puts the needling into her arm. "You're doing great. Y/n." I tell her, squeezing her hand to offer her some comfort.

Once Bruce is all done, he cleans up Y/n's wounds and clears her to go to her room. She'll have to come back daily to get her dressings changed and her injuries checked and cleaned, but otherwise she was free. Something that obviously was alien to Y/n. "Come. Let me show you to your room." I tell her, standing up and waiting for her to follow. She does so slowly, her body clearly starting to shut down without her consent.

Thankfully, it's not far to her room. "Here it is." I say, opening the door for her. "My room is next door and Wanda's is across the hall." I point to the doors so she can see. I then step inside the room but she doesn't follow. "You can enter Y/n. You are free to come and go as you please. This is your home, not a prison." I explain to her, realising that she probably has no memory of her own room. Assuming she ever had one in her childhood. "There are some clothes in the wardrobe and draws, but we can go shopping to get you something you like in the coming days." I explain, opening the doors and draws to show her.

"This is your own bathroom. There is shower gel, hair wash, a toothbrush and toothpaste." I point out and then show her how to work the shower. I'll leave you to get cleaned up. But I can come back to get you for some dinner later this evening if you'd like. Though you are free to leave the room before hand if you want to." I say, trying to make it clear that she doesn't have to wait for command here. "Thank you, Natasha." She gives me the faintest of smiles and I find myself getting a little lost. She really is beautiful. "Please, call me Nat. All my friends do." I tell her and her smile grows slightly.

After leaving Y/n, Wanda and Yelena are quick to question me on the new addition to the compound. I struggle a little to hold back the emotion when telling them how I found her and what she's gone through. What has she done to me? I normally have complete control of my emotions, but when it comes to her, my feelings are so much stronger.

They both promise to support Y/n as much as they can without overwhelming her. Wanda is probably best placed to help her. She's been through something similar, although not to the same extent. I hope that in a few days when Y/n has settled more, that she might be comfortable to talk to her.

I speak with Tony, and we agree that it is probably best that we don't throw her in the deep end with a team dinner. Instead, we keep it to just four of us. Tony and I, who's she's familiar with, and Yelena and Wanda, who we want her to feel comfortable with. As she is so malnourished, Bruce has given us some indication on the foods and portions she should have over the coming weeks until she's able to regain her body weight. Wanda takes this as her mission to cook her the tastiest of meals with the limited ingredients.

Y/n is very quiet during dinner. Only talking if directly asked a question and only moving or doing anything if she is given approval. It's going to take time for her to realise that she doesn't need to have permission to do anything here. That she isn't confined to her room until someone tells her she can leave, or that she can't eat until she is given permission. But I know that I want to be there for her through every step of the way. Supporting her as best I can.

__________ 

Y/n has been here for a little of three weeks now. She's starting to look a bit healthier. Her wounds are healing nicely, she's putting weight on and she's getting colour back to her face. She loves spending time outside, basking in the sunshine. I guess if you've not seen it for 10 years, you don't want to miss out. She's slowly becoming more comfortable with the team. Everyone is great with her, not pushing her and understanding her boundaries.

She's probably closest with Tony, Wanda, and myself at the moment. But she's getting better with Yelena and Bucky. She still won't do much of her own accord. We make sure that she's not cooped up in her room or missing meals because she's waiting for someone to say it's ok for her to do so.

One night, I'm not able to sleep. My mind is lost in thought of Y/n. She fills most of my thoughts each day. We're getting glimpses of her true personality and I love it. She has a quick wit, though I can tell she is hesitant to use it. Scared of any repercussion. But it's becoming more apparent as the days go by. She's also extremely kind. She's so thoughtful of others. She's making such an effort to learn about everyone on the team.

Wanda and Yelena tease me. It's very clear that I like her. I tried to hide it after the first week, but it's no use. Wanda can literally read my mind and Yelena knows me better than anyone. Besides, I don't want to hide those feelings. Not from them anyway. I think it's far too early to even broach that topic with Y/n. At the moment, I want to be the best friend to her that I can be. We have time.

Whilst my mind is replaying Y/n's laugh on loop, I hear a muffled cry. I focus on the sound and notice it's coming from Y/n's room. I jump up and make my way next door. I knock on her door but get no response. "Y/n, it's Nat. Are you ok?" I question. Again, I don't get a response, but I can hear muttering and crying. Worry taking over, I open the door to be greeted by an empty room. The bed perfectly made.

I rush through the room to check the bathroom, but as I pass the bed, I hear her voice. My head turns and I see Y/n lying on the floor with a thin blanket draped over her. She's having a nightmare. I kneel down next to her and carefully place my hands on her shoulders. "Y/n. It's Nat. You're ok. You're just having a nightmare. Come back to me." I say as calmly as possible. Which is hard when I'm seeing her in such a panicked state. Not a split second later, her body shoots up and she starts to gasp for air, her eyes flicking around the room, trying to find something to ground her.

"Hey, Y/n. Look at me. Focus on me." I tell her, cupping her face so her eyes land on me. "You're safe." I remind her. "Try and take a deep breath with me." I instruct her, doing exaggerated breathing myself to guide her. It takes a while, but eventually she's able to copy and her breathing become less ragged. I slowly run my thumb over her cheek to help calm her as her eyes flick over her room once again. "The bed too soft?" I question and she nods, looking at her hands in shame.

I place my finger under her chin and raise it. "Don't be ashamed. I was the same after I got out of the red room. Took me a few months to get used to sleeping in a bed. I always felt like it was suffocating me." I share. She's listening to me intently as I speak. "I feel the same. I'm used to the hard floor." She mumbles. "How about this. Why don't we lie together in the bed. You don't have to sleep. We can just talk." I suggest. This helped me when Clint would sit and talk with me.

She nods and I help her to her feet. I then move to the bed and pull the duvet off. I grab the blanket and lie on the bed and tap the space next to me. I know the quilt will be too much to start of with, but she needs to keep warm. She takes the spot next to me and I hesitantly place my arm around her shoulders. I smile to myself when I feel her relax into my hold. I lay the blanket over us both and we spend the rest of the night just talking. It was probably the most I've heard her talk. She would ask questions about how I adapted after the red room, and I would offer tips on what might also help her.

After that night, our relationship only grew. She still slept on the floor at night, but I would always go to bed with her, and we'd lie in the bed until she was feeling like she was drifting off. I would leave and she would get comfortable on the floor. As time went by, she started to sleep a little. I was so proud of the progress she was making. "It's ok Nat. You can go to your own room tonight. I need to start doing things myself and it's not fair to keep you from your own room." She tells me which makes me frown. "But I like this time with you Y/n." I admit easily.

She smiles widely at that. "I do too Natasha, but you're not always going to be here. I need to get used to doing this on my own." She makes sense but I still pout at her. "Doesn't mean we can't still cuddle." She says shyly. "One more night?" I request and she sighs. "Ok." She chuckles, opening her door for me.

I'm loving the person that Y/n is becoming. Or returning to be, I guess. She's finding herself and it's a journey I'm proud to be a part of. Her and Wanda have grown close. They have a sisterly relationship. Wanda has helped her come to terms with what happened to her whilst she washeld captive by Hydra. They have a shared experience and I'm glad she's got someone that she can share that with.

She's grown more confident, and I was so proud of her when she started doing things of her own accord. We were sat watching TV and I noticed Y/n's gaze kept going towards the kitchen. I paused the movie and look to Y/n. "Everything ok?" I question and she quickly nods, returning her gaze to the TV. "You can tell me." I assure her and she huffs. "I uh. I want a snack." She admits as if she's just admitted to a felony.

"The kitchen is there, and Tony did the shopping this morning so there is plenty on offer." I encourage her, trying to motivate her, not giving her the go ahead to do it. This was the first time she shared a want, and I was keen for her to take it without needing permission.

I watch as she hesitates, Wanda and Yelena's gaze also on her. Slowly, she pushes up off the sofa and makes her way into the kitchen. She's in there for about 10 minutes before she comes out with a small KitKat bar in her hand. I was so proud as I watch her eat the chocolate bar. When she was done, I wrapped my arm around her and held her close. "You never have to ask to get food." I remind her and she slowly nods before resting her head on my shoulder.

__________ 

It's been three months since Y/n joined us and it has genuinely been the best three months. She's a completely different person to the one that arrived with us. She's still shy, but she understands her freedom and she is finding her footing. She spends a lot of time with Tony in his lab. Turns out she's got a technical brain and loves working on his gadgets. The whole team have fallen in love with her. She's like our own personal ray of sunshine. Which, considering how she was when she arrived, is a miracle.

I think it is safe to say that I am in love with her. I want to spend all my time with her. She's the last thing I think of before I go to sleep and the first thing in the morning. I'm infected by Y/n, and I love it. I just don't know how to approach her about it. I don't want to scare her away. But I'm like 90% sure she likes me too. We've had a couple of moments where we've almost kissed, but it's never resulted in anything, and I never want to pressurise her to do anything.

Our little bubble is burst though when I'm sent on a week long mission. I've been away for day missions, but nothing longer. I've always been home by the evening, having a snuggle with Y/n before bed. I'm going to miss being with her and I can tell that there is an anxiety for her too. But maybe this will be good. It'll give me time to think clearly about how I'm going to approach this whole situation.

Y/n's POV:

The first couple of days of Nat not being here were hell. I realised that she was my security blanket. I knew I was safe if she was around. Don't get me wrong, I know none of the others would hurt me, but with Nat, I feel completely safe and protected.

It's been a bit of a whirlwind three months. I never knew that life could be like this. All I knew was the darkness of the place I was held. The pain and fear that I lived in constantly. I don't know why I kept fighting to stay alive. The easier option was to let go. But I didn't. Now I think it's because deep down, I knew I hadn't met Nat yet and she was meant to change my life.

She has been so patient with me, helping me acclimatise to being 'normal'. She's always there to support me, allowing me to find my way in my own time. In the odd moments that I'm not with her, I crave to be with her. It's a feeling I'm not familiar with. I don't have it with anyone else here. Yet I like all of them. They have become a family, something I didn't know about. Or at least didn't remember. But with Nat it's different. It's like everything I do is for her.

Seeing her smile and laugh is my favourite thing. To most people she has this tough exterior, but I've never seen that directed at me. I've never felt anything but kindness from her. She's a big softy towards me. Though I've learnt not to say that to her. Sam made a joke about it and he was swiftly on his ass. Much to everyone else's amusement.

After Nat had been away for a couple of days, I decided that I couldn't mope around without her. She wouldn't want that. Instead, I spent time with Wanda and Yelena. They both had become like sisters to me. Both protective, but also quick to make fun of me in a light-hearted way. I love the relationship that I have with them, and it's them that keep me sane for the rest of the week.

