#kal and aurora

[skepticalcatfrog]

Soooo we still rockin with the Aurora Cycle orrrrrrr

(Commissions are open!!)

[lilxmoo]

what hyper specific Aurora cycle moment are you tag yourself (im Kal in the echo when hes just chilling with his special interest instrument before he asks an authority figure an inappropriate question that he didn't realize was inappropriate and then sank into self-hatred when his lack of social skills claps back at him.)

[slident]

A collection of moments I saved from Aurora Rising because they either made me laugh or smile really hard. (It’s mainly Kal)

Spoilers for the whole first book:

I couldn’t fit one :(

[serien-grl-22]

Aurora Cycle drinking Headcanons

Tyler: he does not drink much, so he's drunk just after a few beers, even Auri can handle more than him. When he's tipsy he's the nicest guy you can imagine, but not with a singe brain cell left. As soon as he's wasted he simply falls asleep. Anywhere.

Scarlett: due to training with Cat she has a pretty high tolerance. But when she's drunk she immediately finds new friends and wanders off with them. She woke up in a strangers house more than once.

Cat: probably has a slight drinking problem ( 🤫 ). She once exed a whole bottle of wodka (and vomited afterwards). One can barely notice when she's drunk, because she helds herself together pretty well, but she's even bolder than normally and picks up every fight she can find.

Finian: When he's drunk he teams up with Auri and they do the dumbest shit anyone can imagine. Everything is suddenly funny. Very likely that you will find them at the dance floor (are they good at it? depends who you ask).

Aurora: Like said with Fin, she turns into a real rogue. She has a whole drawer full of stuff she took home while being drunk.

Kal: He does not like to drink, because he loses control over his well guarded emotions, so he only drinks when Aurora (already tipsy and in a good mood) gives him her huge puppy eyes. He turns into a complete extrovert and once even started a cult by accident.

Saedii: Pretty much like her brother. She turns into a friendly, touch-starved version of herself (Syldrathi simply tolerate terran alkohol not that well, she does not want to admit it). She already told the whole squad while being drunk how much they mean to her (noone can remember, because they all had a blackout that night) and cuddles at Tyler (at least when he's still awake).

Zila: Zila actually never drunk, she thinks it's a waste of time and braincells.

[wytchwiz]

I blacked out then I had them. My program won't FUCKING EXPORT THOUGH so have the screenshot instead.

[byzantine527]

Does anyone think if other species in the Aurora Cycle series might also have subcultures of their own? Because it does feel weird how amongst the humans, betraskans, and the syldrathi (I mentioned these three as they are the most prominent ones), only humans seem to have different cultures of their own instead of having only one culture. And again, this is not to criticize the authors; a lot of the other sci-fi franchises also do this.

[rhaenyraqueenred]

"What does the name you call me mean?" I ask.

"Be'shmai?" he replies. "There . . . there is no adequate human word for it."

"What about inadequate words, then?

His answer is very soft. "Beloved."

Aurora O'Malley & Kal Gilwraeth from Aurora Cycle.

(I love them, your honor. Maybe he reminds me of Mr. Spock a little bit. Someone see the Star Trek in it? Tyler is like a baby and more chaotic Kirk I suppose. Scarlet should be like a more flirty Uhura, Idk about Zila, and well... I lost the count. But Kal has so much of Spock and vulcans 👀: the pointy ears, the warrior species, the breeding mating season, being a little bit akward... yeah, i connected the dots. I didn't did shit)

[gergthecat]

The Amie Kaufman shelf has grown…

This stack is as tall as my knee

[aurora-cycle-unofficial]

Kal: I regret getting you that blender for Christmas

Auri, sipping waffles: Why?

[too-sweet4me]

The Character of Tyler Jones from an academic perspective as someone who has studied human behavior.