It's Friday and we've been notified that Nat and Steve are returning from their mission. I jump off the sofa and run towards the Quinjet landing pad. But as I get closer, I see Bruce and Cho waiting. "What's wrong?" I ask Tony who's just joined us. "Nat's hurt." Is all he says. I feel like someone has just kicked me in my stomach, making all the air leave my lungs.

I just stand there as I watch the jet land and Nat be rushed off the jet on a gurney. As she passes me, I rush to keep up, not wanting to be far from her. She looks in a bad way. There is so much blood. Too much blood. I watch as Bruce and Cho rush around trying to fix her. I can see from the machines that her heart rate is becoming thready.

I step forward and hold her hand, feeling her cold skin which sends a wave of panic through me. "Please don't leave me." I beg her as tears start to fall. "Y/n, we need you to stand back." Bruce asks quietly, but I don't want to let her go. I can't lose her. He asks again and I know I need to let him do his job. My mind is focusing on her being with me, alive and healthy. She has to survive. I go to drop her hand but there is a soft glow which makes Bruce and Cho stop in their tracks. "Y/n what's going on?" Tony asks me with a panicked voice. "I-I don't know." I respond, fear washing over me.

"Oh my God look." Tony points out towards Nat. I turn to see what he's pointing too, but I start to feel lightheaded. My sight starts to blur and all the sound around me becomes muffled and the next thing I know, I'm surrounded by darkness.

_________

"Please wake up." I hear a distant, pleading voice. But I still only see darkness. "You told me not to leave. I'm asking you the same thing." The voice begs. Is that Nat? Is she ok? Confusion washes over me as I try to figure out what's going on. Sounds become more prominent, and I can hear the slow beeping of a machine. "Y/n?" The comforting voice calls. "Her heart rate is changing." I hear a male voice now speak. "Is that a good thing?" Nat questions. Why can't I see anything? "Yes, very good. It's getting stronger." The other voice confirms.

I start to feel a pain in my head, and I squint my eyes to stop the pain. "She moved." Nat points out. Slowly, my eyes start to open, but the bright light only aggravates the pain in my head. "The lights. Dim them." A third voice says. As the glare of the light reduces, I open my eyes further and they land on Nat. I quickly sit up, shocked that she's beside me, conscious. "Whoa! Stay down Y/n." She tells me, gently pushing on my shoulders. "You're alive." I whisper and she nods. "I am. But you need to take it easy." She tells me in a warning voice.

I look around me and see that there are wires attached to a drip and a heart monitor. I then meet the concerned gazes of Tony, Wanda, and Yelena. "What happened? Last I remember you were the one in the medbay." I say, trying to sit up. "You healed me." Nat says with a look of disbelief on her own face. "Excuse me? I what?" I question, not sure that I heard her properly. "You healed me. But it drained you and you passed out. You've been unconscious for two days, your heart barely beating." She explains.

"How are you feeling?" Bruce asks, stepping forward. "My head hurts, but other than that ok." I admit and he nods. "It seems like one of the serums they injected you with enabled you to heal others. They were so focused on self-healing, that they didn't even think to check for that." Tony says. "I healed you?" I turn back to Nat asking for clarification. "Yeah. Not even a scar left on me." She says holding up her shirt to show where two bullet wounds once were. I reach out and run my fingers over her abs in disbelief.

"I thought I lost you." I agonised, remembering the fear I felt that she was slipping away. "I can't live without you." I admit through tears. "And you don't have to. I'm here. Safe and sound because of you Y/n. You saved me." Nat says taking my hand. I hadn't noticed that everyone else had left and it was just the two of us now. "I owed you after you saved my life." I tell her through a watery chuckle. "I would save you ten times over Y/n. You have changed my life. When I woke up and I saw you on the bed next to me barely clinging to life yourself, my heart broke." She expresses, her own eyes glossing over.

"Y/n, you mean so much to me. You have changed my life since you came into it. I can't hide my feelings from you anymore. I love you. I'm in love with you. I know you might not feel the same, but I have to tell you. I can't bare the thought of something happening to one of us and you not knowing the depth of my feelings." I'm in shock as I listen to her speak.

Is this what I've been feeling for her too? Love? I can see pain start to grow in her eyes as I don't respond, the shock almost incapacitating. Tears fall down her cheeks as she goes to leave, but thankfully, my body reacts, grabbing her hand and pull her back. Before she can even say anything, I cup her face and bring her towards me so I can connect our lips.

The sensation is electric as if the world had disappeared and it was just the two of us in this moment. Our lips move in perfect harmony. Nat's hands rest on my hips, giving them a gentle squeeze. My whole body feels a warmth rush over it, butterflies erupting in my stomach as our lips dance together, sharing every feeling we need to share in this moment. As our movements stop, I rest my forehead against hers. "I think I love you too. I've had this feeling I've not been able to understand for a while. But that kiss just explained everything." I say with a laugh as Nat's smile grows.

She leans in and kisses me once again, this one more hungry as my back hits the hospital bed. She deepens the kiss, our tongues exploring each other's mouths, as the passion and desire between us intensified.  I let a small moan out into the kiss as she presses her body against mine. That noise causes her to pull back slightly, and I let out a little whine. "Patience my love. This is all new for you and I want to do this properly." She tells me, which causes me to raise an eyebrow at her in confusion. "I want to go on a date with you." She smirks.

Thank God, she made me watch endless rom coms these last few months or I'd have no clue how this whole thing was meant to go. But over time we grew together, not rushing our relationship. It was perfect to me. When I looked in her eyes, all I saw was pure love and I hope she saw the same in return.

She made me unbelievably happy. There was a time that I never thought I wouldn't get a happy ending. A time when I questioned my purpose. But now, led here in Nat's arms, feeling safe, protected, and loved. I finally understood why I had to keep fighting. I needed to get to her and live our lives together in happiness. 

[eyra]

I hope you’ll forgive my selfishness, but I am dying to ask: What did Remus think the first time he saw Sirius in Beneath a Big Blue Sky??

today is your lucky day. I've mentioned a few times that I've dabbled in the possibility of one day writing more bits and pieces in the Beneath a Big Blue Sky world. whether or not this will ever all see the light of day I'm not sure, but since you asked, I'll share a little snippet of Remus and Sirius meeting for the first time - from Remus's point of view.

enjoy 🐑🐑 x

“Mr Lupin, is it?”

Christ.

Remus nods slowly, shaking the other boy's hand. "If you like," he mutters. If I must be, he thinks. What a mess. What an absolute pain in the arse. "Two strong lads," Lyall had asked the agency for, and Remus knows because he was in the next room listening, and still smarting over the fact that his old dad wanted to hire help anyway. "We'll be reet," Remus had insisted, shaking out his left arm in proof that his shoulder was mostly healed, which it was. They would've managed: he still had his other arm, and all the ewes looked in good health so far, and bringing in two strangers to help run the season seemed like a fine waste of money to Remus and something they'd not done since he'd turned fifteen and proven that he was good and capable of handling just as much work as Lyall during the lambs, and he'd felt all kinds of embarrassed when Lyall had implied that this year he might need some help. As if he were now a problem to be solved, or somehow less of a man this year than he was last year, and certainly less than he ought to be.

But if they must get help - if Lyall must hire someone for a few months - then at the very least Remus had hoped that the workers who arrived would be up to the job. A couple of veterinary students, or something; someone who knew their way around a sheep, and it hadn't seemed too big an ask. As it is, the two boys standing dumbly in front of him on the station platform look less suited to farm work and more like they should be standing in a shop window somewhere, with their brand new boots and spotless, neatly-pressed cream trousers. Cream trousers, and all.

Remus remembers, one night in the late winter not long after the accident, being laid up in his bed in front of the fuzzy little television Hope had insisted on setting up in his room to keep him occupied during his recovery. It had a remote held together with Sellotape and a funny round aerial which didn't quite pick up the Freeview signal, and he'd been mindlessly flicking through the scant channels when he'd happened upon some reality programme or other; something about a load of toffs titting about London with daft haircuts and those cream trousers, and he wonders now if the two boys standing in front of him have seen the show, or realise how ridiculous they look.

Or at least, one of them looks ridiculous. The lanky one with the glasses and the palm that's far too smooth to have seen any real work in its life. He's still beaming down at Remus with a sort of manic smile, which sets Remus's teeth on edge - man looks insane - and then Remus lets his eyes slip away to the shorter boy standing next to him. And he's something else altogether. He's all cheekbones and soft, shoulder-length hair, the colour of Whitby jet, and it's tucked on the one side back behind his ear and then there's one pretty strand hanging loosely over his brow, and he's watching Remus uncertainly and when they make eye contact - when the noise of the four-by-four across the car park fades away to static, and the train on the platform huffs out a great cloud of smoke that Remus doesn't see - Remus feels his cheeks grow hot under his tan and something funny happens in his throat, and he thinks to himself: "Wow," and then, straightaway: "That’s bloody inconvenient."

They drive back to the farm in silence, mostly, and Remus swallows three times before asking the boy in the back seat for his name. Sirius, as it turns out; the dog star, and Remus suddenly recalls a night a decade ago when they'd been up on the fell and the air had been balmy and close and Lily had been reading out of that funny old book about the constellations. "What's that one?" Remus had muttered, pointing at a cluster of stars somewhere over the top paddock. Lily had yawned, and flicked over a few more pages. "Canis Major," she'd said around another yawn, and then: "That bright one's called Sirius, it says here," and Remus had squinted up at it, and frowned, and thought it was pretty good, as stars go. 

⋆｡°✩ ⋆｡°✩

[thatsrightice]

F-14 TOMCAT ISSUES AND ACCIDENTS

The following is a compilation of issues with the F-14 Tomcat that have been encountered by pilots throughout its lifespan due to both mechanical and other reasons. Some are based on individual accidents and some cover epidemics in which many aircraft were lost to the issue *cough* compressor stalls *cough* basically it’s a bunch of ways you can hurt your fav characters in your fics so if you write something pls let me know cause I want to read it!!!

The issues range from minor hydraulic leaks to an explosion where pilots survive but the aircraft is literally in a million pieces.

LAST UPDATED 10/25/2023

Added some links to relavant FFFOTDs

Side note, the F-14 was a frickin massive tank of a fighter jet. She has taken damage to major components and still been able to land safely, so every situation is pretty unique.

Water Damage- Any type of water intrusion would cause issues with the electrical systems. It was a very common thing, so much so that they would have to duct tape anywhere water might be able to enter as a precaution when they knew it would rain.