Hello everyone, several months ago I made a statement saying that “Tyler Jones is a terrible person”. I know that I offended many people saying that and I am sorry for hurting those who felt offended. I have been weighed down with demanding classes and caring for a family member of mine with a mental health disease. I planned on backing up my claims much sooner with a list of all the reasons Tyler Jones is “bad”. However I regret phrasing it using the word terrible, because whether or not someone is ‘good’ or ‘terrible’ remains solely up to you, the reader. That being said, in this singular post I plan on showing how Tyler Jones shows selfish motivations and borderline egoistic tendencies based on canon events in the Aurora Cycle series. 

DISCLAIMER: I do not mean to hurt anyone, personally. If you love Tyler, this is not an attack on you. It is okay if you disagree with me, but those who send me vulgar or unkind comments will be blocked.  Thank you.

That being said, let’s jump in.

Selfish motivations: In Book 1, page 39, Tyler Jones quotes to Scarlett and Cat: “The Legion stands for something real. There’s people out there who need our help, and we’re not helping any of them by sitting here and feeling sorry for ourselves.” This leads us to believe that Tyler Jones cares about saving other people. And, in Book 1 page 84 he says to Kal: “Is that the kind of person I seem to you? The kind that decides to hate an entire species because one of them killed his old man?” Also leading us to believe that Tyler is a benevolent person. But as we get on in the books, we learn that these are performative traits. In Book 1, page 11, we see that Tyler Jones wants to leave Auri in the cryopod to die. Despite seeing the vital signs that she is in fact alive. It is only after his sense of duty kicks in which makes him rescue her. (I will say, his sense of duty can be a good trait.)

Objectifies women: Book 2, page 328, Tyler Jones is being held by the Unbroken. In this chapter, Tyler sees Saedii clad in her undergarments. And in this we read Tyler’s thoughts: I realize that once again she is trying to get a reaction from me. She knows how beautiful she is. She knows that beauty throws people off if they let it. While this could be mistaken as desire, it is objectification. Sexual desire refers to a natural, innate, and personal attraction to and appreciation of a partner's entire self - body, mind, and spirit. It is an interpersonal connection based on genuine mutual feelings of love, trust, and attraction.

In contrast, sexual objectification involves treating a person solely as an object or means to fulfill sexual desires rather than a whole individual deserving of dignity and respect. It reduces a person to a body part or a sexual stereotype rather than seeing them as fully human. This is a violation of autonomy and an abuse of power when not freely consented to by all involved. It is never acceptable for anyone, including intimate partners, to pressure, coerce or manipulate others into sexual situations.

Sexual objectification is deeply damaging and dehumanizing, while healthy sexual desire celebrates and honors one's partner's whole being. The key distinction is freely given mutual consent and the absence of power imbalances versus the reduction of a person to a mere object of sexual pleasure.

It is apparent from this chapter alone that Tyler Jones views Saedii as only an object to please him. He is under the impression that her beauty is all to be shown off for him. Instead of looking away, he chose to ogle and objectify her. 

In book 3, page 38, Tyler fantasizes about Saedii and says: “I can still feel her body pressed against mine if I try. We both knew my line about bed was halfway true…” The implication of him saying ‘we both knew’ is implying that Tyler thinks Saedii wants him just as much as he wants her. Note: Simply fantasizing about another character and thinking they share romantic interest doesn't inherently make someone a narcissist. However, it’s the way his pride leads him to assume that Saedii wants to jump into bed with him at any moment that leads to sexual objectification. Tyler's perspective on Saedii is profoundly objectifying. His egotistical assumption that she wants the same, without caring what she wants, shows he does not treat her as an equal, but rather an extension of himself to fulfill his own desires. This unhealthy mentality is textbook sexual objectification.

(Also yes, I do know that Saedii and Tyler do ‘fall in love’ in the series, but their relationship has proven to be very back-and-forth, as opposed to Kal and Aurora’s constant and steady progression. Saedii and Tyler can’t seem to decide if they hate one another or love one another.)