Hydraulic Fluid Leaks - The F-14 did leak hydraulic fuel fairly often. There was a joke going around that if there isn't a bucket leaking hydraulic fluid underneath the plane then you are out of hydraulic fluid.

The Staple - On F-14 As and Bs, they would limit the jet to 4Gs maximum for three months and then they would install a metal staple to the bottom of the aircraft just forward of the tail hook. The point of the staple was to prevent severe bulkhead cracks and fuselage delamination by reducing the torquing moments caused by material fatigue. The staple is described as being a 1 foot-long and 1 inch wide solid steel part that looks exactly like a staple. As a part of their pre-flight checks, pilots would have to hang on it to ensure it wouldn’t fall out.

Airbags - Now and then, the airbags would rip and they would have to fix them.

Hydraulic Failures - Hydraulic failures happened somewhat often, but not often enough to be a prevalent issue. Generally speaking, it was common knowledge that if an F-14 wasn't leaking hydraulic fluid then it was out of hydraulic fluid. They would place buckets underneath to catch the liquid when the aircraft was not flying.

An incident from 1988 resulted from a complete hydraulic failure of both the main and the backup systems. They ruled the accident to be caused by the combination of failure of a relief valve and material failure. The Commander of the Pacific Fleet at the time believed that it could have possibly been the result of entrapped air that had been introduced into the hydraulic system through minor system maintenance.

AICS Programmers - They would have to start the airplane and then run the intake ramps aka would have to cycle the intake ramps otherwise they wouldn't be able to get off the ground.

Flap-Slat Lockout - If the flaps on either side of the jet didn't program at the same rate, it would cut it out and lock them up. They were then unable to move them as the lockout was a precaution to prevent asymmetry. This forced pilots to land without flaps, requiring an extra 22 knots during landing. It was difficult to land when they were locked out, and in many situations the end result would be pulling up next to the carrier and ejecting. Flap-Slat Lockout was a consistent issue throughout the Tomcat's life.

Unreliable Fire Warning Light - Sometimes the fire warning light would just barely start to flicker on and steadily become more prominent. Overall "just a bad system." You never actually know if there's a fire or not.

Wings Won’t Come Out - This happened at NAS Oceana. The airplane landed at a speed of 230 mph, so very close to the F-14’s stall speed. When the wings are stuck back, you can't hit the brakes during landing because there is no anti-skid and you would overheat them, if you pulled the stick back you would rotate, and with the wings back you have no spoilers so there is nothing to slow you down. In this particular incident, the pilot was able to take the long landing, but if this issue was encountered at sea it would require an ejection or divert to an airfield nearby if possible. No big explosions or fires though, it’d be a fairly calm procedure and the plane could fly into range of the ship for easy retrieval after ejection.

Low Fuel (Barricade Landing) - Bad weather at night combined with air traffic personnel being too occupied with diverting tons of airplanes, launching tankers, etc. can cause an aircraft to get low on fuel. There was a situation covered in the F-14 Tomcast episode called "F-14 Barricade" where they were unable to refuel using a tanker and were forced to do a barricade landing for their safety. They were almost forced to pull up alongside the carrier and eject. After the landing, one of the crew calculated based on the amount of fuel left that they only had about 90 seconds of flying left. This is literally the only night F-14 barricade landing ever I am pretty sure (in real life Maverick's doesn't count lol). I like it because the pilot and RIO had to tell the aircrew straight up "You have to take us now" because the pilot could no longer see the tape on the fuel gage. The crew tells their story really well and it’s really funny to listen to, especially considering the fact that they had to keep sending them around because they fucked up setting up the barrier.

Hitting the Canopy (During Ejection) - Goose's story is based on a real story in which a RIO hit the canopy during ejection and broke his spine. The reason the pilot does not also hit the canopy is because the ejection sends the RIO out first. The canopy is ejected after a couple of seconds after the handle is pulled, then the RIO is ejected after a second or two, and then the pilot another second later. The ejection seats also launch them in different trajectories so the pilot and the RIO do not collide in the air, meaning they may or may not end up in the same area. The solution would be to wait for the canopy to clear before ejecting but sometimes your don’t have that luxury.

Front Landing Gear Failure During Takeoff- While launching off of the catapult of the aircraft carrier, the nose gear attached to the shuttle broke. The landing gear and shuttle proceeded to the end of the runway without the jet, hitting the end of the ship at 305 knots and damaging the front of the carrier. The jet went off the ship with far less speed than necessary (at barely 60-70 knots) and began falling into the water as it was not enough to get the Tomcat in the air. They ejected to barely 50 feet high and were in serious danger of getting run over by the aircraft carrier. In the accident covered on the Fighter Pilot Podcast FPP004 - Ejection Seats, the RIO tells the story of his survival and the tragic loss of the pilot.

Radome (Nose Cone) Detachment - An F-14 Tomcat lost its radome during a flight due to the failure of the latching mechanism. The radome crashed into the canopy, shattering te glass of the windscreen. The pilot could only see out of a 3 inch hole in the windscreen due to the cracked windshield. He couldn't hear anything due to the noise of the wind in the cockpit, so he was unsure of the state of his RIO but assumed he was unconscious because he hadn't ejected them. The pilot flew over the carrier three times before successfully landing the plane, despite having glass in both eyes and a broken collarbone. It turns out that the RIO had been completely unharmed but with comms down he was unable to tell the pilot such. Upon landing the plane, the pilot was medevaced for eye surgery and then returned to the US.

Midair Collision - F-14A BUNo 159832 was a midair collision between two F-14 Tomcat. In this particular situation, one of the airplanes was able to divert to a nearby airport due to losing part of the right wing whereas the other crew was forced to eject. Obviously you could probably picture a situation where both jets went down.

Landng with Damage - Tomcats are a very sturdy aircraft, often described as being a tank both due to how much fuel they were able to carry and the sheer size of the aircraft. There has been an incident where an F-14 landed without one of its vertical stabilizers. In the Radome Deatchment section, the pilot was able to land the plane. The following video shows an aircraft, although not an F-14, landing aboard an aircraft carrier with significant damage on its right right side.

Single Engine Cat Shot- There was an incident where an aircraft had engine issues the moment it left the carrier. Immediately after the launch, they lost the left engine, and the first thing the pilot did was go through engine failure procedures, wingman at their side. They set up for an engine start using normal air before they attempted a cross-bleed air start using bleed air from the right engine to rotate the starter in the left engine, but neither worked. The pilot addressed the fuel distribution situation by feeding the right engine with fuel from the left to even them out and then they began dumping fuel to get to the "max trap" weight. Upon successfully landing, the Commanding Officer initially believed that the pilot had allowed the left engine throttle to roll back to idle during the acceleration of the catapult stroke, however, after maintenance personnel spun up the engine to troubleshoot, the engine spun well past its normal rpm immediately without the mechanical load it usually carried by the tower shaft meaning that something was very, very wrong. An image of the aircraft after launch can be seen below. Note the singular engine lit up.

F110 Afterburner Failure - The new engines installed were great, but they initially had a problem with the afterburner. In one recorded accident, the pilot lit the afterburner, damaging the afterburner can's lining and leading to an explosion. The Navy prohibited use of the afterburner below 10,000 ft on the F-14+/B/D until the problem could get solved but it took nearly a year to remedy.

"Thump Bang" - The easiest way to incorporate any sort of accident is to call it what the Naval Aviators call a "thump bang". A "thump bang" refers to a series of events that occur when an aircraft experiences some sort of issue they described as a "thump" and then an explosion. It's kind of hard to describe what is like in the cockpit during this sort of accident as it could have happened quickly or could have been a delayed explosion, and it could have been caused by any number of reasons. If they don't know what actually happened, they'll call it a "thump bang" and can only hypothesize what occurred. The likely scenario would have been an issue with the TF30 engines.

TF30 - The "Turd in the punch bowl, " the TF30s had two specific issues that were kind of intertwined.

Throwing Fan Blades - One of the largest issues with the TF30s was that they were with the fan blades. When the fan blades become eroded or damaged over time, they no longer compress the airflow efficiently, potentially leading to an engine stall (see Compressor Stall below). Additionally, the TF30 was known for "throwing" fan blades. This is when the fan blade becomes detached and is shot out to the side into the interior of the aircraft. Not good. Pretty bad actually. They didn't initially know they were throwing fan blades until after a couple of accidents. when they started to be more common they would retrieve the aircraft from the water (if in large enough pieces and then investigate the cause.

Compressor Stall - The actual biggest issue with the F-14 Tomcat and its TF30 engines is the compressor stalling. They literally happened all the time from a variety of different causes. Generally speaking, the compressor stalls were the result of disruption to the airflow into the compressor of the engine. The compressor has fan blades that require the airflow to be undisturbed for maximum efficiency. It was theorized to be the result of foreign object debris (FOD) ingestion into the engines. They check religiously for loose objects on the airplanes as a result, oftentimes having a crew member dive into the intake ducts to check for loose bolts. Additionally, compressor stalls could be caused by operating the aircraft outside of its limits, improper handling, etc.

The F-14 had a gated afterburner, meaning it had 5 “gates” inside of the afterburner and each one lit up a flame rack. There was no variable thrust, so it had to be either on or off. Each of the five racks was labeled as a zone. Zone 3 is what they were allowed to take off with. Coming in or out of afterburner with any angle or attack would cause the compressor to immediately stall. This was mostly due to poor design of the intake.

In general, approximately 30% of F-14A losses were attributed to high-altitude compressor stalls. When one engine stalls, more often than not it will induce the other engine to stall as well. There is a procedure to counteract the compressor stall, the specific protocol was to ease the amount of Gs, slow down, the T.I.T. would go crazy and you shut it down. Or in fighter pilot slang, “ease, slow cook it, shut it down.”

One incident in particular that was assumed to be caused by engine failure resulted in an explosion that looked so bad it was a miracle the pilot and RIO survived (see image below). The pilot escaped with minor burns to his hands, face, and neck and was able to fly within a couple of weeks. The RIO sustained more serious burns on his hands but was flying again after several weeks.

Not Touching Them For Two Days - True story; they flew best when they were used a lot.

[missmarveledsblog]

It's just pretend right ? (Bucky Barnes x Reader ) part 8

Summary : kitty tells everyone what the discovery of her findings were ... while she still processing everything a massage leads to some more revelations only this time it was the good kind while peter finds out it not good idea to spy .

warning : hydra being sick fucks but rest is fluffy and cute not proofread so spelling and grammatical errors maybe ?( soz )

previous part

Information as if nothing could get worse or more bizarre than it already  has the fact she had her birth family and adopted family , crush all in one part of her house something even books or films could conjure and it was her real life and now her discovery of why she was so wanted came just as a cherry on the shit sundae that was just her life .  she watched and waited as they all filtered into the space , her family kept to one side of the house while the avengers worked the other side , leaving meant  danger. Head still reeling and her stomach still twisting and turning at the information learned, knowing this was what they had planned in their sick and twisted heads . she could see tony and bruce looking over the computer , both men looking to her as confirmation  a quick nod . she could see it on his the tinge of green on bruce banners neck creeping up as he shook his head and excused himself from the room completely followed by a roar . 

“ ok that is not good  , what is it “ nat eye looking out the window back at her as wanda’s eyes flashed read and both she loki stood like bristled cats . 

“ somebody spit it out “ steve yelled. 

“ they want her to make more enhanced super soldiers whether its of clone of  variety or the other way “ tony sighed as her eyes closed .

“ other way as in ..” bucky asked. “ no even they can’t be that sick “ he snapped. 

“ super soldier factory “ she waved gesturing to her stomach as they caught on . 

“ slightly glad they ripped ours out now “ . 

“ yeah its great victims of the red room you get your reproduction taken while hydra breed you like livestock, their original plan was to make me a super soldier use the gifts i got for their own gain and now their like those horrible shop channel like wait there more like make some soldiers from scratch , since normal people are more like to die or thats there logic “ she sighed sitting down .  “  like i’m going to make hydra great again or some shit you know i was hoping all i had to do this week was pretend bucky was my boyfriend and now i have to fight for my womb “ she waved her hands . 

“ brock rumlow was head of the programme to um you know “tony winced . 

 “ he’s dead right i mean dead dead?”  she looked around . 

“ i thought bucky was dead dead … but i’m sure rumlow is gone “ steve smiled weakly. “ sorry “ . 

“   we know now and they are planning something big so we need to be step ahead , wanda, loki sniff out shield agent we don’t need any leaks ,  when bruce isn’t shade of broccoli , me and science bro’s will dig til we find out exactly what their plan is and how we can stop it “ she stood hands on her hips and head high .  “ aven…” 

“ avenger assemble “ steve clapped . 

“ couldn’t let me do it just once “ she rolled her eyes . 

“ do we tell your family ? “ clint asked. 

“ nah they know” she shrugged nudging her head to the door as vision opened it only for her sibling to fall into the room . 

“ what do we tell fury “  steve asked. 

“ yeah what do we tell fury” the man he stood . 

“ fine sit down i’ll explain and steve if you interrupt me so help me i will feed you to the pigs” she stood .

“ you don’t have pigs” 

“ i’ll feed you to the hulk “ she  stuck her tongue out.  

What seemed to be new regular sitting in her room as they all took different parts of the house to sleep in some of the team stayed on the jets as she sat at her window looking up at sky  waiting on asteroid of something to hit them would be on par with how things were going when she heard a light tapping on her door turning to see bucky’s head poking in . 

“ am i still staying in here?” he asked sort of nervously . 

“ course unless you don’t wanna with steve and sam here “  her eyes went back out to the window. 

“ nah i think i’m good here “ he walked over putting his hands on her shoulders , movements slow at first feeling the weight of everything she been through held in the muscles of her shoulder before he added pressure head head falling back against his stomach eyes closed and soft sigh coming from her lips . “ feel good” he mused. 

“ if you stop i will honestly kill you “she laughed felling the tension melt away under his fingers ,frankly loving his touch on her skin even it was covered by her clothes  she could still feel his touch in a way . “ so what was it you wanted to talk to me about when you came into the room unknow before i puked everything including my stomach up “ she asked almost a whisper  to wrapped up in his fingers massaging  her worries away .

“ oh we don’t have to talk about it you’ve got a lot on at the moment “ he smiled. 

“ nah come on none of that  unless it bad then i don’t think i could take bad now no pressure except a little more to the left … oh god “ she moaned out making him completely freeze and halt what he was doing , brain short circuiting at such a noise spilling from her lips .   

“ hey why’d you stop “  she was looking up her head still leaning on his stomach , he was still standing trying to think of anything that could kill the heat rising in his vein at the very sound out  that was repeating on loop in his head fueling fantasy at a supersonic speed .  “you ok ? “ her head tilted. 

“  erm yes .. yup yeah” he face scrunched he was definitely channeling some pre serum steve and didn’t help the wide  doe eyes she was giving him . 

“ what is it clearly got you  more awkward then tony when he caught park imitating him with shaving foam” she snorted .  

“ ok i think we need to talk but it ok if you got too much going on i just need to get this out of my system before i explode” he move to other side  of her taking one of the pillows at the window placing it on his lap thinking maybe it looked like he was just nervous.. He was but it wasn’t the only thing he was feeling as he looked around the room til his eyes landed on the door .  “ one second “ he stood almost running to lock it before jogging back putting the pillow back on his lap . 

“ ok take deep breathe whatever it is  doesn’t matter if the world is falling around us   i always wanna know what’s bugging you or on your mind “ she took his metal hand slight thankful it was that hand since the other one was now clammy as hell . 

“ ok maybe my head is still scrambled or some shit but something  i’ve picked on during this time together the closeness and all that which isn’t a bad thing definitely not  actually it good more than good actually … oh fucking hell i don’t even think steve was this bad … am i going crazy to think that closeness was leading to kissing “ he rambled as she dropped his hand  making him think he scared her off , read it all wrong or so far gone in thoughts of her he made it all up . 

“ sorry my hands sweat “ she whispered wiping it before taking his hand again . 

“ it’s my metal hand doll “ he chuckled slight relief he didn’t scare her off .  

“ oh ha yeah erm shit … so god why is this so hard i mean jesus y/n … its not you i mean it could be wishful thinking ,  it could be crazy .. i am crazy about you and have been since i yelled at you that day you know how hard it is to keep yelling at someone when your like damn he’s hot … not the point i’m sorry i must be over thinking or wishful thinking i already said that oh my god if steve was this bad i think we might need to start a club” she  stumbled and copied his rambling as he completely was more in love than he could of been . the woman he’s been undisputedly in love with was crazy about him .  Not taking a chance for anymore interruptions or wasting anymore time he cut her off by pressing his lips to hers completely freezing any thought in her brain . she was stunned thinking maybe it all got too much, her brain finally snapped and here she was in the funny farm conjuring this whole thing up .  hallucinations of a lunatic or not she pulled him closer never wanting to leave the moment ever as she kissed him back .  she wanted to stay like that for rest of her days like the sole taste of bucky barnes could keep her sustained in life   , hating her lungs need for oxygen as she pulled back but the look of pure love in his eyes was something she could make an exception for breaking the kiss . but  as time went by she could feel more eyes on her and she turned to see peter parked looking in her window making her fall back on her ass . 

“ they kissed “ he yelled down only  the window to open and her head to pop out seeing the team and sibling  looking up cheering . 

“ wanda catch peeper parker “ was all she said before she blew the little flames coming out like fireflies and burning  the webs making the young man screech like a little girl as he went down . 

“ my sister just tried to kill spiderman” jack paled. 

“  our sister … peeper parker she is so funny “ yelena snorted patting his back . 

“ go to bed, you perverts!! “ she yelled out before closing the window and pulling the blinds . 

“ so you like me ?” she asked smiling widely . 

“  no i don’t like you doll  i love you “ he chuckled pulling her close . 

“ you scared me there asshole , don't say it like that....lucky i love you too “ she smiled diving on to the man and crashing her lips against his ignoring the cheering still going on .

taglist : @vicmc624 @babble28 @scott-loki-barnes @ozwriterchick

[gino-dino]

I don't really get why so many people here are getting so worked up about what Toto said in that paragraph because like, is he wrong?

There is a time for every athlete when they are past their peak in performance, doesn't mean they are bottom of barrel all of the sudden, but also not top of the game anymore. Calling it "shelf life" may be a bit poor wording but ultimatly not wrong. Now, has that time come for Lewis jet? I don't know. But really considering his age, a switch in the driver line-up would have happen in the next few years anyway in my opinion.

Every professional sports team has a junior programm in the end for the very purpose of developing new talents that are supposed to replace the old and established on day. And as a team principal or coach or whatever you call it, you have to oversee that and plan ahead for the future and one day just have to make that decision to switch it up. Now, Lewis took that decision into his own hands (whatever reason he might have for that) and i understand why Toto would be at least a bit relieved that Lewis made that step himself, considering this situation of Lewis and Merc separating would have happend sooner or later anyway. It's like when you're in a relationship with someone and you're not actually unhappy but also both know that there is no long term future ahead for you together anymore. Neither of you wants to hurt the other person but one of you has to make the step forwars and say "i like you, but this isn't working anymore" and i would be so relieved if i don't have to be that person because after so many years together that is a difficult and awkward talk to have even if you are a professional.

Could the whole thing be worded a bit better? (and the whole situation since the start of the year) Definitely yes. But really it's like i said in the beginning, i don't get why people here act like Toto said something unbelievably wrong or terrible because ultimatly thats not really the case.

There is no big evil conspiracy against Lewis to bully him out of the team (way to much money and publicity in this sport nowadays to just purposely fuck over your driver that won multiple WDC with you). The car is just not competitive, (most likely developement mistakes very early on that they can't propery resolve without something else poppig up) and probably won't be next year and Lewis is rightfully frustrated about it and just wants to make the most out of the last part of his career (plus the chance to drive for ferrari) and thats what led to this situation, just business and career decisions in the end.

On a last note, i think it's a bit disrespectful and infantilising that people believe someone like LH would just put his head down and keep his mouth shut when there really were ill intentions of the team against him. He is a grown man that is capable of standing up for himself and has the self-confidence and greatness to do so.

[justforbooks]

The actor Matthew Perry, who has been found dead at his home aged 54, brought a wry sense of humour to the role of Chandler Bing in Friends, the American sitcom featuring six twentysomethings in Manhattan facing the ups and down of everyday life.

“Chandler’s a guy who’s just not comfortable in his own skin – he’s got a great excuse to be funny,” said Perry of the sarcastic, neurotic character in the programme that ran from 1994 to 2004. “He’s an exaggerated form of me.”

The neurosis partly came from Chandler experiencing the divorce of his parents when he was nine and using humour as a defence mechanism. It echoed Perry’s own life, with his mother and father splitting up by his first birthday.

Through his work in “statistical analysis and data reconfiguration”, the character pulled in more money than the other friends – Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Ross (David Schwimmer) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) – although he hated his job.