Overly Controlling to his daughter: In the future chapters of Aurora’s End, Tyler has a daughter named Lae. We see in these chapters just how he chooses to treat her and talk to her. In book 3 chapter 14, the situation is not ideal and one could argue Tyler is  under a lot of stress, which he is. When Lae speaks up to share her perspective: (“We cannot aid the Starslayer, nor his son, nor the fool who binds herself to him. We must kill him to avenge our loss-”) Lae is ultimately cut off by Tyler. The exchange goes: “That’s enough, Lae.” Tyler says. “No!” She shouts. “Commander, the blood of billions is on his hands. Honor demands his death! We cannot possibly-” “I said that’s ENOUGH lieutenant!” Tyler roars. (Book 3, page 175.)

The fact that Tyler doesn’t hear her out and listen to her is bad enough, but what this exchange tells me is that Tyler doesn’t value Lae’s input as valuable. Their relationship is extremely strained, from Lae only referring to him as commander while Tyler refers to her as lieutenant. There seems to be no love between the two. I have studied family crisis cases in psychology classes. And this is a clear case of father not respecting daughter, and daughter harboring intense resentment and reluctant submission. Tyler has this ultimate need to be in control at all times and it is hurting his relationship with his daughter. 

Appropriates and uses Syldrathi culture to his advantage despite knowing very little about the Syldrathi: After Tyler learns of his half-Syldrathi heritage, he is quick to use it as a way to sway others into doing this his way. This is a form of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption without understanding the historical and cultural context. As Tyler has stated many times in the series, he knows little about Syldrathi culture and knows a few words in the Syldrathi language. In book 3, page 38, Tyler says: “I’m half-Syldrathi myself. And I know more about the true enemy than anyone.” Say what you will, but that is pretty ballsy to say in front of a group of Unbroken Syldrathi who have quite literally worked with the Starslayer. Saedii even being the daughter of the Starslayer. In theory, would not she know the tactics her own father would use? Tyler is using his newly found Syldrathi heritage as a way to get them to go with his idea, despite knowing little about the Syldrathi. I wonder, if Tyler had never learned about his half-Syldrathi heritage, what would he have resorted to get the others to listen to him? And why does he think he knows the ‘true enemy’ (the Starslayer) better than all of these Syldrathi warriors? Another note: The way the Syldrathi make prejudiced remarks to Tyler about being a “half breed” is not acceptable either. But this does not excuse Tyler from his actions. 

Conclusion: This took me a long time to write in a way that was informative and filled with facts based off of canon events. Throughout the story, despite showing some good traits, Tyler cannot seem to let his poor traits get the better of him. Despite thinking of himself as the “golden boy” that he refers to himself as in Book 1.

I hope that this does not offend you personally if you like this character. I just needed to share my academic insight on this character. 

Book 1, page 39: (Kaufman, 2019, p. 39)

Book 1, page 84: (Kaufman, 2019, p. 84)

Book 1, page 11: (Kaufman, 2019, p. 11)

Book 2, page 328: (Kaufman, 2020, p. 328) 

Book 3, page 38: (Kaufman, 2021, p. 38) 

Book 3, page 175: (Kaufman, 2021, p. 175)

[saedii-gilwraeth-simp]

*pushes memes towards you as an apology for being MIA*

[lilxmoo]

Pets I think Squad 312 would have, but it's very specific

Tyler - The obvious choice is a golden retriever, but I think he would love and own a pitbull/staffy. Her name is Luna, (he's not a creative guy) and even though she looks scary, she's an absolute baby who loves being cradled. She sits on his chest as much as she can, and even though Tyler originally wanted to train her to do tricks, the best she's got is sit and shake. Has the biggest baby eyes that can make Ty do anything 🥺 It's not uncommon to hear Tyler say; "Luna, jump. Luna, Lu- that's not - naw, you can have a treat for being cute :("

Scarlett - she's really not much of an animal gal, but she found the tiiiniest little kitten on the street one day that latched onto her, and she never let her go. Y'know the type, the little ones that put their whole body into meowing and it's just a tiny squeak. Its a little white cat, and she named it Bae <3 absolutely pampers the little thing with treats and a massive cat climbing thing in her room that the lil thing can't even get up 💕 she combs Bae's hair often, and both of them love it. Especially when Scarlett is gossiping with Auri or Fin while doing so. She carries Bae in her purse everywhere she goes, like a scifi equivalent of the 2000's poodle.