Chandler had already met Monica Geller at college before they became neighbours in Greenwich Village, where he shared an apartment with Joey. By the end of the fourth series, the relationship had gone from being close friends to lovers and, three years later, they were husband and wife. Unable to have children of their own, they adopted twins, with their birth as a central storyline, alongside Ross and Rachel reuniting, in Friends’ final episode, which attracted more than 50 million viewers in the US.

By then, the programme’s impact on popular culture had spread well beyond its homeland. Joey’s “How ya doin’?” and Chandler’s “Could I be any more …” broke into the language of its young audience. The part earned Perry worldwide fame that continues with Netflix bringing the sitcom to a new generation.

Nevertheless, stardom did nothing to help the actor to overcome his own vulnerabilities. In 1997, Aniston said: “His feelings get hurt. He cares what people think. He even bruises easily.”

Perry’s battles with his personal demons first hit the headlines halfway through the sitcom’s run. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry recalled a journey to alcoholism that went from beer and wine at 14 to drinking vodka by the quart, as well as getting addicted to prescription drugs.

In 1997, he checked into a Minnesota rehab clinic for 28 days when he became hooked on a painkiller and appetite suppressant after a jet-ski accident and a 35lb weight loss. Three years later, he was hospitalised with pancreatitis. In 2001, he abruptly left the set of the film Serving Sara (released the following year) to go into rehab again.

Perry reflected that by 2018, at the age of 49, he had spent more than half his life in treatment centres. That year he suffered pneumonia and an exploded colon caused by opiod overuse, resulting in time on life support and two weeks in a coma.

He converted his Malibu home into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, Perry House, in 2013, but closed it two years later, citing expensive running costs.

He had been drug and alcohol-free for 18 months before the screening in 2021 of Friends: The Reunion, a one-off special bringing back together the programme’s six stars.

Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Matthew was the son of Suzanne (nee Langford, later Morrison), a Canadian journalist, and John Bennett Perry, an American actor. He grew up mainly in Ottawa when his mother returned to her home country and eventually became press secretary to the then prime minister, Pierre Trudeau. In 2017, Perry revealed that he and another pupil at Rockcliffe Park elementary school had beaten up Justin Trudeau, Pierre’s son and current Canadian premier. Trudeau responded on Twitter (now X): “I’ve been giving it some thought, and you know what, who hasn’t wanted to punch Chandler? How about a rematch @MatthewPerry?”

While studying at Ashbury college, Perry became a top-ranking junior tennis player. He practised up to 10 hours a day, but switched that determination to acting after travelling to Los Angeles when he was 15 and being reunited with his father. “I wanted to be famous so badly,” he told the New York Times in 2002. “You want the attention, you want the bucks, and you want the best seat in the restaurant.”

He made an impression with leading roles in sitcoms: Chazz Russell in Second Chance (1987), retitled Boys Will Be Boys for its second series in 1988, Billy Kells in Sydney (1990) and Matt Bailey in Home Free (1993) before Friends came along.

Perry’s big-screen debut came as River Phoenix’s best friend in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988), but he never became the film star he hoped to be despite appearances in Fools Rush In (1997), Three to Tango (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and its sequel, The Whole Ten Yards (2003), both alongside Bruce Willis.

He stuck with television. Switching to drama, he had a short run as Joe Quincy, a Republican lawyer, in The West Wing in 2003, and starred in another Aaron Sorkin series, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-07). His own sitcom idea, Mr Sunshine, with him playing Ben Donovan, a San Diego arena operations manager, was dropped after a short run in 2011. The following year he starred as Ryan King, a sportscaster, in Go On and later played Oscar Madison in a revival of The Odd Couple (2015-17). He also wrote and starred in the play The End of Longing, which debuted in London’s West End in 2016.

He had relationships with many high-profile actors including Julia Roberts, Minnie Driver and Lizzy Caplan. From 2020 to 2021, he was engaged to Molly Hurwitz, a talent manager.

His parents survive him.

🔔 Matthew Langford Perry, actor, born 19 August 1969; died 28 October 2023

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[charliethomascoxuniverse]

In the Footsteps of a Saint

FAITH TODAY：MAY 2011

Catholic actor Charlie Cox is making waves across the Atlantic – and he’s about to hit the cinemas in his native UK playing a saint in a new movie.

FAITH TODAY went to meet him.

How does it feel to be a saint?  That’s something no-one alive can ever really know, since sainthood is only acknowledged after death: but up-and-coming actor Charlie Cox knows more about it than most. Cox, 28, is the star of There Be Dragons, a new movie about the early life of St Josemaria Escriva, the Spaniard who founded Opus Dei.  So – given that he’s a Catholic himself - how did it feel to Cox to walk in a saint’s shoes, and to portray his holiness on screen?

What struck him most, says Cox, is that ‘there seemed to have been no single moment when Josemaria was saintly... instead, what people who knew him spoke about and wrote about was a lifetime of consistently good decisions and a dedication of his entire life to God’.  So in fact, he explains, portraying him meant being very human – and yet aware that decisions often had to be made that weren’t directed at other people, but were directed at God. Playing Josemaria is the latest step on a path that’s fast feeling like the road to the big-time: Cox first appeared on the showbiz radar in 2007 when he got the role of Tristan Thorne in the movie Stardust, and he went on to play the Duke of Crowborough in the ITV drama Downton Abbey.  And just a fortnight before we meet, he’s filmed his first episode of HBO’s prohibition drama Boardwalk Empire, the flagship programme of the new Sky Atlantic channel, in which he plays an immigrant from Northern Ireland with ties to the IRA.  Cox says he’s loving the part: Steve Buscemi, who recently won a Gold Globe award for his portrayal of Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson in the series, is one of his all-time heroes, and he can hardly believe his luck in being cast with him.

’Working with Steve feels amazing, I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been,’ he says, as we chat over coffee at a Madrid hotel on the morning of the premiere of There Be Dragons.  He jetted in this morning from New York – he’ll be there filming Boardwalk Empire through the summer and, he says, he can’t imagine a better way of spending the next few months. ‘They’re the nicest bunch of people – and everyone is so confident about how good the series is, so there’s a great buzz about it.’

Working on Boardwalk Empire has taken him a long way from his Sussex roots.  He grew up in Hearst Green, the son of publisher parents – and he was raised a Catholic, like his father, although he was educated at a non-Catholic independent school, Sherborne School in Dorset.  ‘Only about 70 out of 700 boys were Catholics. We had to get up early on a Sunday to go to Mass at a local girls’ school... it would have been easy to skive off it, but actually we never did.  I’ve always loved churches – even now, in a strange city, I’ll often wander around looking at churches.’ There was no history of acting in the family – bar a grandmother who had been at RADA before the second world war – but even as a youngster, Cox was smitten with the idea.  ‘My mum and dad had a fantastic attitude to it,’ he says.  ‘The school wanted me to go to university, play it in safe mode, have a back-up plan.  But my parents came to see me act, and afterwards my dad sat me down and he said: ‘I think you’d be a fool not to pursue this’.  And I don’t know whether I’d be here now if it hadn’t been for that one comment...’ Despite living in the US at the moment, and the fact that his parents spend most of their time these days in France, Cox says Britain will always be home – and he’s very close to his family.  He has a brother, and three half siblings from his father’s first marriage, and his parents have flown to see him in Madrid while he’s over for the premiere of There Be Dragons. After school, he spent a gap year working for a photographer – and even before he could take up a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he’d landed the role of Theo in the movie Dot the i.  ‘An agent took a punt on me and put me up for the part,’ he says.  ‘I’ve been incredibly lucky, and that was just one of my lucky breaks.’

But it’s not just luck – Cox is immensely likeable, and he’s obviously genuinely passionate about acting.  He’s also been smart enough to realise that he can learn a huge amount from more seasoned actors – so he saw acting alongside Robert de Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer in Stardust, for example, as a fantastic opportunity to soak up knowledge.  And he’s learnt lots more, too, from Roland Joffe, director of There Be Dragons, who was also the film-maker behind The Mission (about the early Jesuits in south America) and The Killing Fields (about the murderous Pol Pot regime in Cambodia), both of which were Oscar nominees.

‘I didn’t think twice about taking the part of Josemaria, and that was down to Roland,’ he says.  ‘He’s such a great director – he really understands the processes that actors have to go through to give their best.  I learnt so much from working with him.’

Given the subject-matter of There Be Dragons, Cox also spent time in the run-up to filming learning about Opus Dei, which has the status of a ‘personal prelature’ within the Catholic Church.  ‘I visited several Opus Dei houses, and I went on a retreat and had a lot of help from an Opus Dei priest, Fr John Wauck.’

Before he made the film, he admits, he’d never heard of Josemaria – and all he knew about Opus Dei was what he’d read in Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code.  But researching Josemaria, he says, what struck him most was the saint’s humanity – and his ability, examined in the film, to forgive.  ‘It was an example I had to put into practice, because one day when we were filming I returned to my trailer to find someone had broken in and cleaned the place out completely,’ he says.  ‘They’d even taken my computer, and the charger, and even my clothes.’ ‘The following day I was due to film one of the big scenes in which Josemaria shows how he can forgive, and I remember thinking: this is really interesting.  And the thing is that I did manage to forgive the guy who nicked my stuff.’ ‘And what I realised, through that incident, was that – though we think of forgiveness as something very moral and impressive, it’s actually something that works totally in your own favour.  Because if you don’t forgive then you’re angry inside – and that anger doesn’t hurt the other person, but it really hurts you.’ Since filming finished for There Be Dragons, Cox has been working on another movie – Moby Dick, due to be released later this year – and now Boardwalk Empire.  It all suggests, I tell him, that fame – which he’s told previous interviewers frightens him – could be beckoning. ‘It’s tricky,’ he says, candidly.  ‘I’ve got friends who have gone on to extraordinary fame, and what I’ve realised through them is that it’s never quite as appealing as it promised to be. ‘On the other hand, like everyone else I want recognition.  I like people to think I’m good at what I do. That’s human nature, isn’t it?’

~*~

[fruityyamenrunner]

speaking of magic for the jet-set

This technique I commend to you reservedly. It almost did not make it into the final draft because it is, without question, the most dangerous technique in the book. But it is hugely effective if you have the stomach for it. Two pieces of context are necessary before we continue.

The modern western practice of assuming godforms originates with the Golden Dawn and is in and of itself a very worthwhile activity to explore. Briefly, you learn as much as you can about the attributes and mythologies of a particular god/dess, fill a ritual space with objects, colours, and smells associated with the god/dess and then sit there visualising yourself transforming into this being. Think of it like cosmic theatre sports.