Cat - a bird, (obviously) but specifically a parrot. She probably got it through some drunk deal at a pub one night, and figured, eh, it has wings, may as well keep it. She named him Raptor (she was sixteen and edgy), and Raptor is a MENACE. Bites fingers until they bleed, screams as loud as possible at the most inconvenient times and pisses on your shoulder. But it's worth it in Cat's eyes, because he listens to her and she taught him to say cuss words. She says that he calls everyone a motherfucker because of whoever owned him last, but everyone knows the truth.

Finian - He's a frog guy. He is SUCH a frog guy. Dariel has fish, Fin has frogs. Like Scarlett, he's not one for animals, but mainly because he doesn't like animals that are less....animal. Anything with fur, for example. (Cuz Gremps, etc) If it can learn to open a door, that's already a bit weird for him. However, little slimy things are ok with him. He has five little frogs named Ian, Keith, Andrew, Graham, and David. (He thought it was funny) They're all small and adorable, and quite frankly have very little behind the eyes. Anything more high- maintenance is very inconvenient for him, so his little office things are perfect. However, Bae has a very soft spot in his heart.

Aurora - Rabbit!!!! She has the cutest little bunny that Kal gave her for her birthday after discovering how much she loves them, and she ADORES her little fluffball. His name is Merlin, a little white ball of poof who Auri squeals over almost every day. He has a massive cage, decorated to the nine, but he's almost never in there because Auri is holding him so often. So often, in fact, she forgets he's there sometimes, going to pick something else up on instinct, where Kal will immediately pick up Merlin in replacement. It's a system. She has a pale purple leash for him and everything 😭 (shes so cute djsjsjsnskanajxfja

Zila - Every animal shes ever had is a science experiment 💀 however, Nari has a little sausage dog named Diddles, and since Nari loves Diddles, Zila ....tolerates Diddles. He gives her a MEAN stink eye, and she will respond fully conversationally. Nari will be like, "Yay you're both getting along! :D" and as soon as she leaves, Diddles will look Zila dead in the eye until she starts yapping about the tax bracket to him, silent passive-aggressive energy being thrown between the two.

Kal - Listen, Aurora is so infatuated with Merlin, there's no room for any more animals between them. However, Kal really likes animals in general, and there's a farm of Yeins near their house on New Syldra - they're the equivalent of Horses, but more dragon-like. He loves spending days there when Auri is busy, and volunteers there often when he can. There's one particular Yein named Kirai who is his favorite, and she's a gentle thing who likes to play cheeky tricks on him, like hiding the buckets 🥺 I can see him taking care of most animals, honestly, and is more than happy to babysit any of the Squad's pets when needed. He also has plenty of plants :)

[icrytearsofsadness]

Tyler: *slams something on the table in frustration* Kal: Stop that. How would you feel if I banged you on the table? Tyler: I - Tyler: I don't know the correct answer to that question

[serien-grl-22]

I'm absolute incapable of drawing ANYTHING, but slowly I'm willing to try to learn how to draw, because there is NOT A SINGLE FANART of LAE JONES and this should be considered a crime.

[zila-madran-unnofficial]

no bc that part in the beginning of AB that's like

Auri: damn, i hope im not making Kal too uncomfortable by touching him all the time, i hope this isn't moving too fast for him Kal: We have not even kissed yet, void, this is literally torture

[multiverselibrarian]

Kal Gilwraeth #1 zuko kinnie, prove me wrong