Secondly, when I say “annunaki,” I do not mean the actual beings from Sumerian mythology. I mean the beings posited by ancient aliens theorist Zechariah Sitchin. I mean the space lizards who came to earth on nuclear powered rocket ships and genetically engineered mankind to mine gold to shore up the atmosphere of their home planet before getting into a nuclear war with each other, appointing some bloodline families to rule on their behalf and then leaving again.

To put it mildly, this is an extremely unlikely historical scenario. And by that I mean it emphatically did not happen. But after the last thirty years of alternative archaeological books and television programmes we all have a very vivid mental image of the “gods as hostile aliens” motif. It has spun off into about a dozen reptilian overlord conspiracy theories to boot. So, several years ago, after largely confining myself to western Europe for about five years, I was suddenly flying all over the world. New York, Fiji, Los Angeles, Hamburg, Tuscany, etc. It was the Fiji leg in particular that got me thinking about a potential godform experiment. It is one of those holiday destinations where the staff are so deferential it makes you feel awkward. They all but bow as you walk past. Tropical island holidays tend to be things of almost obscene luxury, especially given that they invariably happen in countries with few other viable economic sectors. It is not hard to imagine that if the planet were ruled by hostile alien overlords this is how they would live.

In this case, begin the godform assumption when you are on an airplane as it begins to speed up and take off. Picture your hands and feet morphing into three-taloned claws, your second set of eyelids blinking, your height extending by several feet, and allow a cold, calculating, uncaring personality to arise … like you are being dispatched to sort of a recalcitrant province of disposable ape men. Become an interloping Lord of the Earth.

It all seems fairly innocuous until you try it. The assumption triggers in me a metallic, influenza taste in my mouth that is my indicator I have wandered into a less salubrious corner of the imaginal realm. Retain this impression until about cruising altitude and then let it melt into the background. (For some reason this works better for me on take-off rather than landing. But I am usually pretty drunk by the time we land.) The personality change is remarkable, particularly in someone who is not overly misanthropic. No, really. And I will just add that it was a mere several months—perhaps six flights in all—of trialling this assumption before the startup I was working for was acquired by a large, publicly listed media company, netting me the single biggest windfall of my life so far.

[watermelonsource]

🚨 syria: regime bombs idlib

syria has been in the midst of a civil war since 2011 during the arab spring uprising. the strike in idlib by the state of syria left at least 4 dead and many more injured.

this article is from 2019:

this article is also from 2019:

as is this one:

the world food program recently announced that due to funding shortages, it will stop its general food assistance program across syria at the beginning of 2024. this is the 7th time they have announced a reduction to aid in syria.

an estimated 4.5 million people live in northwest syria, and approximately 1.9 million of them live in displacement camps. the poverty rate in northwest syria is 91.10 percent, with an 88.74 percent unemployment rate.

this article is from december 8th 2023:

in 2019, vice did a documentary on life inside idlib.

• all information verifiable with google

• follow @watermelonsource for more "too much news at once" 🍉

[kitakataramen]

Hi!! Just stumbled into your blog and I love it 🥺 may I ask since when and how you were able to go to Japan? (If you're comfortable answering of course!) Plus, how is life in Japan for a N4? Do you find it difficult to live in or do you get the grasp of things pretty quickly?

I know it's something personal and that may change from individual to individual but I just wanted to know your experience if you're willing to share! I'd like to move to Japan and I have a lot of questions and curiosity about it. Every time I see someone on Tumblr living there I ask tons of questions 😅 sorry! Have a great day!! またねぇ～

Hi there, thanks for the message! Glad to hear you're enjoying my blog!

Great questions! So as for coming to Japan, the main ways to get here are through study abroad and working holiday programs. These are great if you are at university age. However, I didn't come to Japan until after I graduated university, so I actually came here as an English teacher! There are many companies and programs you can apply with to get a teaching position, with the best one being the JET program.

I came over with Interac, and I believe there are some other programs you can do. You'll need an undergraduate degree of some kind in order to be eligible, and a TESOL certificate will really help your chances.

If you're planning on living in Japan then it's advisable to start studying Japanese as soon as possible! I didn't and it really made things difficult because I was dispatched to a rural area in Tohoku where almost nobody can speak English- that said, it is possible to get by using basic Japanese and gestures at first, so don't let fluency (or lack thereof) stop you from coming! You will pick up the language out of necessity, believe me 😂

N4(ish) level is good for most interactions like eating out, shopping, having casual conversations, etc. I would like to point out that the JLPT levels are only one method of assessment for where your ability is, so don't get too caught up in that as a measurement. For example, I'm saying I'm at N4 because I've studied N5 and N4 books, but once I got to Japan I also started studying Japanese the way Japanese children do using children's books and kanji drills. Japanese kids learn kanji and vocab in a totally different order than the JLPT presents it in, so I know a lot of kanji from all over the different JLPT levels. Right now I usually study using 3rd and 4th grade elementary books. I just picked up some 4th grade level novels (some of my favourites, including The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Anne of Green Gables) from a second-hand shop- they're great because they use relatively simple sentences and the kanji have furigana readings next to them. So yeah, while I say I'm around JLPT N4 level, I don't think that's really an accurate measurement of my skills. You can use those levels to give you some guidance on what to study and it's possible you may want the certificate to put on your resume, but I've never done a JLPT exam because I hate tests. My advice is to learn Japanese in a way that works for you, by doing something you enjoy in Japanese (reading, cooking, YouTube, music, games, etc.)

[jet-bradley]

i wanna redesign some doom demons in a TRON style but i can't decide which TRON

no tron legacy option because that's boring and frankly i dont think it would look good in doom

theyre still going to be recognizably demonic, not complete copies or redesigns

screencaps of what these options mean under the cut for the uninitiated

TRON: 1982

due to the animation technique used to create the glowing circuits, characters in the original film have gray bodies and clothing accented by HEAVILY detailed circuit designs. the original film's characters have "circuits" most closely resembling those you'd find in real-life circuit components. and no one has hair as this was deemed too hard to animate.

enemy clothing obeys the same principle, although they've got a little more sportsball PPE.

the only character to disobey this principle is the master control program. his form has mutated to resemble an I/O beam, the very communication metric between programs and their programmers - he's like a false icon to the programs. from the users' perspective, he resembles a laser beam, the method of transport from our world into the computer. (still no hair though!)

TRON 2.0

TRON 2.0 characters have a lot more visual diversity than characters from the original film. the only similarity between TRON 2.0 characters is that due to live animation constraints, they don't tend to have detailed circuits... and even that's broken in the case of Jet's official design. general working-class programs retain the gray-and-solid-circuit-color look, with much of their detailed circuitry gone.

combat-oriented programs, such as player-character Jet and games-script Mercury, tend to have bulkier armor, but it more closely resembles sci-fi shooter hero armor than it does the PE class armor of the original movie. (and no, this isn't because they're the protagonists; there's a few other random game scripts that have this style of armor too). mercury's got... less of that aforementioned armor, but hey look, welding gloves! and no i'm not afraid to apply that lack of armor to a cyberdemon, who do i look like? also, LOOK! HAIR IN TRON!

then you have corrupted enemies. these ones are the coolest imo from a character design perspective. the left image is of a z-lot; its circuits have been corrupted and jagged, and it hurls its own corrupted body mass at the player to infect them.

ICPs are the direct analogue to the red-circuited guards of the original movie. they serve the OS kernel and are occasionally your allies. their shielding seems to be made from excess energy so Jet can destroy it. they don't have much by the way of "human bodies" and appear as floating shells.

you've also got datawraiths. these are digitized human beings, like jet and flynn and sam, but clearly somehow their abilities are being upgraded when they enter the computer. they only appear as husks of humans strewn together by energy, and that's when they want to appear. they can run really fast, turn partially invisible, and... yeah these are just stealth pinkies with weird deplore and a ranged attack BUT THEY LOOK COOL!

[eashgirl]

Charecter sheets for my Ninjago au(descendents of luminescence)

The worldbuilding and lore post will be coming soon to explain how this au works.

I need to give the main ninja's sheets a bit more of a thought so I decided to start with Morro.

Here is the reference design(i swear I can draw better than this but since it was only a reference pic so I decided not to and because I was sick)

Name : Agent Morro Hayato

Age : 18

He is the adopted son of General Wu, and has spend half of his life training to become a soldier.

Wu came across a young Morro on the streets when he was just scouring through the waste to find some food, and adopted him. Since he couldn't leave a child alone Wu brought him to the command building, after seeing the several mechs,jets, vehicles and soldiers equipped with weapons it was here then that Morro wanted to become one of them.

He more specifically took a liking to the air force, and expresses his desire to become a pilot or even better yet the air commandor one day. Wu was initially hesitant as the child was only 8 years old by the time but after some persuasion he gave in.

Morro was enrolled in a junior training programme that came with a set of obstacles he had to conquer including working on weapon fire, reflexes, honing instincts, learning the ins and outs of the mechs involved and having to learn numerous skills in swimming, strength based and flexibility.

He was a prodigy in his early years and about two years from then Wu would discover about the Morro's elemental power. The element of wind was a power he had never before seen in all his years so he became convinced that this boy had what it takes to become one of the elites.

But due to that dream he had planted in the boys mind, Morro would become goal oriented to the point where he would risk his own physical and mental stability just to earn a spot in the ranks despite not being of age yet. During a training session Morro accidentally collided his jet to another person's because he attempted to use his power to speed it which ended up in the both of them gaining injuries. Once Wu learnt of this he withdrew Morro from the training programe and forbade him to even venture into the command center.

In Wu's mind he was doing this only so Morro would stop inflicting harm upon himself and others but this new prohibition only gave fuel to the boy's already raging storm.

So he became determined to prove Wu wrong and began sneaking out at night which was directly against the rules of the SS and tried to prove Wu wrong by stealing the entrance card to the unit and venturing outside the barrier, he would later began to realize just how foolish of a decision he had taken.

But when everything was so far going accordingly just a few seconds after the jet took flight, the system started to malfunction appearently it was a seeker in the process of repair, so it hadn't even reached the barrier before it collided and the last thing Morro had seen before he passed out was his amulet glowing an ominous purple and a voice of a woman whispering in his head.

Though he had survived the accident, he remained in a coma for a year and by the time he woke up he'd also heard that Wu had only visited him once during that time(note : Wu actually had a logical reason to do that which I'll explain the fic itself once I write it but it's all just a misunderstanding) and was now somehow stuck with the woman's voice in his head all the time, and his right eye had turned a bright purple and there were green lightnining cracks surrounding the eye.

Since then he moved out from Wu's house and while he is still legally Wu's adopted son, his relationship with Wu is strained to the point he avoids the man entirely not even giving him a chance to explain. He moved in the dorms of the military academy and re-enrolled himself in the training programme and this time actually managed to climb the ranks and become an actual soldier recruit, he's part of the air force and since he's an elemental master his jet mech is powered by his element.

That's actually where he met Kai, Jay, Zane, Nya, Cole and Pixal. Morro had no idea who Lloyd was until he arrived there as a junior candidate. And honestly he doesn't care.

To him it's just : oh great I basically have a cousin and Wu never bothered to tell me about that.

Yeah, they're not exactly on the best of terms at first.

But he does talk to other members of their trainee unit.

He gets along with Nya, to the point you can actually say their friends as they have a lot of similar interests such as favourite music, soldier they admire, ambitions, similar sometimes twisted sense of humor, Morro actually considers Nya to be a lot more bearable than Kai.

(i saw a post about this Morro and Nya having similar interests because of their relation to wojira and I really wanted to incorporate that because I love that theory to bits)

Cole and Jay are basically nice to everyone and in the 3 years they all spent training together, they do have a weird dynamic going on with him they try to bond but Morro just outright rejects their offer everytime he considers them annoying but also appreciates it at the same time.

He doesn't talk to Zane that much at first but they're initially on just friendly terms because Morro is friends with Agent E who is Zane's twin brother. So they run into eachother a lot so they occasionally strike up small talk but don't really become actual friends until later.

Morro and Pixal are pretty much neutral towards eachother as they hardly have a reason to talk at all, but she has a part time job at the engineering department where soldiers go to equip themselves with the latest gadgets to help them fight more efficiently. However due to Pixals status as one of the higher ranking trainees they both hold some amount of respect towards eachother due to that.

His relationship with Kai is more or less just a rivalry, they've always been at eachothers throats ever since their first year at training, during which most of the classes or even at the cafeteria they would end up causing a scene and would be sent to the confinement unit bruised and forced to bear with eachother for atleast a day everytime. They compete with eachother for the highest rank by the time they are sent to their official posts, as both want to earn a spot in the elite squad. Due to this they basically have a hostility and can hardly speak two words to eachother without an insult.

Being the current elemental master of wind, and is in possession of one of the twin amulets of wojira the ruler of the storm and seas.

In the beginning of the story he's going to start off being a huge jerk to everyone that eventually gets a charecter development arc.

Oh and yeah, he's also got himself involved in the wrong crowd more like gang for a reason which I will not reveal due to it being a huge spoiler part of the story.

Fun fact : I actually had the scene where Morro is at the climax of his redemption arc planned out from the beginning - the moment where he finally accepts that the only person who's putting the expectations he carries is himself and finally moves on. - that scene is going to be super emotional I can guarentee that.

Ok now here are some :

Fun facts and hcs : 🥹😯(my favourite part)

1)All elemental masters have a true form that they can access from the point where they discover their elemental magic. But the thing is it's hard to change back to your normal self until you learn to control it.

Morro's form involved his skin turning a lavender pink shade,and there are several golden markings all over his face and the color of his hair turns from black to purple excluding the green strip which stays quite the same.(basically like the keepers in the island)The strange greenish lictenburg like strikes around his right eye also don't fade away neither does his his heterochromia eyes. All elemental masters change to their true forms but some like Morro choose not to unless neccesary.

Why? He just doesn't want to. Even if Jay begs him to show him atleast once how it looks it.

2) Morro is the descendant of the original elemental master of wind hence he inherited the amulet from his ancestors. It is the last memento he has of his family so he wears it all the time.

The fun fact is Nya also inherited an identical amulet from her mother as well, so this led to a weirdly realization amongst the three of them(including Kai)that they might be related. (Causing both Morro and Kai to flinch violently away from eachother in disgust)thankfully it was disproven after begging Jay to do a DNA test.

3) Morro is asexual but demiromantic ; because I need me some fellow ace rep.

4)Wu does make an attempt to reach out by sending letters, Morro rips them up and blows them out of his window and dodges Wu in the command center everytime he tries to talk 1o1. Hence he is teased from basically everyone of having daddy issues and when your daddy is the general word spreads around.

5) when he's not wearing his combat suit Morro has a tendency to wear dark clothes and clothes where someone would describe as looking like an emo. Such as sleeveless leather jackets, long sleeved striped t-shirts, hoodies and t-shirts and jackets with a skull on it.

6) though he rarely ties his hair in duty, this is because he actually doesn't know how to,

So he silently begs Nya to help him tie it in a bun or braid, which she agrees in exchange for a favour from him. That's actually the reason that started their unlikely friendship.

5)his favourite dessert is lemon coconut cheesecake cupcakes,

drink : coffee preferably a cappuccino (drinks a ton of those a night however is reluctant to go to the nearby coffee shop because he always has to listen to Senior Soldier Acronix make ridiculous quips to the robot barista there who just doesn't seem to care but occasionally banters back, Morro just grabs his coffee and speed walks back without looking back not wanting in on the weirdness of whatever they had going on)

favorite ice cream flavour : mint chocolate chip.

Pizza : probably Hawaiian.

6) you'd think he'd go easy on his cousin during sparring sessions but nah he has a weird way of training juniors by berating them brutally with insults until they actually put in an effort and weirdly it actually works.

7)kai and Morro are competitive over everything even the smallest things like who can eat their dinner faster. Cole usually records it and they laugh about it.

8)funny thing is Morro is a great skater exactly like Jay and Harumi, so he basically makes a smug face at Kai everytime he sees him near the rank because Kai is horrible at skating,but the latter never admits to it because he never accepted Morro's challenge at a skating race because if he doesn't accept he doesn't humiliate himself.

9) but another thing is Morro though he does have good looks, he just can never get a good photo everyone of them has something weird about it, like blinking or sneezing or just bad luck, most of the photos taken of him are taken without his knowledge this actually happens because he's camera shy but he believes it to be a curse. Also Kai is basically the one in the unit who has thousands of social media followers because he takes good photos so he takes this opportunity to laugh in Morro's face.

10) Morro plays the violin in his room and most of the time people passing by come in with looks of concern because according to them his tunes were so melancholic, that conversation would always end with Morro yelling it wasn't because slamming the door in their faces with the wind.

11) Morro once tried to jump off a window to practice his flight using a wind cyclone the first time didn't really work and he was glad it was only the first floor and that he had a sturdy head. 🫣

12) he's an INTJ

13) Morro can drive a jet just fine, but driving vehicles well that's another story he ends up having too much fun and driving too callously and frightening the life out of whomever is in the car with him. (I actually really liked that part in the fanfic Land of the living so I couldn't resist of Morro being a wreckless driver 😅)

14)despite his usually calm in battle demeanor he gets increasingly agitated and reckless if he's nervous a year prior during a battle against oni Morro led a few of his fellow recruits into an oni cloud by accident in an attempt to conjure a cyclone to destroy the cloud to test a theory and while he was able to get away in time due to his elemental power, Kai actually couldn't his bike's engine blew up and they all actually thought he died as no one who ventured inside the oni cloud in the open survives before by some miracle Kai arrives back, his bike's windsheild was shattered as if someone had struck an arm through it and the latter himself was in a state of shock and wouldn't say a word to anyone just shaking before passing out. Since then Kai never really was the same.

Morro actually harbours some intense guilt over that but due to his pride he never could bring himself to apologize.

15) Morro has diplopia, and used to wear glasses before the accident which he became partial blind in his right eye and wears contacts in his left eye .

16) Despite seeming like an introvert Morro is pretty flamboyant and showboating he brags about all his accomplishments.

17) Morro owns a pet tarantula

18)he and Echo bond over their shared love of chess and literature. Sometimes Zane or Pixal joins them as they are also chess nerds.

19)he is horrible at basketball, always gets the ball thrown in his face before he can do anything.

20)has personalized nicknames for everyone except for Echo, Pixal, Nya, Akita and Zane.

21)is voted 'most likely to get arrested' and 'most likely to get catfished'

22)pretty touch starved but would die rather than accept a hug or reveal his vulnerabilities.

23)knows he has an unhealthy obsession but refuses therapy

24)once they get along Lloyd and Morro are movie buddies, while Jay and Cole are his video game partners.

25)if they could actually get along Morro and Kai would be the type of friends that can have a friendly banter but with tension and rivalry and still insult eachother all the time.

26) actually misses Wu's cooking rather than eating instant noodles whenever the trainees are sent home every 3 months for a weekend.

27)is a horrible chef everything he makes is either half cooked or burned- something he also shares with Kai.

28)has a minor sweet tooth, and basically holds in his pride everytime Cole hands him a cupcake even though he actually wants one.

29) Morro is pretty airheaded most of the time, and is known to be the one kid who is the last to find out about recent trends and is know by everyone as the guy who lives under a rock.

30)has so many mental disorders atp, ranging from major depression, to narcissist disorder, to ptsd to Intermittent explosive disorder

[theneverendingbacklogblog]

Thoughts on Dead Space Remake.

From the Evil Assholes (EA) that brought you (closing a famous and renowned studio) and Star Wars Battlefront 2s PR nightmare, EA has produced a stellar remake of its beloved horror Dead Space, without any unnecessary multiplayer or micro transactions tacked on, (As of writing this 22/2/23), which I now publish five months later.

Dead Space looks amazing, with an updated engine, and textures to match the powerhouse units of 2023, the USG Ishimura has never looked better, and never been more traumatizing to stay alive in. Isaac has also received a facelift, modelled to look like his voice actor Gunner Wright. Several roles have also been recast, Hammond and Daniels, with the new actors smashing their roles out of obit.

The story still follows the originals faithfully, albeit with several characters more fleshed out, several new side quests which give more time for side characters to shine. Isaac also drops his strong silent act, and instead comments on the scenario that he finds himself in, making the game feel a lot more natural, for instance Issac swears if he runs out of ammo, or if the player decides to spam the stomp button repeatedly. Neat!

The game is a technical masterpiece, the player can travel around the ship, and backtrack at their leisure, something the original did not allow, when I returned to previous areas, I found Necromorphs who I had killed, lying in the same position from hours before, next to ammo or pieces of the environment I used to kill them.

The games lighting and sound is something to be cheered about, I haven’t felt a more tense atmosphere in a horror game as of late. Hearing Nercomorphs in the walls, and far off in the distance creates a stellar atmosphere dripping with fear of what’s outside the range of my flashlight. Taking away that lighting and leaving the areas in pitch darkness, with the player only being able to use their torchlight to see, is another added mechanic that is a chef’s kiss.

Frustrating elements have been removed, such a transporting a huge spoiler through an area, instead, the player must survive a gauntlet before moving on to the next story beat. As well as the old gravity moving mechanic, instead of having to aim and jump spot to spot, Isaac can use his rocket jets in Zero G, a mechanic that feels fun to use, and could have been a disaster if the programmers didn’t get it right.

All in all, Dead Space 2023 is a game that should delight new players, and make old players rejoice. Gameplay feels fresh, and fun. A fresh face lift has brought this game back to life much like the Necromorphs in the game, it’s a solid horror, with fantastic action thrown in. I have high hopes for a Dead Space 2 Remake. If you are a fan of sci fi horror, this game is highly recommended.

[strengervinay]

Scuba Diving Price in Pondicherry: Ready to Dive?

Are You Ready For It?

When it comes to underwater adventure, Pondicherry offers one of the best scuba diving experiences in India. Located on the eastern coast, this vibrant city boasts clear blue waters, thriving marine life, and exciting underwater landscapes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Pondicherry is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. Let's dive into the details, including the scuba diving cost, scuba diving packages, and other thrilling water rides in Pondicherry with Universal Adventures.

Why Scuba Dive in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is the only diving destination on India’s eastern coast, making it unique among the diving spots in India. Its waters are teeming with colourful reefs, vibrant fish, and diverse marine flora. Diving here means exploring an underwater world that’s both thrilling and serene. And with Universal Adventures, you get a well-organised experience that includes training, equipment, and options for memorable videos and photos.

Key Details About Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Activity Location: Paradise Beach, Pondicherry (Chinna Veerampatinam)

Activity Timings: 6:45 AM to 11:00 AM

Age Requirement: 10 years and above

Best Time to Dive: October to June

Activity Duration: 45–60 minutes

Scuba Diving Price: Affordable Packages for All

Universal Adventures provides two main packages for scuba diving in Pondicherry:

1. Scuba Diving - 1 Day Programme

Price: ₹6,499 per person

2. Scuba Diving - 2 Days Programme

Price: ₹6,499 per person

The scuba diving charges in Pondicherry include:

PADI-certified diving instructors

Full diving equipment

Briefing on diving techniques and safety measures

Light breakfast

Optional underwater photos and videos (additional cost)

This all-inclusive cost ensures a hassle-free adventure, allowing you to focus on the thrilling underwater experience.

About the Scuba Diving Experience

Pre-Dive Preparation

Your diving adventure begins with an early morning light breakfast, getting you energised for the session. Afterward, board a dive shuttle to Paradise Beach, where you'll be guided by a professional PADI instructor.

Underwater Exploration

As you dive into the waters of Paradise Beach, you’ll witness a mesmerising array of marine life. Colourful fish, underwater caves, coral reefs, and marine flora await you. With options to capture underwater videos and photos, you can take these memories home as cherished keepsakes.

Safety and Equipment

Safety is a top priority with Universal Adventures, which ensures each participant is equipped with state-of-the-art diving gear and is thoroughly briefed on safety procedures.

Beyond Scuba: Other Water Rides in Pondicherry

If you’re looking to add more excitement to your trip, Pondicherry has a variety of water sports options to explore. Here are a few thrilling options you might consider:

Snorkelling: Discover more marine beauty closer to the surface. Ideal for those new to water sports, snorkelling allows you to observe aquatic life with minimal gear.

Jet Skiing: Speed across the water on a jet ski for an adrenaline rush.

Banana Boat Rides: Gather a group and hold on tight as you’re towed through the waves on an inflatable banana boat.

Kayaking: For a more relaxed water ride, kayaking is a peaceful way to explore the coastal areas at your own pace.

Why Choose Universal Adventures for Scuba Diving?

Universal Adventures offers a seamless, professionally managed scuba diving experience in Pondicherry. From the pre-dive training to the use of top-grade equipment, Universal Adventures prioritises customer safety and satisfaction. With highly rated diving packages and experienced instructors, they provide a reliable and enjoyable scuba diving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time for scuba diving in Pondicherry?

October to June is considered the best time, as these months provide clear water visibility and ideal diving conditions.

2. Is scuba diving in Pondicherry suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! With professional PADI instructors and beginner-friendly diving spots, this activity is perfect for all skill levels.

3. What’s included in the scuba diving price?

The scuba diving price includes a diving instructor, diving gear, breakfast, and a shuttle to the dive location. Optional underwater photos and videos are available at an additional cost.

4. Are there age restrictions?

Yes, the minimum age for diving is 10 years.

5. Can I go scuba diving in Pondicherry during the monsoon season?

It’s best to avoid diving during monsoons, as the water visibility and conditions can be unpredictable.

For anyone looking to experience the best scuba diving in India, Pondicherry stands out with its unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.

The scuba diving cost is well worth it, considering the breathtaking views and memorable experiences you’ll gain. So, pack your bags, gear up, and dive into a new world waiting beneath the waves of Pondicherry!

With Universal Adventures, your diving experience will be safe, fun, and truly unforgettable. Ready to dive? Book your scuba diving experience in Pondicherry today and get ready for an adventure like no other!

[airtechpteltd]

A Comprehensive Overview of Semi-Conductor Cleanroom Equipment: Air Shower, Airtech Filter, Clean Bench, FFU, Teardrop Lighting, Pass Box, SS-MAC, Surface Particle Removal Device, Air Curtain, and CHEMI-MAC

The semiconductor industry demands an ultra-clean and controlled environment to ensure the quality and performance of its sensitive components. Cleanrooms, the cornerstone of this industry, rely on advanced technologies to maintain precise contamination control. The following article delves into some essential cleanroom equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on their functionalities and importance.

Air Shower

An air shower is a vital component at the entrance of a cleanroom, designed to eliminate dust and particulate matter from the garments of workers. Acting as an airlock between the cleanroom and gowning area, it prevents contaminants from entering the clean zone. AIRTECH's Pulse Jet Air Shower introduces a patented technology that improves particle removal efficiency by an average of 10% compared to conventional air showers. By using a pulsating air stream, the system shakes garments to dislodge surface particles, which are then filtered through HEPA filters before being recirculated. With features like steel construction, HEPA filters, and programmable logic control, the Pulse Jet Air Shower provides a robust solution for semiconductor cleanrooms.

Airtech Filter

Airtech HEPA filters are engineered to meet international standards, ensuring cleanroom environments maintain the highest levels of air purity. Manufactured in a cleanroom setting, these filters offer predictable performance and ensure the removal of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Whether used in air showers, fan filter units, or clean benches, Airtech HEPA filters play an integral role in preserving the cleanliness required in semiconductor manufacturing.

Clean Bench

Clean benches from AIRTECH are an effective solution for maintaining a clean zone around critical work areas. Available in a variety of models, including table top, console, and SS-MAC, these benches ensure horizontal or vertical laminar airflow, keeping the working area free from contaminants. Commonly used in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and microelectronic industries, AIRTECH’s clean benches are available in different classifications to suit the stringent cleanliness levels required by these industries.

Fan Filter Unit (FFU)

AIRTECH’s Fan Filter Unit (FFU) is a compact and efficient air filtration system, essential for ensuring cleanroom environments meet the necessary cleanliness standards. Built with high-efficiency HEPA or ULPA filters, these units are designed for energy efficiency, reduced noise levels, and long service life. FFUs are ideal for a wide range of applications in cleanrooms, including front-end and back-end semiconductor manufacturing, biological areas, and sterile environments.

Cleanroom Teardrop Lighting

Lighting in cleanrooms must adhere to specific standards to ensure the environment remains contaminant-free while providing optimal visibility. Airtech’s cleanroom teardrop lighting systems are specially designed for installation in cleanroom ceilings and provide adjustable illumination that meets the demands of the semiconductor industry. These lighting systems are compact, can be surface-mounted, and provide ready-to-plug electrical connections, ensuring ease of installation and use in cleanroom environments.

Pass Box

Pass boxes serve as a buffer zone between cleanrooms and adjoining areas, facilitating the transfer of materials without disturbing airflow or air pressure. These boxes prevent cross-contamination by employing an interlocking system that ensures only one door is open at a time. AIRTECH’s auto pass box systems come equipped with HEPA filters, double sliding doors, and fan units to facilitate the smooth transfer of goods into cleanrooms. This setup not only preserves the cleanliness of the environment but also reduces the need for personnel movement, minimizing the risk of contamination.

SS-MAC

SS-MAC fan filter units provide flexible and reliable air filtration for critical cleanroom areas. These units can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or even upside down, offering a customizable solution for cleanroom environments. Each SS-MAC unit comes with either HEPA or ULPA filters, ensuring the removal of 99.99% to 99.999% of particulates as small as 0.12 microns. They can be used in various configurations, including clean booths, buffer booths, and conveyor hoods, providing clean air wherever needed.

Surface Particle Removal Device

Surface particle removal devices are crucial for removing contaminants from equipment or materials entering a cleanroom. AIRTECH’s brush particle remover uses a nylon brush to eliminate dust from hard surfaces, while its negative pressure design prevents particle dispersion. Additionally, the air knife particle remover uses high-speed jets to blow particles off surfaces, ensuring that no contaminants enter the cleanroom environment. These devices maintain the integrity of cleanrooms by ensuring all surfaces are particle-free before entry.

Air Curtain

Air curtains are installed at cleanroom entrances to prevent airborne contaminants and insects from entering. AIRTECH’s air curtain features a patented unbalanced airflow design that creates a barrier at doorways, keeping contaminants out while allowing personnel to move freely. The system is customizable to match door dimensions and can be integrated with high-speed shutters to enhance its effectiveness. These air curtains are essential for maintaining the cleanliness and sterility of semiconductor cleanrooms.

CHEMI-MAC

CHEMI-MAC is a specialized air filtration unit equipped with a HEPA filter and a chemical filter to remove gaseous pollutants in cleanroom environments. With ultra-high-performance PTFE filters that collect more than 99.9995% of 0.1-micron particles, CHEMI-MAC is ideal for semiconductor manufacturing, where maintaining a pristine atmosphere is critical. It features a variable speed control for adjusting airflow and a time counter for tracking usage, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.

Conclusion

The semiconductor industry relies on an array of advanced cleanroom technologies to maintain its strict contamination control standards. From air showers and clean benches to surface particle removal devices and air curtains, each component plays a critical role in preserving the integrity of cleanroom environments. AIRTECH’s innovative solutions, such as the Pulse Jet Air Shower, SS-MAC units, and CHEMI-MAC filtration systems, ensure that semiconductor manufacturers can maintain the cleanliness and control needed to produce high-quality products.